ventricular septal defect
A congenital heart defect characterized by an abnormal opening in the wall separating the heart's ventricles.
Full Definition
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) is the most common congenital heart defect, consisting of an abnormal communication between the right and left ventricles through the interventricular septum. VSDs are classified by location (membranous, muscular, inlet, or outlet) and size, with hemodynamic significance depending on defect size and pulmonary vascular resistance. Small VSDs may close spontaneously, while large defects can lead to left-to-right shunting, pulmonary hypertension, and eventually Eisenmenger syndrome if untreated. Echocardiography is the primary diagnostic tool, showing the defect location, size, and associated shunt flow patterns.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as VSD; specify anatomical type and hemodynamic significance when relevant.
In Context
- "Color Doppler demonstrated a small muscular ventricular septal defect with left-to-right flow." — Pediatric echocardiography report
- "The large perimembranous ventricular septal defect resulted in significant left atrial enlargement." — Congenital heart disease assessment