Prevalence and prognosis of atrial septal aneurysm in high risk fetuses without structural heart defects.

Abstract

On the basis of these data, we can speculate that, if accurately searched for, ASA is often present (7.6%) and is likely to represent a mechanical stimulus for the generation of premature atrial beats. Indeed, our data show an important correlation between the degree of bulging and the presence of arrhythmias, supporting the hypothesis of a mechanical stimulus. However, the observed arrhythmias did not appear to be prone to degeneration. In conclusion, ASA observed during fetal life is often associated with premature atrial beats, which are apparently in direct relation with the degree of bulging of the atrial septum. On the other hand, an ASA almost invariably disappears at birth and is not associated with major arrhythmias.