Alternate Names : Atrioventricular (AV) canal defect, Atrioventricular septal defect, AVSD
Definition
Endocardial cushion defect (ECD) is an abnormal heart condition in which there is no separation between the chambers of the heart. Essentially, the middle part of the heart is missing. It is a congenital heart disease, which means it is present from birth.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Endocardial cushion defect occurs while a baby is still growing in the womb. The endocardial cushions are two areas of thickening that eventually develop into the wall (septum) that separates the four chambers of the heart. They also form the mitral and tricuspid valves.
The lack of separation between the two sides of the heart causes several problems:
- Increased blood pressure in the lungs. In persons with this condition, blood flows through the abnormal openings from the left to the right side of the heart, then to the lungs. The increased blood flow into the lungs leads to a rise in blood pressure in the lungs.
- Lung irritation and inflammation. Increased blood flow into the lungs causes irritation and swelling.
- Heart failure. Because the heart has to pump more blood to the lungs, it has to work much harder than normal. The heart may enlarge and weaken.
- Lack of oxygen. As the blood pressure increases in the lungs, blood flow starts to move from the right side of the heart to the left. The heart starts pumping oxygen-poor blood throughout the body, and will have to work harder at it. The body will not get enough oxygen.
There are two types of ECD:
- Complete ECD: A complete ECD involves an atrial septal defect (ASD) and a ventricular septal defect (VSD). Persons with a complete ECD have only one large heart valve (common AV valve) instead of two distinct valves (mitral and tricuspid).
- Partial (or incomplete) ECD: Only an ASD is present. There are two distinct valves, but one of them (the mitral valve) is often abnormal with an opening (“cleft”) in it, letting blood leak between the two left chambers of the heart.
ECD is strongly associated with Down syndrome. Several gene changes are also connected to ECD. However, the exact cause of ECD is unknown.
ECD may be associated with other congenital heart defects such as:
- Double outlet right ventricle
- Single ventricle
- Transposition of the great vessels
- Tetralogy of Fallot
Pictures & Images
Atrioventricular canal (endocardial cushion defect)
Endocardial cushion defect is an abnormal heart condition which occurs during the development of the baby. In this condition there is no separation between the chambers of the heart. Without the separation, oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood mix causing the heart to work harder. Endocardial cushion defect is strongly associated with several genetic abnormalities.
-
Endocardial cushion defect : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
-
Endocardial cushion defect : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
-
Endocardial cushion defect : Treatment
Review Date : 4/23/2008
Reviewed By : David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only — they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
