Abstracto

Communication anomaly among left ventricle and right atrium; Gerbode defect.

Roopeessh Vempati

Gerbode defect is a rare cardiovascular defect occurring as a septal abnormality among the left ventricle and right atrium. Acquired Gerbode defect had surpassed the genetic defect rate with increasing prevalence in old individuals. It can also occur as a rare complication or secondary condition due to repeated replacement of heart valves. The overwhelming majority of cases are thought to be caused by iatrogenic injury, endocarditis, myocardial infarction in the right coronary artery distribution, or blunt cardiac trauma. Dyspnea, congestive heart failure, orthopnea, and pedal edema are prevalent symptoms experienced after the mitral or aortic valve replacement procedure. Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE), Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TOE), and Echocardiography (ECG) are used along with Doppler for the diagnosis. Elevated atrial volumes, irregular heartbeats, and atrial fibrillation are the identifying factors for the septal defect. It is a high-risk condition that requires immediate care, such as surgical management. The pericardial patch is opted prevalently during the surgical treatment of defects.