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VENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECT - Coggle Diagram
VENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECT
Definition
A congenital heart condition characterized by an abnormal opening in the septum that divides the left and right ventricles of the heart, allowing blood to flow from the left ventricle (oxygen-rich blood) into the right ventricle (oxygen-poor blood) -> inefficient circulation &other complications.
Clinical presentation
cyanosis / clubbing of fingers
growth retardation
tachycardia / dysnpea
fatigue
Pathophysiology
left-to-right shunt
-> pulmonary overcirculation -> increased workload on the heart -> right ventricular dilation
abnormal communication between the left and right ventricles of the heart, resulting from a hole or defect in the interventricular septum
pulmonary hypertension -> Eisenmenger syndrome
systemic effects: failure to thrive, fatigue, heart failure, arrhythmias, tachycardia, increased risk to infections like endocarditis.
Investigations
echocardiogram
ECG
CBC
Chest XRAY
Treatment
Surgical management: open-heart surgery or catheter-based closure
management of complications (eg endocarditis pulmonary hypertension) as needed
medical management: diuretics, ACE inhibitors
Examination
heart murmur
crackles and wheezes
hepatosplenomegaly
edema (esp in the lower limbs)
digital clubbing
cyanosis
Prevention & Risk factors
Risk factors
problems with pregnancy: maternal diabetes or infections, maternal substance use (drugs, alcohol), deficiencies (like folic acid), premature birth.
genetic disorders (eg. down syndrome, turner syndrome, DiGeorge syndrome, Marfan)
Prevention:
taking prenatal vitamins (folic acid), management of preexisting conditions (diabetes, hypertension), avoiding teratogens