Abstract
Background and Aim: We showed in our anatomical review, ventricular
septal defects existing as multiple entities can be considered in terms
of three major subsets. We address here the diagnostic challenges,
associated anomalies, the role and techniques of surgical instead of
interventional closure, and the outcomes. including reinterventions, for
each subset. Methods: We reviewed 80 published investigations, noting
radiographic findings, and the results of clinical imaging elucidating
the location, number, size of septal defects, and associated anomalies,
and the effect of severe pulmonary hypertension. Results: Overall,
perioperative mortality for treatment of residual multiple defects has
been cited to be between zero and 14.2%, with morbidity estimated
between 6% to 13%. Perioperative mortality is twice as high for
perimembranous compared to muscular defects, with need for reoperation
is over four times higher. Perventricular hybrid approaches are useful
for closure of high anterior or apical defects. Overall, results have
been unsatisfactory. Pooled data reveals incidences between 2.8% and
45% for device-related adverse events. Currently, however, outcomes
cannot be assessed on the basis of the different anatomical sub-sets.
Conclusions: We have addressed the approaches, and the results, of
therapeutic treatment in terms of co-existing discrete defects, the
Swiss-cheese septum, and the arrangement in which a solitary apical
muscular defect gives the impression of multiple defects when viewed
from the right ventricular aspect. Treatment should vary according to
the specific combination of defects.