Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2025
08:19
A Pipeline to Characterize Structural Heart Defects in the Fetal Mouse
Published on: December 16, 2022
2.0K
Gerbode-ish Defect: A Congenital Left Ventricular-to-Right Atrium Shunt
Noah J Speiser1, Luke Wiggins2, Merujan Uzunyan3
1Keck School of Medicine of USC, Rolling Hills Estates, California, USA.
JACC. Case Reports
|August 22, 2025
Summary
A rare congenital Gerbode defect, a left ventricle to right atrium shunt, can be missed in newborns. Early diagnosis via echocardiogram is crucial for managing cyanosis and respiratory issues in infants.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Gerbode defects are rare communications between the left ventricle and right atrium.
- Congenital Gerbode defects necessitate prompt diagnosis and medical management prior to surgical correction.
Observation:
- A 3-day-old male infant presented with episodic cyanosis and tachypnea.
- Echocardiogram revealed a type 2 Gerbode defect, a left ventricle to right atrium shunt via the tricuspid valve.
Findings:
- Gerbode defects are often missed at birth due to varied cardiac presentations.
- Diagnosis can be challenging, requiring a high index of suspicion.
Implications:
- Cardiac anomalies should be considered in the differential diagnosis of infant cyanosis and respiratory distress.
- Echocardiography is essential for diagnosing Gerbode defects and monitoring shunt progression.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction
55
Mitral regurgitation is characterized by the backward circulation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole, a phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers. This abnormal flow occurs primarily due to the dysfunction of the mitral valve or its supporting structures, which include the mitral leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, and papillary muscles.Etiology and Mechanisms:Primary Mitral Regurgitation: This type arises from...
55
01:22Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
34
Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
34
01:15Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
36
IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
36
01:27Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction
42
IntroductionThe mitral valve, one of the heart's four valves, regulates blood flow. These valves have flaps that open and close to direct blood properly through the heart and body. During each heartbeat, the flaps open for blood to pass through and seal shut to prevent backflow. Specifically, the mitral valve opens to allow blood flow from the heart's upper left chamber to the lower left chamber. It then closes securely as the lower left chamber contracts to pump blood to the body, preventing...
42
01:25Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings II: Auscultation
247
Auscultation, an essential part of a heart examination, is done using a stethoscope. It provides crucial information about heart function and possible heart problems. Due to heart problems, abnormal sounds can be heard during systole or diastole. These sounds include S3 and S4 gallops, opening snaps, systolic clicks, and murmurs.
Abnormal Heart Sounds
Gallops:
Abnormal Heart Sounds
Gallops:
247
01:16Chambers of the Heart
5.9K
The human heart is a complex organ made up of four chambers: the right and left atria and the right and left ventricles. These internal chambers are separated by partitions known as the interatrial and interventricular septa. The exterior of the heart features a groove known as the coronary sulcus that demarcates the atria from the ventricles, while the anterior and posterior interventricular sulci distinguish between the two ventricles.
Deoxygenated blood from the body is received in the right...
Deoxygenated blood from the body is received in the right...
5.9K