Complete Atrioventricular Septal Defect (CAVSD)

Atrioventricular septal defects is characterised by a deficiency of the atrioventricular septum of the heart. AVSD is caused by an abnormal or inadequate fusion of the superior and inferior endocardial cushions with the mid portion of the atrial septum and the muscular portion of the ventricular septum. They account for about 5 percent of all congenital heart disease, and are most common in infants with Down syndrome. The most severe condition is the Complete AV Septal Defect, where there is only one common AV valve over a large hole between all four chambers of the heart. All four chambers mix blood and there is typically a large amount of blood going to the lungs. Both ventricles have to pump harder and pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) develops over time. Heart failure and poor growth are common findings.Video by Maged Al Ali MD.