What is a common cardiac defect associated with Trisomy 18?

Trisomy 18, also known as Edwards syndrome, is associated with multiple congenital anomalies, including a variety of cardiac defects. Among the defects linked to this condition, ventricular septal defects (VSD) are particularly common. A VSD is a defect in the septum that separates the heart's ventricles, leading to abnormal blood flow between the left and right sides of the heart. This abnormality can contribute to significant hemodynamic changes and respiratory issues in affected neonates, which aligns with the clinical presentations typically observed in Trisomy 18.

While other cardiac defects like pulmonary atresia, atrial septal defects, and valvular stenosis can occur in various congenital heart disease contexts, they are not as frequently associated with Trisomy 18 specifically as VSDs are. Therefore, recognizing ventricular septal defect as the most common cardiac defect in this syndrome is crucial for understanding the implications of Trisomy 18 and guiding appropriate management for affected infants.