Does the size of the ventricular septal defects matter?

Question

Hello doctor,

My baby was diagnosed with a 4 mm VSD (ventricular septal defect) during the 20th week of pregnancy. After delivery, an echocardiogram was performed, and our pediatric cardiologist informed us that my baby had a large perimembranous VSD shunting bidirectionally, but did not specify the size. My baby is now three months old, and I would like to know whether the size of the VSD matters. My baby has poor weight gain, and the cardiologist advised us to prepare for surgery. Currently, he is taking Furosemide, 0.2 ml twice a day

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Yes, size matters. Small VSDs (ventricular septal defects) typically do not require treatment, while larger ones (usually more than 6 mm in diameter) may need surgical correction. In this case, since the VSD is large and there is no significant pressure gradient across it, surgical correction is necessary. Whether it measures 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, or another size, the management approach remains the same. Therefore, size is relatively less important in this situation.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.