ABSTRACT
This complex mixing defect may cause cyanosis, congestive cardiac failure, recurrent chest infections and failure to thrive. Survivors may develop pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vascular disease. Surgery is indicated early in infancy for the complete form of AVSD, to facilitate normal development and growth and avoid pulmonary vascular complications. Antenatal diagnosis of Down’s syndrome has dramatically reduced the occurrence of AVSD, since many families choose to terminate pregnancy.
