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Original poster

Possible atrial septum defect at 20 week scan

16 replies

louloutheshamed · 29/04/2013 12:56

Feel in shock. Sonographer at scan this morning was not happy with view of heart, and has referred me to a consultant on Thurs. on notes it says "possible asd" which I have deduced as atrial septum defect.

Does anyone have any experience of this? I am imagining all kinds of worst case scenarios Hmm

OP posts:
Original poster
louloutheshamed · 29/04/2013 15:53

Bump?

OP posts:
Gobbolinothewitchscat · 29/04/2013 16:00

loulou - I'm afraid I have no idea but just wanted to offer you my hand to hold til someone more knowledgable comes along

I presume the sonographer couldn't give any kind if indication regarding this? I'm thinking not and understand why however it doesn't help much

I would suggest calling your midwife and nicely insisting in speaking to one. Whilst I know they can't give a y firm diagnosis or prognosis, they should be able toge really discuss the condition and give you some support. If not, is your GP nice? If so, you could get an emergency appointment and go along for a general chat and some support

blueshoes · 29/04/2013 16:43

I am sorry you are experiencing this.

My dd's scans at 12 weeks and 20 weeks (and in between and after) were very dodgy. She was eventually diagnosed after birth with a VSD (ventricular septal defect), which like ASD, is a hole in the heart, just a different part of the heard.

The view of the heart depends on the quality of machines and the angle and skill of the sonographer and so I don't think the sonographer could positively say either way. You need to get scanned by proper machines and seen by a consultant. But in the meantime, try not to stress too much because it might just be the sonographer being cautious - easier said than done.

FWIW, if the only issue is an ASD, it is a straightforward problem and eminently fixable by heart surgery, which is very routine, even for babies and has good outcomes. Since her surgery at 4 months old, my dd has not had an issues with her VSD (which was very large). If a doctor were to scan her now, they could not even see the defect. She has no physical symptoms and plays football and rugby with boys.

blueshoes · 29/04/2013 16:47

Gobbo, I don't think a GP or midwife can shed light on the condition except in very general terms. It really is best to wait for the consultant because everyone else will be speculating and referring the OP to the consultant anyway.

It might be a false alarm. Just sit tight for now would be my advice. This is a specialised medical area that is best left to the experts.

OP, which hospital have you been referred to?

Original poster
louloutheshamed · 29/04/2013 16:53

I will be seen at the Rvi in newcatle, but we also have the freeman here which has a renowned children's heart department...thank you for your advice blue shoes that is reassuring

OP posts:
BadRoly · 29/04/2013 16:53

My dc4 was diagnosed with a VSD at 20weeks. He is now a bouncy almost 4yo who still has a VSD, a ?ASD and a gippy valve. He has been closely monitored since that 20week scan and has required no intervention so far.

It was hellish - the diagnosis, the scans, the symptom spotting after he was born. I still do have moments of panic.

Like everything, it is is that first diagnosis and the fear of the unknown that is worst. Xx

sallysparrow157 · 29/04/2013 16:55

Most atrial septal defects cause no symptoms apart from a heart murmur (a noise heard when listening to the heart due to the blood whooshing) but do need fixing at some point in childhood if they don't fix themselves, which many small ones do. However, if the view was poor the heart may actually be completely normal. I know it's easy to say but try not to worry (or google!!) and wait for your consultant scan - once that is done the consultant will be able to answer all your questions based on what is actually happening a opposed to the worst case scenario! Hopefully the consultant will see a completely normal heart but if there is anything at all different in the way your baby's heart has been built they will be able to explain what it is and what we can do to fix it

weebarra · 29/04/2013 16:55

Hi gobbo, I feel for you. My DS2 has a different heart defect which wasn't picked up during scans. As a result I'm having an extra cardiac scan with this pregnancy. To hear that there might be a heart issue is terrifying - but I remember our cardiologist telling me "it's just plumbing"!

weebarra · 29/04/2013 16:56

Sorry; that was to loulou!Blush

sallysparrow157 · 29/04/2013 16:57

I was chatting to someone the other day who used to work in the cardiac unit in the freeman, it has some of the best heart doctors in the country

Original poster
louloutheshamed · 29/04/2013 17:08

It's funny because when I had scan for ds1 1 who is now 2 the Sonographer took ages to get a view of the 4 chambers but eventually said it was ok. So I was just expecting the same thing to happen again this time. Really trying to distract myself until Thursday....

OP posts:
HousewifeFromHeaven · 29/04/2013 17:21

Hi op my daughter was born with this.

She was monitored with regular ecg scans/consultant appointments up until the age of 5 when he decided to operate.

It was performed via catheter (in through the top of the leg) at guys hospital. The hole was 'plastered' up and apart from a MASSIVE leg bruise was fine. No jumping (difficult!) for a few weeks, 2 weeks I think off school.

She also had to take aspirin before and after for a period of a few years.

I can confirm total success as she's 16 now Grin

Good luck op x

Original poster
louloutheshamed · 30/04/2013 12:06

Thank you housewife, I am in turmoil so it is encouraging to hear positive stories.

OP posts:
Original poster
louloutheshamed · 02/05/2013 18:19

Ok everyone, got the all clear today from the consultant- he could get a much clearer view and said all ok. Relief!! Thank you for your supportive messages

OP posts:
BadRoly · 02/05/2013 18:25

That's splendid news Grin bet you've aged a bit in the last day or two though Wink

blueshoes · 02/05/2013 23:03

Fantastic news!

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