PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS PDA is a heart problem that is frequently noted in the first few weeks or months after birth. It is characterized by the persistence of a normal fetal connection between the aorta and the pulmonary artery which allows oxygen-rich (red) blood that should go to the body to recirculate through the lungs….
INTRODUCTION Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD) is a congenital heart condition characterized by abnormal openings in the septum between the heart’s atria and ventricles. This defect can lead to the mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, potentially causing various health issues and requiring surgical intervention. Understanding AVSD is crucial for both medical professionals and patients dealing…
OVERVIEW An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of your heart (atria). The condition is present at birth (congenital). Small defects may never cause a problem and may be found incidentally. It’s also possible that small atrial septal defects may close on their own during infancy…
Acyanotic heart defects are congenital cardiac malformations that affect the atrial or ventricular walls, heart valves, or large blood vessels. Common causes include genetic defects (e.g., trisomies), maternal infections (e.g., rubella), or maternal consumption of drugs or alcohol during pregnancy. Acyanotic heart defects are characterized pathophysiologically by a left-to-right shunt, which causes pulmonary hypertension and…
DEFINATION Congenital heart disease, or a congenital heart defect, is a heart abnormality present at birth. The problem can affect: The heart walls The heart valves The blood vessels There are numerous types of congenital heart defects. They can range from simple conditions that don’t cause symptoms to complex problems that cause severe, life-threatening symptoms….
What is a Coxa Vara? Coxa vara is a deformity of the hip, whereby the angle between the head and the shaft of the femur is reduced to less than 120 degrees. This results in the leg being shortened, and the development of a limp. It is commonly caused by injury, such as a fracture….
What is Flatfoot? Flatfoot (pes planus) is a condition in which the longitudinal arch in the foot, which runs lengthwise along the sole of the foot, has not developed normally and is lowered or flattened out. One foot or both feet may be affected. When the arches on the inside of your feet are flattened,…
What is a Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)? → Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. This can result in trouble standing up. Most are unable to walk by the age of 12.→ Females with a single copy of the defective gene may show mild symptoms. Scoliosis is…
What is a Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (CMD)? → Congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) refers to a group of muscular dystrophies that become apparent at or near birth. Muscular dystrophies in general are genetic, degenerative diseases primarily affecting voluntary muscles.→ Congenital muscular dystrophies are autosomal recessively-inherited muscle diseases. Signs / Symptoms → CMD will display some progressive…
What is a Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD)? → Becker muscular dystrophy is an inherited disorder that involves slowly worsening muscle weakness of the legs and pelvis. Symptoms of Becker Muscular Dystrophy → Symptoms usually begin in childhood. The average age at diagnosis is 11 years but there is a wide age range. The clinical severity…
