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Ventricular septal defect with overriding aorta in trisomy-18
R J Moene1, M Sobotka-Plojhar, A Oppenheimer-Dekker
1Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Free University Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
Prenatal echocardiography detecting a ventricular septal defect with overriding aorta in a child suggests a 50% risk of trisomy-18. Further ultrasound and genetic testing are recommended for diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Prenatal Diagnosis
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) is a genetic disorder associated with multiple congenital anomalies.
- Congenital heart defects are common in infants with trisomy 18.
- Prenatal diagnosis of cardiac malformations can guide further investigation.
Observation:
- A case report details a child diagnosed prenatally with a ventricular septal defect and overriding aorta via echocardiography.
- A prior anatomical study revealed a 50% concurrence rate between this specific heart malformation and trisomy 18.
Findings:
- Prenatal echocardiography identified a ventricular septal defect with an overriding aorta.
- This cardiac anomaly has a significant association with trisomy 18.
Implications:
- Prenatal detection of this heart defect warrants a comprehensive ultrasound to screen for other trisomy 18-related anomalies.
- Cytogenetic analysis of amniotic cells is advised for definitive diagnosis of trisomy 18.
- Early diagnosis allows for appropriate management planning and parental counseling.
Abstract:
In a child with trisomy-18 prenatal echocardiography demonstrated the presence of a ventricular septal defect with overriding aorta. In a previous anatomical study of 18 hearts with this malformation we found a 50% concurrence rate with trisomy-18. In case of prenatal echocardiographic detection of a ventricular septal defect with overriding aorta, we advise thorough ultrasound examination for additional malformations as seen in trisomy-18; subsequently this procedure should be completed by cytogenetic analysis of amniotic cells.
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