An editorial regarding the article 'A meta-analysis of atrial septal defect closure in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension: is there a room for poking holes amidst debate?'

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) related to an atrial septal defect (ASD) poses a challenge to transcatheter closure of an ASD. In patients with untreated ASDs, chronic pulmonary overcirculation due to shunt flow can cause pulmonary vascular remodeling and increased pulmonary vascular resistance. PAH is one of the difficult situations to treat. Complex pathophysiology, association of the multiple comorbidities make clinical scenario challenging. The closure of ASD in patients with PAH improves PAH severity and cardiac functional capacity and reduces atrial arrhythmias. However, some patients show remaining PAH or aggravation of PAH post-ASD closure. PAH is a strong predictor of mortality in older patients who undergo ASD closure. Hence, the decision to opt for ASD closure should be carefully considered in high-risk patients with PAH. As per the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology 2018 guidelines, ASD with elevated pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) more than two-thirds systemic is considered to be a contraindication for closure. However, it is difficult to determine the outcomes for ASD closure in patients with moderately-to-severely elevated PVR. A treat and repair strategy might be an option. In addition, the patient should be carefully selected by the observation of PVR change through vasoreactivity and balloon occlusion tests, and then closure should be considered. For patients with a predictable poor prognosis, research on the risk assessment of ASD closure in patients with PAH will be needed for a more individualized treatment plan.

Automated summary

PAH related to ASD presents challenges to transcatheter closure, with some patients showing persistent or worsened PAH post-closure. Careful consideration is necessary for closure in high-risk patients, and individualized treatment plans based on risk assessment will be essential.