49. Foramen ovale late apertum

Organ: Heart

Description:

Behind the right auricle can we see that there is a hole in the interatrial septum

Diagnosis: Foramen ovale late apertum

Causes:

Unknown

Theory:

A foramen ovale late apertum is a large atrial septal defect (ASD). ASDs are usually asymptomatic most of the life, which is actually really bad, because it can develop into Eisenmenger syndrome. Screening of ASDs in neonates is therefore important.

The right auricle lies over the septal defect when viewed from the front. You can either check the prep from behind or just shake it a little, and then will the auricle flop away so you can see the defect.