Introduction:

Atrioventricular canal defects (AVCDs) are a group of congenital heart defects that involve malformation of the heart's walls and valves that separate the atria and ventricles. In this article, we will define AVCDs, discuss its types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Definition:

AVCDs are a group of heart defects that occur when there is a hole in the walls or valves that separate the upper and lower chambers of the heart. This can cause oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood to mix, leading to complications.

Types:

AVCDs are further classified into two types:

1. Partial AVCDs: This type of defect involves a hole in the lower part of the atrial septum and the upper part of the ventricular septum.
2. Complete AVCDs: This type of defect involves a large hole in the center of the heart, and the valves that separate the atria and ventricles are not fully formed.

Causes:

The exact cause of AVCDs is unknown, but they are thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors for developing AVCDs include:

• Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities
• Maternal use of certain medications or drugs
• Maternal alcohol or tobacco use
• Poor maternal nutrition

Symptoms:

The symptoms of AVCDs can vary depending on the severity of the defect. Some common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Difficulty feeding (in infants)
• Poor growth and development (in infants)
• Cyanosis (blue color of the skin due to low oxygen levels)
• Heart murmur

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis of AVCDs may involve a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, echocardiogram, and cardiac catheterization.

Treatment:

The treatment for AVCDs depends on the severity of the defect. Treatment options may include medication to manage symptoms, surgery to repair the defect, or heart catheterization to close the hole.

Conclusion:

AVCDs are a group of congenital heart defects that involve malformation of the heart's walls and valves that separate the atria and ventricles. It is further classified into two types, and treatment options depend on the severity of the defect.

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