Endocardial cushion defect is a synonym for which congenital heart defect?

Endocardial cushion defect is a synonym for which congenital heart defect?

• A. Ventricular septal defect
• B. Coarctation of the aorta
• C. Atrioventricular canal defect
• D. Patent ductus arteriosus

Answer: (C)

Endocardial cushion defects arise when the endocardial cushions fail to fuse properly, compromising the formation of the atrioventricular septum and the lower part of the interatrial septum. This results in a combination of a primum-type atrial septal defect, a ventricular septal defect in the inlet/membranous region, and a single, shared AV valve (or a common AV valve with clefts). This combination is exactly what is described by an atrioventricular canal defect. It’s the best match because it captures the involvement of both atrial and ventricular septa and the AV valve, due to cushion maldevelopment. In contrast, a ventricular septal defect alone involves only the ventricular septum; coarctation of the aorta is a narrowing of the aorta, and patent ductus arteriosus is the persistent fetal connection between the pulmonary artery and aorta.

Endocardial cushion defects arise when the endocardial cushions fail to fuse properly, compromising the formation of the atrioventricular septum and the lower part of the interatrial septum. This results in a combination of a primum-type atrial septal defect, a ventricular septal defect in the inlet/membranous region, and a single, shared AV valve (or a common AV valve with clefts). This combination is exactly what is described by an atrioventricular canal defect. It’s the best match because it captures the involvement of both atrial and ventricular septa and the AV valve, due to cushion maldevelopment. In contrast, a ventricular septal defect alone involves only the ventricular septum; coarctation of the aorta is a narrowing of the aorta, and patent ductus arteriosus is the persistent fetal connection between the pulmonary artery and aorta.