Atrioventricular Septal Defect

Diagnosis

Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) can sometimes be detected before birth during a pregnancy ultrasound or with specialized fetal heart imaging.

After birth, symptoms of complete AVSD often appear within the first few weeks. A healthcare provider may hear a heart murmur, a whooshing sound caused by abnormal blood flow through the heart.

Tests to Diagnose AVSD

Pulse oximetry
A sensor on the fingertip measures blood oxygen levels. Low oxygen may indicate a heart or lung problem.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
Noninvasive test that records the heart’s electrical activity. Sticky patches are attached to the chest, and wires connect to a computer to display results.

Echocardiogram
Uses sound waves to create moving images of the heart, showing holes in the heart wall, valve issues, and blood flow patterns.

Chest X-ray
Shows the condition of the heart and lungs, revealing enlargement or fluid buildup.

Cardiac catheterization
A thin tube (catheter) is guided to the heart, and dye is injected to clearly visualize the heart structures on X-rays. Pressure measurements in different heart chambers can also be taken.

Treatment

Surgery is required to correct AVSD. Multiple surgeries may be needed depending on whether the defect is partial or complete.

Surgical options include:

Patch repair
One or two patches are used to close holes in the heart wall. The patches integrate into the heart as tissue grows over them.

Valve repair or replacement

• Partial AVSD may require mitral valve repair to ensure proper closure.

• Complete AVSD may involve separating a single large valve into two valves or replacing mitral and tricuspid valves if necessary.

Minimally invasive or robot-assisted surgery
Some repairs can be done using smaller cuts or robotic assistance for precision and faster recovery.

Follow-Up Care

Regular checkups with a cardiologist are needed for life to monitor heart and lung function. Adults who had AVSD surgery as children may need specialized care from an adult congenital cardiologist.

Preventive antibiotics
Some patients may require antibiotics before dental or surgical procedures to reduce the risk of infective endocarditis, especially if there are residual heart defects or artificial valves/materials.