Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common congenital heart defect in newborns. In this case, a fragment of the partition separating the chambers is found to be missing. The symptoms of this heart defect depend on the size of the interventricular defect and therefore the volume of leakage between the ventricles. What tests should be performed to diagnose VSD? How is this heart defect treated?

Ventricular septal defect , or VSD (ventricular septal defect), is the most common congenital heart defect in newborn babies (accounting for nearly 20-30 percent of all abnormalities). In about 15-20 percent of cases, the septum closes spontaneously within 6 months of life. Unfortunately, as with most congenital heart defects, the causes are unknown.

As a result of a defect in the interventricular septum, left-right blood leakage occurs, i.e. mixing of venous and arterial blood at the ventricular level (blood flow from the left ventricle to the left atrium). As a consequence, too much blood under pressure flows to the lungs instead of to the cells of the body. Then it comes to pulmonary hypertension - a process that results in irreversible changes in the circulation that make it impossible to correct the defect.

Ventricular septal defect: symptoms

VSD symptoms in children

Minor changes usually have no symptoms. Only when leakage through the ventricular septal defect is significant, during the auscultation of the newborn by a doctor, a murmur (purring) in the heart area may be heard (for this reason, the defect is usually diagnosed in the first week of life of the newborn). In addition, the baby gets tired easily, even while eating, and often stops sucking. Accordingly, he is gaining weight poorly. In addition, he often suffers from pneumonia and bronchoconstriction.

VSD symptoms in adults

In adults, as the defect increases, the following may appear:

  • breathing problems (shortness of breath)
  • exercise intolerance
  • audible murmur of blood flow through the ventricular septal defect (after placing the handset against the left edge of the sternum)
  • difficulty in eating
  • underweight

Defect in the partition between the chambers: threats

At peoplewith a small defect, there is a risk of infective endocarditis. Therefore, antibiotic prophylaxis is necessary, especially before dental procedures or minor surgical procedures, during which infection may occur.

In the case of a significant defect, recurrent respiratory infections (bronchospastic states or atelectasis of the lungs) may appear.

Ventricular septal defect: diagnosis

The main diagnostic methods used in the diagnosis of a ventricular septal defect are:

  • echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) is the most important test because it allows to accurately determine the location and size of the defect in the interventricular septum
  • X-ray examination (radiological examination) of the chest - only a large leak may be visible, which causes the expansion of the right ventricle lumen as a result of damage to its wall. The examination shows an enlarged heart
  • EKG may show signs of left ventricular hypertrophy or both
  • Doppler examination
  • isotope study

Check:Prenatal diagnosis detects heart defects. What tests can detect a heart defect in a fetus?

Ventricular septal defect: treatment

Surgical procedure aimed at closing a larger defect in the interventricular septum should be performed both in adolescence and in adults. After it, patients can lead a normal lifestyle without the need to limit their physical activity.

In some cases (usually in the case of minor defects), the treatment of a ventricular septal defect involves the use of percutaneous implants to close the defect.

In patients with a small cavity, pharmacological treatment is performed - with diuretics and digoxin - aimed at preventing infective endocarditis.

Check What is the prenatal treatment of congenital heart defects?

Other congenital heart defects in children and adults

  • Translation of great arterial trunks (TGA)
  • Patent ductus arteriosus of Botalla
  • Tetralogy of Fallot, cyanosis, congenital heart defect
  • Atrial septal defect
  • Coarctation of the aorta (narrowing of the isthmus of the main artery)

Category:

Cardiology