[Noninvasive diagnosis in the evaluation of shunt size in children with atrial septal defect--an evaluation scheme].

A cumulative score of five non-invasive diagnostic procedures is used to predict the size of the shunt in atrial septal defect (type II) in children. Each of those diagnostic managements being represented by zero, plus one, or two points: a higher score value refers to a more significant shunt volume. Summing up the points you will find 10 to 7 in an atrial septal defect that is worth being operated. In 6 and 5 points the prediction is unsure by scoring. Values of 4 or less points indicate a septal defect with no significant shunting. The validity of this scoring system has been tested in 35 children each examined by heart catheterization.