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.

---

💡 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.

---

🫀 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.

---

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.

Comments

Brugada ECG vs Incomplete Right Bundle Branch Block (iRBBB)

Brugada ECG vs Incomplete Right Bundle Branch Block (iRBBB) Why this differentiation matters Brugada pattern is a malignant channelopathy associated with sudden cardiac death, while incomplete RBBB is usually a benign conduction variant. Mislabeling Brugada as iRBBB can be fatal; overcalling iRBBB as Brugada can lead to unnecessary anxiety and ICD implantation. --- 1. Basic Definitions Brugada ECG Pattern Primary repolarization abnormality Genetic sodium-channel disorder Characteristic ST-segment elevation in V1–V3 Risk of ventricular fibrillation and sudden death Incomplete RBBB (iRBBB) Depolarization abnormality Delay in right ventricular conduction Common in healthy individuals Usually asymptomatic and benign --- 2. ECG Morphology: Side-by-Side Comparison QRS Duration Brugada: QRS usually <120 ms iRBBB: QRS <120 ms, but with RBBB morphology --- V1–V2 Pattern (Key Differentiator) Brugada Pseudo-RBBB appearance ST elevation ≥2 mm ST segment is coved or saddleback Terminal QRS bl...

𝘼𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙤𝙖𝙜𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝘼𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙚

𝘼𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙤𝙖𝙜𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝘼𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙚 in Patient with AF and acute IS/TIA European Heart Association Guideline recommends: • 1 days after TIA • 3 days after mild stroke • 6 days after moderate stroke • 12 days after severe stroke Early anticoagulation can decrease a risk of recurrent stroke and embolic events but may increase a risk of secondary hemorrhagic transformation of brain infarcts. The 1-3-6-12-day rule is a known consensus with graded increase in delay of anticoagulation between 1 and 12 days after onset of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack(TIA), according to neurological severity based on European expert opinions. However, this rule might be somewhat later than currently used in a real-world practical setting.

Acute Treatment of Hyperkalemia

Acute Treatment of Hyperkalemia – A Practical, Bedside-Oriented Guide Hyperkalemia is a potentially life-threatening electrolyte abnormality that demands prompt recognition and decisive management. The danger lies not only in the absolute potassium value but in its effects on cardiac conduction, which can rapidly progress to fatal arrhythmias. Acute treatment focuses on three parallel goals: stabilizing the cardiac membrane, shifting potassium into cells, and removing excess potassium from the body. Understanding this stepwise approach helps clinicians act quickly and rationally in emergency settings. Why Hyperkalemia Is Dangerous Potassium plays a key role in maintaining the resting membrane potential of cardiac myocytes. Elevated serum potassium reduces the transmembrane gradient, leading to slowed conduction, ECG changes, ventricular arrhythmias, and asystole. Importantly, ECG changes do not always correlate with potassium levels, so treatment decisions should be based on clinical c...

Dr. Usman's Cardiology Notes

Search This Blog