Atrioventricular septal defect
Atrioventricular septal defect is an opening between all four chambers of the heart that is present at birth (congenital heart defect). The opening is caused by a failure of heart tissue to come together during the growth of the fetus.
Atrioventricular septal defect results in a large opening in the center of the heart, with a hole between the 2 lower chambers (ventricular septal defect) and between the 2 upper chambers (atrial septal defect).
Atrioventricular septal defect requires surgery to correct.
Current as of: December 16, 2019
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & John Pope MD - Pediatrics & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Larry A. Latson MD - Pediatric Cardiology