(AV Canal Defect—Child; Complete AV Canal—Child; Complete Common AV Canal—Child; Endocardial Cushion Defect—Child)
Definition
Definition
An atrioventricular (AV) canal defect is a rare heart defect. There is a large hole in the center of the heart that connects all four chambers.
The heart is made up of two upper chambers and two lower chambers. Usually blood flows from the upper to lower chamber on the right side of the heart to the lungs. The blood picks up oxygen in the lungs and passes back into the upper chamber of the left side of the heart. It then passes to the lower chamber of the heart and out to the body.
The AV canal defect causes blood in the different chambers to mix. This means that some of the blood that is sent out to the body has not passed the lungs to pick up oxygen. The body does not get enough oxygen.
Heart Chambers and ValvesCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Blood Flow Through the HeartCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Causes
Causes
AV canal defect is a congenital defect. This means that the baby is born with it. It is not known exactly why some babies’ hearts develop abnormally.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Factors that increase the risk of congenital heart defects include:
- Family history of congenital heart defect
- Certain chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome
- Previous pregnancy with fetal heart abnormalities or miscarriage
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Conditions during pregnancy, such as:
- Being infected with a virus
- Having poorly controlled diabetes
- Drinking alcohol
- Taking certain medications
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Fast breathing
- Poor feeding
- Slow growth
- Bluish skin color
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Lowered alertness
- Wheezing
- Swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet
- Sweating
- Fast heart beat
- Sudden weight gain from retained fluid
This condition can lead to heart failure. If your child has any of these symptoms, get emergency medical care right away.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Images may be taken of your child’s heart. This can be done with:
Treatment
Treatment
Talk with the doctor about the best treatment plan for your child. Treatment options include:
Surgery
Surgery is usually recommended to correct the defect. The goal of surgery is to close the hole with a patch.
Lifelong Monitoring
After surgery, your child will need to have regular visits with a heart doctor. The doctor may recommend that your child:
- Makes lifestyle changes, including limiting certain activities.
- Takes medications to treat symptoms after surgery.
- Takes antibiotics before medical or dental procedures to prevent infections.
Prevention
Prevention
Since the cause is not clear, AV canal defects usually cannot be prevented. Prenatal care can decrease the risk of some congenital defects.
RESOURCES:
Family Doctor—American Family Physician http://familydoctor.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada http://www.heartandstroke.com
References:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/CongenitalHeartDefects/AboutCongenitalHeartDefects/Complete-Atrioventricular-Canal-defect-CAVC_UCM_307023_Article.jsp
Updated January 8, 2013. Accessed November 7, 2014.
Atrioventricular canal defect. Boston Children’s Hospital website. Available at:
http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site521/mainpageS521P0.html
Accessed November 7, 2014.
Congenital ventricular septal defect (VSD) in children and adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated October 15, 2014. Accessed November 7, 2014.
Last Updated: 12/20/2014