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Ventricular Septal Defect, Pediatric

Shabnam Peyvandi, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is an opening in the ventricular septum, resulting in a communication between the left ventricle (LV) and the right ventricle (RV). The ventricular ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Small VSD: The child is usually asymptomatic, with normal growth and development. Most commonly, a murmur is detected at 1 to 6 weeks of age.

  • Moderate VSD: The child is usually symptom...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Small VSD: no intervention; continued observation

  • Moderate VSD: If signs of CHF develop, digoxin, diuretics, afterload reduction, and increased caloric intake are indicated.

  • La...

ONGOING CARE

PROGNOSIS

  • Spontaneous closure: usually by age 2 years; 90% of small muscular VSDs and 8–35% of small conoventricular/membranous VSDs

  • Prognosis with surgical closure is excellent.

  • The risk of...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Aguilar NE, Eugenio Lopez J. Ventricular septal defects. Bol Asoc Med P R.  2009;101(4):23–29. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • Hoffman JI, Kaplan S. The incidence of congenital ...

CODES

ICD9

  • 745.4 Ventricular septal defect

  • 746.89 Other specified congenital anomalies of heart

ICD10

  • Q21.0 Ventricular septal defect

  • Q24.8 Other specified congenital malformations of heart

SNOMED

  • 30288003 V...

FAQ

  • Q: Should children with a murmur consistent with a VSD undergo echocardiogram?

  • A: Yes, to define the location, size, and number of VSDs and any associated lesions

  • Q: Should children with VSD have SB...

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