Percutaneous closure of ostium secundum Atrial Septal Defects with Amplatzer Device in Middle-aged Competitive Female Athlete: The Role of Echocardiography and Brief

308 Abstract Echocardiography is the most widely used method for assessing left and right ventricular function, valvular disease and cardiac abnormalities. Echocardiography is a specific tool for screening of competitive athletes. Focused echocardiography by non-cardiologist sports medicine physicians could also evaluate conditions that are prevalent among athletes, such as congenital heart disease, but very difficult to detect on the basis of current screening strategies. This case report describes the late diagnosis of nonrestrictive ostium secundum atrial septal defects with moderate left to right shunt in a 40-year-old amateur female cyclist that required early closure with Amplatzer percutaneous device. Twelve months after the percutaneous intervention the athlete underwent a new evaluation for sports prepartecipation, following which she returned to take part in competitive races. Patients treated surgically or by percutaneous intervention, six-twelve months after repair and clinical and laboratory evaluation with no evidence of symptomatic arrhythmias or myocardial dysfunction, are allowed to practice any competitive sport.