What cardiac abnormality is commonly associated with Edwards syndrome?

Edwards syndrome, also known as trisomy 18, is frequently associated with several congenital heart defects, with ventricular septal defect (VSD) being one of the most common. VSD is characterized by an opening in the ventricular septum, which separates the left and right ventricles of the heart. The presence of this defect allows blood to flow from the left ventricle to the right ventricle, which can lead to increased pulmonary blood flow and various complications if left untreated.

Children with Edwards syndrome often present with multiple physical anomalies, and the presence of VSD is part of a broader spectrum of cardiac anomalies linked to this genetic condition. This association highlights the importance of thorough cardiac evaluation in infants diagnosed with Edwards syndrome to identify and manage any heart defects that may impact their health.

While other cardiac abnormalities like atrial septal defects and patent ductus arteriosus do occur in the general population, they are not as specifically tied to Edwards syndrome as VSD is. Mitral valve prolapse is also not a common feature associated with this syndrome, making ventricular septal defect the most relevant and significant cardiac abnormality connected to Edwards syndrome.