Right-to-left atrial shunting with normal intracardiac pressures following cardiac surgery: pathophysiology and management

Abstract

We present a case of acute respiratory insufficiency with right-to-left atrial shunting under normal intracardiac pressures discovered several days after aortic surgery for aortic dissection. We discuss the possible mechanisms and management of right-to-left atrial shunting through an atrial septum defect with normal intracardiac pressures following cardiac surgery.