Epidemiology

Interatrial communications occur in 1 to 2 per 1000 live births.[11][12]​ ​ Secundum defects account for 80% of interatrial communications and have a 2:1 female-to-male predominance.[13][14][15]​​​​​​ The other types of interatrial communications occur far less frequently: ostium primum (15%), sinus venosus (5%), and unroofed coronary sinus defects (1%).[13] The prevalence of vestibular atrial septal defects (ASDs) is not known, although one retrospective review found that 3% of necropsy specimens had vestibular ASDs; increased awareness of the location of vestibular ASDs will provide more accurate data in future.[7]

Interatrial communications can also occur in conjunction with other congenital heart defects.

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