Atrial septal defect size classification
Atrial septal defect size classification
ASD must be at least ———- in diameter to carry a significant left-to-right shunt
[A] 8 mm
[B] 10 mm
[C] 12 mm
[D] 15 mm
Atrial septal defect size classification
Atrial septal defect size classification
As a rule, an ASD must be at least 10 mm in diameter to carry a significant left-to-right shunt [maximum diameter]
A left-to-right atrial shunt is considered significant when the
- Qp/Qs ratio is greater than 1.5/1.0
- if it causes dilation of the right heart chambers
ASD | |||
1 | Small ASDs | Less than 5 mm | |
2 | Often not cause problems | Less than 5 mm | |
3 | Will close without treatment | Less than 5 mm | |
4 | May not have any symptoms or symptoms may not occur until middle age or later | Less than 5 mm | |
5 | Larger ASDs | (8 to 10 mm) often do not close and may need a procedure | |
6 | Large ASD – Left-to-right atrial shunt is considered significant | Qp/Qs ratio is greater than 1.5/1.0 | |
7 | Large ASD – Left-to-right atrial shunt is considered significant | >10 mm |
- Females constitute 65% to 75% of patients with secundum ASDs, but the gender distribution is equal for sinus venosus and ostium primum ASDs.
- Ostium primum ASDs may also be associated with DiGeorge syndrome and Ellis-Van Creveld syndrome.
- ASDs are the most common cardiac manifestation of Holt-Oram syndrome, which has been shown to be caused by mutations of TBX5
- small defect (less than 5 millimeters) may not have any symptoms, or symptoms may not occur until middle age or later.
- small ASDs (less than 5 mm) will often not cause problems, or will close without treatment.
- Larger ASDs (8 to 10 mm), often do not close and may need a procedure.




