An asymptomatic child of pre-perforation erosion after transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect

BACKGROUND: Fatal pericardial tamponade caused by aortic or atrial perforation due to erosion of atrial septal occluders has been reported previously, but the timing of erosion is uncertain, and the process is also unclear. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 5-year-old boy with erosion of the aorta and atrium by the occluder not leading to perforation or pericardial tamponade because of early detection and timely surgery. A small amount of pericardial effusion may be the only manifestation of early erosion. This case firstly revealed the early process of device erosion in children. CONCLUSIONS: An absent aortic rim may be a higher risk factor for erosion than oversized device for a child, and it is wise to choose a relatively small occluder or change to surgery. This may be helpful for preventing and treating serious complications caused by erosion of the occluder.