Is there another type of biventricular atrioventricular connection?
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Updated: Oct 17, 2026

Use of Two Intracorporeal Ventricular Assist Devices As a Total Artificial Heart
Published on: May 11, 2018
C L Birincioğlu1, A T Ulus, H Bardakci
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Türkiye Yüksek Ihtisas Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Insights
This study describes a rare congenital heart defect in a child, featuring a unique central atrioventricular valve. This anomaly caused abnormal blood flow, suggesting a potentially new diagnosis in pediatric cardiology.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Congenital heart anomalies require precise anatomical and functional characterization.
- Understanding atrioventricular valve morphology is crucial for diagnosing complex congenital heart defects.
Observation:
- A 9-year-old girl presented with multiple cardiac anomalies.
- Key findings included a left atrioventricular valve, right atrioventricular valve, and a unique 'central' atrioventricular valve.
- Intact interatrial and interventricular septa were noted, with a right-to-left shunt through the central valve.
Findings:
- The case exhibited concordant and discordant atrioventricular connections.
- A central atrioventricular valve facilitated the sole pathway for pulmonary and systemic blood mixing via a right-to-left shunt.
- This unique anatomical configuration suggests a previously unrecognized cardiac anomaly.
Implications:
- This case highlights the diverse spectrum of congenital heart anomalies.
- Recognition of this anomaly may improve diagnostic accuracy and patient management in pediatric cardiology.
- Further research is warranted to understand the embryological basis and long-term outcomes of this condition.
Abstract:
In evaluating a 9-year-old girl, we encountered the following cardiac anomalies: a left atrioventricular valve (the morphologic left atrium on the left side, connected with the morphologic left ventricle); concordant atrioventricular connections; a right atrioventricular valve (a morphologic right atrium on the right side, connected with the morphologic right ventricle); concordant atrioventricular connection; a "central" atrioventricular valve (separating the morphologic right atrium from the morphologic left ventricle); and discordant atrioventricular connection with intact interatrial and interventricular septa. A right-to-left shunt passed through the central valvular structure, which was situated at the atrioventricular septum. This was the only means of mixing pulmonary and systemic blood. We suggest that this case presents a newly recognized cardiac anomaly.
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