Heart block and empirical therapy after transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect

Two patients with perimembranous ventricular septal defects (VSDs) and inlet extension have undergone uncomplicated transcatheter device closure using the Amplatzer membranous VSD device. Both patients developed complete heart block 2-4 days from the closure. Both patients responded well to high-dose intravenous therapy with steroids and high-dose oral anti-inflammatory aspirin. Both patients remain in normal sinus hythm 8 weeks and 10 months, respectively, from the episode. (c) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.