Interaural communication

Interauricular Communication (IAC) is a congenital malformation in which a small hole is observed between the right and left atrium, which allows blood flow between these two regions. Normally this opening closes spontaneously up to two years of age.

The diagnosis is made during the consultation, whith a auscultation of the heart, the doctor hears a characteristic noise, also called a murmur or murmur. Confirmation is made after performing tests such as electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and X-ray.

Children usually don’t have symptoms, but if the passage is large, there is a risk of developing pulmonary hypertension and the formation of blood clots, which have serious consequences when they are released into the bloodstream.

Manifestations will usually appear in adulthood, from the age of 30 and if the IAC is not closed, life expectancy will be compromised by heart failure or complications generated by the presence of obstructions by clots, such as stroke.

The main symptoms of Interauricular Communication are:

• Sweat in the legs, abdomen and feet
• Shortness of breath, especially during exercise
• Palpitations
• Atrial Fibrillation