Atrioventricular Septal Defects

Question 1

What is AVSD?

Answer 1

• A congenital cardiac malformation where there is a defect in the AV septum and an abnormality in the AV valves (tricuspid/ mitral)
• You can have a partial AVSD and a complete AVSD

Question 2

What are the Risk factors for AVSD?

Answer 2

• Down Syndrome (trisomy 21)
• Familial occurrence

Question 3

What is the pathophysiology of AVSD?

Answer 3

-Failure of the endocardial cushions to fuse correctly causes the apical displacement of the AV valves

Question 4

What are the clinical features of AVSD?

Answer 4

• Tachypnoea, Tachycardia, Poor Feeding, Sweating, Failure to Thrive

Question 5

What is the medical management of AVSD?:

Answer 5

• Diuretics - Furosemide to relieve pulmonary congestion
• ACE inhibitors
• Digoxin
• Adequate caloric intake

Question 6

What is the surgical management of AVSD?:

Answer 6

• open heart repair