Foramen Secundum - Clinical Significance

Clinical Significance

An ostium secundum that persists at large size can be a source of atrial septal defects. Ostium Secundum atrial septal defects are the most common atrial septal defects. This defect can arise as a result of defects of the septum primium and the septum secundum. For the septum primium, the problem can arise as a result of excess resorption of the septum during the process of apoptosis in order to form the foramen secundum. For the septum secundum, inadequate growth of it can cause atrial septal defect since it is supposed to grow and eventually overlap the foramen secundum so as to form the oval foramen.