Ostium secundum atrial septal defect-related post-partum death of an adult: An autopsy case

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is the most common type ofcongenital heart disease in adolescents and adults with afrequency of 10-15 %. Ostium secundum type ASD has amultifactorial heredity pattern and is almost always sporadic.Herein, we presented a maternal mortality case of ASDthat died after nine days after delivery. She applied to thehospital three times with non-specific symptoms but diedwithout an accurate diagnosis. At autopsy, there was evidenceof episiotomy in recent delivery in genital region.The weight of the heart was 380 grams, hypertrophy ofpapillary muscles and an ostium secundum type ASDwith 1,6 x 1,1 cm dimensions were detected. Microscopicexamination of heart sections revealed hypertrophy, hyperemia,and focal, minimal colliquative myocytolysis.Electrocardiogram findings and autopsy findings wereevaluated together and in conclusion, our opinion on thecause of death was circulatory disturbance resulting fromchronic heart disease.Because of this, congenital heart disease which is a rarepathology and a cause of death in adult population, wepresented the findings of this case.Key words: Congenital heart disease, atrial septal defect,ostium secundum, maternal mortality, autopsy.