[Atrial septal defect with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: a case of open-heart surgery].

A 40-year-old woman of atrial septal defect associated with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) was successfully operated upon under cardio-pulmonary bypass. Steroids had been given preoperatively, resulting in an increase of the platelet count from 0.7 X 10(4)/mm3 to 20.6 X 10(4)/mm3. Steroids could be withdrawn before the operation. No bleeding tendency was encountered during and after surgery. This is the 6th case of open-heart surgery associated with ITP in the literature.