Ventricular septal defects

Abstract

Ventricular septal defects (VSD's) are the commonest structural congenital heart lesions. Isolated defects make up ∼1/3 of all congenital heart disease with VSD's present in many other more complex lesions. Whilst antenatal diagnosis rate of isolated muscular defects continues to improve, a significant number of perimembranous and inlet defects are still missed. These defects, which are more difficult to identify on basic screening views, are more commonly associated with additional cardiac pathology, extracardiac and chromosomal abnormalities. This session will look at the various types of ventricular septal defects, including atrioventricular septal defects, from both a screening view and advanced fetal echo perspective. It aims to give insight into when and how to go beyond screening views for a more detailed look for VSD's, and what features are important in counselling and ongoing management.