Atrial Wall Perforation After Atrial Septal Defect Device Closure: A Case Report

Transcatheter device closure is currently the first modality of choice in the management of secundum atrial septal defects (ASDs). We report a seven-year-old child with secundum ASD who underwent transcatheter ASD device closure using the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) (AGA Medical Corporation, Golden Valley, Minnesota, United States). Two weeks after the procedure, the patient presented with life-threatening acute pericardial effusion as a result of atrial roof erosion. Diagnosis was confirmed by echocardiography and cardiac CT scan. Surgical removal of the device and repair of the tear in the atrium together with ASD closure were done. Although rare, cardiac erosion is a significant and life-threatening complication after transcatheter ASD device closure that should not be underestimated.