What do endocardial cushions give rise to?

The endocardial cushions, which ultimately become transformed into dense connective tissue, form on the dorsal and ventral walls of the atrioventricular canal. As they grow into the canal, the two cushions meet and separate the atrioventricular canal into right and left channels (Figures 5 and 6).

What are endocardial cushion defects?

Endocardial cushion defects are congenital heart conditions that occur early in fetal life due to improperly developed heart tissue in the center of the heart (the endocardial cushion area of the heart). This results in a range of defects that are included in this category of endocardial cushion defects.

What does the atrioventricular canal develop into?

The proper development of the atrioventricular canal into its prospective components (The heart septum and associated valves) to create a clear division between the four compartments of the heart and ensure proper blood movement through the heart, are essential for proper heart function.

Is endocardial cushion defect cyanotic?

The defects can make the heart have to work harder to pump blood and cause symptoms like difficulty feeding, failure to gain weight, lung congestion, and a bluish tint to the skin (called cyanosis). Endocardial cushion defects are usually corrected through surgery while a child is still an infant.

How is AVSD diagnosed?

The healthcare provider can request a fetal echocardiogram to confirm the diagnosis if AVSD is suspected. A fetal echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the baby’s heart which shows more detail than the routine prenatal ultrasound test.

What are the different types of endocardial cushion defects?

Endocardial cushion defects, more commonly known as atrioventricular (AV) canal or septal defects, include a range of defects characterized by involvement of the atrial septum, the ventricular septum, and one or both of the AV valves. These defects can be classified by several methods.

Which is a model for endocardial cushion morphogenesis?

The high frequency of atrioventricular canal defects in Down (trisomy 21) syndrome is a clue to the genetic mechanism (s) involved in cushion morphogenesis. Increased adhesion of trisomy 21 cells is the basis of a long-standing model for abnormal atrioventricular canal development.

Where does the interatrial communication occur in an endocardial cushion defect?

An interatrial communication is left at the lower portion of the atrial septum. This is called an ostium primum defect. The failure of the endocardial cushions to fuse results in an abnormally low position of the AV valves and an abnormally high position of the aortic valve.

How does the endocardial cushion help the heart?

As they grow into the canal, the two cushions meet and separate the atrioventricular canal into right and left channels (Figures 5 and 6). The early endocardial cushions serve as primitive valves that assist in the forward propulsion of blood through the heart.