AC Milan: Cassano to Undergo Heart Surgery After Rare Illness

The Story

AC Milan announced that striker Antonio Cassano will undergo heart surgery secondary to a Patent Foramen Ovale Septal Heart. Cassano was presented with problems associated with his vision, speech and movement during a flight from Rome after AC Milan defeated Roma.

Cassano was subjected to a series of tests which eventually revealed cerebral damage associated with ischemia. The tests revealed the cause of the congenital heart disease.

Cassano is expected to be out of action at least until next year.

What is Patent Foramen Ovale Septal Heart and how does it affect an athlete?

Patent Forman Ovale

A Patent Foramen Ovale is a heart disease that occurs due to incomplete closure of the upper heart chambers at birth. The person with this disease is not aware of the problem until symptoms appear.

The principal sympton is a Transient Ischemic Brain Attack (TIA), which could be a stroke. The TIA symptoms could affect an athlete with the following: numbness or weakness, dizziness and problems with speech and movement.

The diagnosis is via EKG, Chest X Ray, Echocardiogram, Angiography, as well as other tests. The treatment depends on the detection of the Patent Foramen Ovale.

The treatment is surgery which closes the opening, although there is also a non-surgical procedure. The medical treatment for the defect includes aspirin and blood thinners such as Warfarin, which needs to be monitored in case of problems with clots.

The idea of resting is also included in the treatment setting.

Conclusion

Cassano was lucky to have this defect detected by the AC Milan physicians. Cassano deserves the solidarity and support of world football players and fans.