Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2025

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease
Published on: July 18, 2014
Undiagnosed Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defect Presenting as Congestive Heart Failure in an Elderly Woman
Varshitha T Panduranga1, Maureen Masara1, Adam Kurnick2
1Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA.
Insights
Elderly patients rarely develop hemodynamically significant ventricular septal defects (VSDs). This case highlights the potential for unrepaired small VSDs to cause acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are typically diagnosed in childhood.
- Hemodynamically significant VSDs are uncommon in adults, especially the elderly.
- Long-term outcomes of unrepaired small VSDs in older populations are poorly understood.
Background:
A hemodynamically significant ventricular septal defect (VSD) typically manifests in children but is uncommon in adults. The long-term outcomes of unrepaired small VSDs in the elderly population are not well known because they rarely become hemodynamically significant.
Case Summary:
A 77-year-old woman presented with newonset heart failure and atrial fibrillation. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed a small peri-membranous (VSD) with "windsock deformity," a left-to-right shunt, and severely reduced ejection fraction. She experienced cardiogenic shock requiring inotropic support and later died.
Discussion:
Unrepaired small VSDs presenting as acute heart failure in elderly patients have rarely been reported. This unique case helps to inform other practitioners of potential long-term outcomes of unrepaired small VSDs.
Take-Home Messages:
Unrepaired VSDs in adults present a complex clinical challenge because of their uncertain long-term outcomes and limited data. This rare presentation in advanced age underscores the importance of early recognition and timely management.
Related Concept Videos
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Imbalances in Cardiac Output
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation

