ABSTRACT
In the normal heart, the interventricular septum has a fibrous component – the so-called membranous septum – and three muscular components: the inlet septum, the trabecular septum, and the outlet or infundibular septum. A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a congenital communication between the two ventricles. VSD may be isolated or part of more complex congenital heart disease (CHD). Shunt direction and size in isolated VSD are determined by the size of the defect and by the ratio of pulmonary to systemic vascular resistance. VSD is the most common CHD in childhood, accounting for about 25% of all CHD as an isolated defect, and 50% of all CHD for all VSD. In the adult population, VSD occur less often because of their frequent spontaneous closure. Echocardiography is a sensitive technique with an excellent detection rate, depending on the size and location of the defect.
