Ventricular Septal Defect.

Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are the most common congenital heart malformations seen in children. Because spontaneous closure occurs frequently, patients with small VSDs should be followed clinically with no limitations except endocarditis prophylaxis. Surgical closure is recommended for only small defects with significant associated lesions such as aortic regurgitation, aortic valve prolapse, right or left ventricular outflow obstruction, tricuspid regurgitation, left ventricle to right atrial shunt, or recurrent endocarditis. Enlarging left ventricular size or deteriorating left ventricular function would also be an indication for surgical repair. Moderate and large VSDs in infancy often require treatment of congestive heart failure with diuretics, digitalis, and afterload reduction. Surgical closure before 9 months of age is indicated for large VSDs and by 2 years of age for moderate shunts to prevent pulmonary vascular obstructive disease and the consequences of long-standing volume overload. Device closure of VSD is still in the investigational stage but holds promise for treatment of apical or multiple muscular VSDs.