atrioventricular septal defect

Based on the context provided, here's an informative response about the description of atrioventricular septal defect:

Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) is a congenital heart defect that involves a hole in the wall between the upper chambers (atria) and lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. This defect allows blood to flow directly from one side of the heart to the other, rather than being pumped through the normal pathway.

Characteristics:

• The hole is usually located near the atrioventricular valves (mitral and tricuspid valves).
• Blood can flow freely between the left and right sides of the heart.
• This can lead to an overload on one side of the heart, causing it to work harder than normal.

Symptoms:

• In infants, symptoms may include:
  • Shortness of breath
  • Tiredness
  • Poor feeding
  • Blue discoloration of the skin (cyanosis)
• As the child grows older, symptoms may become less noticeable but can still be present.

Causes and Risk Factors:

• AVSD is a congenital heart defect, meaning it's present at birth.
• The exact cause is unknown, but it's believed to involve genetic factors.
• Other risk factors include:
  • Family history of heart defects
  • Previous pregnancy complications

Diagnosis and Treatment:

• Diagnosis is typically made through echocardiography (ultrasound imaging) or other imaging tests.
• Treatment usually involves surgical repair, which can be performed at various stages depending on the child's age and overall health.

Please note that this information is based on search results [1] and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have any specific questions or concerns about atrioventricular septal defect, I'd be happy to try and help.

References: [1] - Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD) | American Heart Association [2] - Congenital Heart Defects: Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD) [3] - Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Common Signs and Symptoms of Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD)

Atrioventricular septal defect, also known as AVSD, is a congenital heart condition where there are holes in the walls that separate the heart's chambers and abnormal valves. The symptoms of AVSD can vary greatly depending on the severity of the malformations.

• Rapid breathing: Many babies with AVSD develop signs of congestive heart failure such as rapid breathing, feeding problems, slow weight gain, and fatigue [7].
• Difficulty breathing: Blue or purple tint to lips, skin, and nails (cyanosis) can also be a sign of AVSD [5].
• Poor weight gain and growth: Babies with AVSD may experience poor weight gain and growth due to the extra workload on their heart [7].
• Heart murmurs: Heart murmurs are common in babies with AVSD, which can be detected through echocardiography [6].
• Tachypnea and tachycardia: Rapid breathing (tachypnea) and rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) are also symptoms of AVSD [6].

It's essential to note that the severity of these symptoms can vary greatly depending on the individual case. If you suspect that your baby is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with a pediatrician or a cardiologist for proper evaluation and treatment.

References: [1] - Symptoms may indicate that a baby's complete AVSD or partial AVSD is getting worse [1]. [5] - Signs and symptoms of atrioventricular canal defects · Blue or purple tint to lips, skin, and nails (cyanosis) · Difficulty breathing · Poor weight gain and growth [5]. [6] - Heart murmurs, tachypnea, tachycardia, and hepatomegaly are common. Diagnosis is by echocardiography. Treatment is surgical repair for all but the smallest defects [6]. [7] - As a result of the extra workload, most babies with AVSD develop signs of congestive heart failure such as rapid breathing, feeding problems, slow weight gain, and fatigue [7]. [8] -

Diagnosing Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD)

Atrioventricular septal defect, also known as AVSD, is a congenital heart defect that can be diagnosed using various medical tests. Here are some of the diagnostic tests used to identify AVSD:

• Echocardiogram: This is the main test used to diagnose an atrial septal defect (ASD), which is often associated with AVSD. An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create images of the heart and can identify abnormalities in its structure and blood passage through the heart [4].
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test measures the electrical activity of the heart and can help diagnose AVSD by identifying any irregularities in the heartbeat [8].
• Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can also be used to support a diagnosis of AVSD, as it can show an enlarged heart or other abnormalities [5].
• Cardiac Catheterization: This test is usually done if there are any questions about the diagnosis or if additional information is needed. It involves inserting a catheter into the heart to take measurements and images [7].

Additional Tests

In some cases, additional tests may be required to confirm the diagnosis of AVSD. These can include:

• Prenatal ultrasound: This test can show moving images of the fetus's heart and can help diagnose AVSD before birth [9].
• Other imaging tests: Such as MRI or CT scans, which can provide more detailed images of the heart and its blood vessels.

References

[1] Sep 13, 2022 — Atrioventricular canal defect might be diagnosed in a baby before birth during a pregnancy ultrasound or special heart imaging. [3] Oct 21, 2024 — A healthcare provider may request additional tests to confirm the diagnosis of AVSD. These tests include: Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the ... [4] Echocardiogram. This ultrasound test shows images of the heart and can identify abnormalities in its structure and blood passage through the heart. [5] Diagnosis of atrioventricular septal defects is suggested by clinical examination, supported by chest x-ray and ECG, and established by 2-dimensional ... [7] The diagnosis of atrioventricular septal defect can be made with 100% accuracy by an echocardiogram. Cardiac catheterization is done if there are any questions ... [8] Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is usually the first test used to diagnose AV canal. Echocardiogram is also commonly used for diagnosis. [9] Diagnosis and Tests​​ A healthcare provider can often diagnose an atrioventricular septal defect before birth with a few tests: Prenatal ultrasound shows moving ...

Treatment Overview

Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) is a congenital heart defect that requires surgical repair in the first year of life. However, before surgery, some children may experience heart failure and require medication to help their heart pump blood better [2]. The primary goal of drug treatment in AVSD is to manage symptoms and improve quality of life until surgical correction can be performed.

Medications Used

Several medications may be prescribed to treat heart failure and other complications associated with AVSD. These include:

• Beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors: To reduce the volume of blood that travels between the left and right ventricles, thereby alleviating symptoms [3].
• Digoxin (Lanoxin): A medication that helps strengthen the heartbeat and improve heart function [8].
• Furosemide (Lasix): A diuretic to reduce fluid buildup in the body and alleviate symptoms of heart failure [8].

Purpose of Medication

The primary purpose of medication in AVSD is to manage symptoms and improve quality of life until surgical correction can be performed. Medications may also be used to treat complications such as heart failure, which can occur before surgery [6]. However, it's essential to note that medication alone cannot correct the underlying defect and is only a short-term measure until surgery can be performed [6].

Limitations

It's crucial to understand that no specific or recommended drug therapy is available for unbalanced atrioventricular (AV) septal defects, such as AVSD [7]. Treatment typically involves surgical repair of the defect.

References:

[2] - It is treated by surgically repairing the defect in the first year of life. Sometimes medications are given by the doctor to reduce the symptoms of heart failure. [3] - Beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors, which may help to reduce the volume of blood that travels between the left and right ventricles, thereby alleviating symptoms. [6] - Before the surgery, some children with AV septal defects have heart failure, and they need medicine to help their heart pump blood better. After surgery to repair the defect, medications are no longer necessary. [7] - No specific or recommended drug therapy is available for unbalanced atrioventricular (AV) septal defects. [8] - Giving the child heart medicines such as digoxin (Lanoxin), and furosemide (Lasix) may do this.

The differential diagnosis of atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) involves identifying other congenital heart defects that may present with similar symptoms and characteristics.

According to the search results, the differential diagnosis of AVSD includes:

• Large ventricular septal defect [1]
• Atrial septal defect (ASD), particularly the primum type [2]
• Surgery for VSD due to congestive heart failure symptoms common with AVCD [1]

Additionally, other congenital cardiac anomalies that may be considered in the differential diagnosis of AVSD include:

• Partial atrioventricular canal [7]
• Isolated atrial septal defect [8]
• Isolated ventricular septal defect [8]
• Patent ductus arteriosus [8]

It's worth noting that some cases of AVSD may present with findings similar to those seen in patients with atrial septal defects, particularly the "ostium primum" type, even in adulthood [9].

In terms of mathematical concepts, differential diagnosis can be thought of as a process of making distinctions between different variables or quantities, much like how a differential is used in mathematics and science to represent an infinitesimally small change in a variable [10][11].

References:

[1] KK Umapathi · 2023 · Cited by 7 — The differential diagnosis mainly consists of the large ventricular septal defect, ASD, surgery for VSD due to the CHF symptoms that are common with AVCD. [2] Sep 14, 2022 — AVSD may be classified as one of three forms: an incomplete (or partial) AVSD (atrial septal defect primum); a transitional form (atrial septal ... [7] Jul 12, 2024 — Differential Diagnoses · Atrioventricular Septal Defect · Pulmonic Stenosis (Pulmonary Stenosis) · Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return. [8] by CE Fleishman · Cited by 2 — Different forms of AV canal defects · - Complete AV canal defect · - Development of the atrial septum primum · - Embryology of AV canal ... [9] Sep 12, 2024 — Differential Diagnoses · Atrioventricular Septal Defect · Pulmonic Stenosis (Pulmonary Stenosis) · Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return. [10] Aug 30, 2021 — Differential Diagnoses · Mitral Valve Prolapse · Ostium Secundum Atrial Septal Defects · Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection · Pediatric ... [11] Mar 22, 2021 — Differential diagnosis. Isolated Atrial septal defect; Isolated Ventricular septal defect; Patent ductus arteriosus– a device that splits the engine torque two ways, allowing each output to spin at a different speed..