Ventricular Septal Defect

VSD is diagnosed using echocardiography (heart ultrasound). If needed, additional tests such as a cardiac CT scan or cardiac catheterization may be performed.

Treatment is needed if the child develops heart failure, poor growth, or pulmonary hypertension. Surgery is also required if there are complications caused by the VSD, such as double-chambered right ventricle (DCRV), aortic valve prolapse and regurgitation, or infective endocarditis (a heart infection). If there are symptoms of heart failure, medications including diuretics may be used temporarily to relieve symptoms. In many cases, surgical repair is needed, and for some patients, the defect can be closed using a catheter-based procedure (transcatheter closure).