Atrial septal defect in adults: echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise capacity associated with hemodynamics before and after surgical closure.

The study aimed to evaluate pre and postoperative echocardiographic data and exercise capacity in relation to age and hemodynamics in adults with atrial septal defect (ASD). Fifty-two subjects with ASD (mean age: 38.6+/-15 years) were enrolled. Echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise test were performed before and a year after surgery. Pre and postoperative data were analyzed for the entire group and then compared in terms of age: <40 and >or=40 years, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP): <or=30 and >30 mmHg and pulmonary to systemic flow ratio (Qp/Qs): <2.5 and >or=2.5. After surgery right ventricle dimension decreased in all patients, although it remained significantly larger in patients over 40 years. There was a negative correlation between peak oxygen uptake and preoperative RVSP (r=-0.69, P<0.001). Exercise capacity improved irrespective of the age at surgery, preoperative RVSP and Qp/Qs, although it failed to normalize in patients with RVSP >30 mmHg. Adults with ASD benefit from surgical closure irrespective of the actual age at surgery. Patient's age at surgery and pulmonary hypertension crucially impact the results of surgical intervention. Early defect correction is therefore highly recommendable, specifically with a view to preventing the hemodynamic consequences of ASD.