https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/27472 2026-06-01T00:31:49Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3886 Title: Spontaneous closure of a large secundum atrial septal defect Authors: Galea, N.; Grech, Victor E. Abstract: Large and untreated secundum atrial septal defects are closed in childhood in order to prevent significant rates of morbidity and mortality. Small defects often close spontaneously. We present a girl with a large atrial septal defect that underwent spontaneous closure at just over three years of age. The defect was haemodynamically significant and larger than conventional expectations for spontaneous closure. 2002-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3882 Title: New insights in genetics of congenital heart defects Abstract: This article describes the link between Congenital Heart Defects and genetic syndromes. It also highlights the need to maintain a continuous and interactive interaction between clinicians, geneticists, embryologists and anatomists for the further understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms and possible genetic causes of Congenital Heart Defects. 2002-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3881 Title: Three-dimensional echocardiography of ventricular septal defects Authors: Hoch, Martin; Roemer, U.; Kozlik-Feldmann, Rainer; Fuchs, Alexandra; Netz, Heinrich Abstract: Three-dimensional echocardiography is increasingly available. This article reports on experiences with 3D reconstructions of ventricular septal defects: Unique images of all different types of ventricular septal defects are reconstructed from left and right ventricular en-face views. The images are discussed according to pathological classifications. The images shown in this article include all landmarks used in pathological classifications of ventricular septal defects to distinguish the different types of the defects and their extension directions. The possibility of visualizing the whole circumference prevents the examiner from under- or overestimating the size of a defect and gives the interventionalist a useful tool for patient and device selection for interventional VSD closure. 2002-01-01T00:00:00Z