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Atrioventricular septal defect
Atrioventricular septal defect is an opening between all 4 chambers of the heart that is present at birth (congenital heart defect). It is caused by a failure of heart tissue to come together during the growth of the fetus.
Atrioventricular septal defect results in a large opening in the center of the heart, with a hole between the 2 lower chambers (ventricular septal defect) and between the 2 upper chambers (atrial septal defect).
Atrioventricular septal defect requires surgery to correct.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: August 4, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Siobhan M. Dolan, MD, MPH - Reproductive Genetics David Smith, MD - Family Medicine | |
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