Atrioventricular Septal Defect

AVSD on echocardiogram stands for Atrioventricular Septal Defect, also known as atrioventricular canal defect or endocardial cushion defect. It is a congenital (present at birth) heart defect that involves abnormal development of the central part of the heart where the atrial and ventricular septa meet and where the tricuspid and mitral valves form.

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💡 Key Echocardiographic Features of AVSD:

There are three main types of AVSD seen on echocardiogram:

1. Complete AVSD

Single common AV valve (instead of separate mitral and tricuspid valves).

Large defect in the atrial septum (ostium primum ASD).

Large defect in the ventricular septum (inlet VSD).

Commonly seen in Down syndrome.

2. Partial (or Incomplete) AVSD

Ostium primum ASD present.

No VSD.

Two separate AV valves, but the mitral valve is cleft, causing mitral regurgitation.

3. Transitional (or Intermediate) AVSD

Like partial AVSD but with a small VSD beneath the common valve.

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🫀 On Echocardiogram, You May See:

Deficiency in the lower portion of the atrial septum and/or upper ventricular septum.

A common AV valve (in complete AVSD) or a cleft mitral valve (in partial).

Left-to-right shunt through the defects.

Enlarged right atrium and right ventricle due to volume overload.

Color Doppler shows abnormal flow across the septal defects and valves.

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Clinical Relevance:

Can lead to heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and growth delay in infants.

Surgical repair is typically required in infancy or early childhood.

Early diagnosis via echocardiography is crucial for management.

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