No abstract

The present findings suggest that CD40L levels play a crucial role in the development of lone atrial fibrillation. In addition, results support that regular clinical follow-up of these patients is necessary, due to increased cardiovascular disease risk, determined by elevated CD40L levels.

A 67-year-old male patient with an eight-month history of operation for mitral valve repair and secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) presented with complaints of fatigue and shortness of breath. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a residual ASD resulting from separation of a pericardial patch. Qp/Qs rate was 3.2. The diameter of the residual defect measured by transesophageal echocardiography was 18 mm. During right heart catheterization, pulmonary artery pressure was estimated to be 50 mmHg. Using the percutaneous method accompanied by transesophageal echocardiography guidance, the residual defect was successfully closed with a 21-mm Occlutech Figulla device. Postprocedural echocardiographic control showed no leaks. The patient was discharged with 300 mg/day aspirin treatment.