Ventricular septal defect in children and adults by echocardiography study in Iraqi patients

Objective: A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is defined as a communication between the left and right ventricles or between the left ventricle and the right atrium. VSDs are amongst the most common abnormalities of the heart. They can be present in isolation or in association with other congenital cardiac abnormalities. This is study done with the aim to evaluate the types, size, associated CHD with ventricular septal defect in children and adolescent in two cardiac centers (Medical City Complex cardiac clinics, Ibn Al Nafaes teaching hospital) in Baghdad - Iraq
Methods: Prospective cross sectional study based on echocardiography done pediatric cardiology centers and included all children and adult (birth to 25 years old) with VSD during period from 1st of October 2021 till 1st of July 2022. The examination performed in the lateral decubitus position using the echocardiography device (GE VIVID 9), transducer M6Sc-D and M5Sc-D. All patients were examined standard transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) including two dimensional, colors Doppler and M -mode. The standard technique was used to obtain the measurements. Size and type of VSD were examined in different standards four chambers, five chambers, parasternal long and short axis and subcostal views. The sample was divided into two groups, group 1 isolated VSD; and Group 2 associated with other CHD. The data collected for patients with ventricular septal defect and the age (from birth to 25 years old).A convenient sample of 206 patients with VSD was selected from consultancy clinics and wards of selected hospitals.
Results: A total of 206 patients with ventricular septal defect were included in this study; 105 patients (51%) from Medical city complex, 101 patients (49%) from Ibn Al Nafeas teaching hospital. Males were 49% while females were 51%. The prevalence of isolated VSD 99(48%) and VSD associated with other CHD 107(52%). Symptomatic VSD were 60%, while Asymptomatic VSD diagnosed incidentally were 40%. The most common type of VSD was Perimembranous 73 followed by muscular 19%, Inlet (canal type) 7% and Outlet (subarterial) Subpulmonic VSD 1% respect. The most common associated CHD was PDA 33 (30.8%), followed by ASD Secundum 30 (28%), PS 10 (9.3%), Coarctation of aorta 8 (7.4%), MR 7(6.5%), TOF 6 (5.6%), Atrioventricular canal defect 3 (2.8%), DORV 2 ( 1.8%) and each of L-TGA, DTGA, Dextrocardia , truncus arteriosus and tricuspid atrasia had 1 (1%).
Conclusions: The most common VSD type of studied patients is perimembranous in followed by muscular, inlet type and the less common is outlet. Although multifactorial, Consanguinity marriage with positive family history plays a great role of recurrent CHD in families.