[Artrial septal defect in the adult (author's transl)].

The clinical and hemodynamic findings of 96 adult patients with ostium secundum defect are presented. There are no interrelationships between the extent of symptoms and clinical state on one side and heart size, shuntvolume and other hemodynamic parameters on the other hand. Our observations do not allow firm conclusions as the the natural course of the affection. It can be stated however, that this congenital cardiac malformation can be associated with a normal life exspectancy and without severe symptoms for decades. Hence we see problems as to the indication of the surgical closure of the defect, since not much is known about the longstanding usefulness of surgery in respect to a possible prolongation of life exspectancy and diminuition of morbidity. We therefore are of the opinion that - until such data are available - the indication for surgery should not be guided by prospective nonproved assumption but by the clinical state of the patient and the severity of his symptoms.