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Atrioventricular Septal Defect

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.

Last Revised: October 11, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: John Pope, MD - Pediatrics & Larry A. Latson, MD - Pediatric Cardiology

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