Continuous spinal anaesthesia for a total hip arthroplasty in a patient with an atrial septal defect.

Atrial septal defect (ASD) is often diagnosed and repaired during childhood. Nevertheless, it is the most common congenital cardiac defect seen in adults. ASD is characterized by a left-to-right intracardiac shunt and pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension increases perioperative risks of morbidity and mortality. We report the anaesthetic management of a 68-year-old woman with an unrepaired ASD, who underwent a total hip arthroplasty under continuous spinal anaesthesia.