Atrioventricular canal defect

Description

Atrioventricular canal defect is a combination of several abnormalities in the heart that are congenital abnormalities at birth. This defect is sometimes called endocardial cushion defect, which occurs when there is a hole between the heart chambers and valves that regulate problems with blood flow in the heart. Atrioventricular canal defect allows extra blood flow circulation to the lungs, which if untreated can lead to heart failure and high blood pressure in the lungs.

Cause

Atrioventricular canal defects occur during fetal growth when the baby's heart develops. While some factors, such as Down syndrome, may increase the risk of atrioventricular canal defects, in many cases the cause is unknown.

Symptom

Signs and symptoms of atrioventricular canal defects usually develop in the first few weeks of life, which include: 1. Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)

2. Lack of appetite

3. Low weight

4. Blue discoloration of the lips and skin (cyanosis)

If your baby has a total atrioventricular canal defect, he may develop signs and symptoms of heart failure, including:

1. Fatigue

2. Wheezing

3. Swelling (edema) in the ankles and feet

4. Sudden weight increase due to fluid retention

5. Excessive sweating

6. Decrease in vigilance

7. Irregular heartbeat

Signs and symptoms of partial atrioventricular canal defects may not appear until early adulthood, which include:

1. Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)

2. Heart valve problems

3. Heart failure

4. High blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension)

Treatment

Surgery is required to fix both types of conditions atrioventricular canal defect either total or partial. For a partial atrioventricular canal defect, surgery also involves the mitral valve repair that will close tightly. If repair is not possible, the valve may need to be replaced. If your baby has a total atrioventricular canal defect, surgery also included separating single valve into two valves, one on the left side and one on the right side of the septum repaired. If the reconstruction of a single valve into two valves is not possible, heart valve replacement may be necessary.

Sources: MayoClinic

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