The Congenital Isolated Apical Ventricular Septal Defect

Congenital isolated apical VSDS can be found from early infancy through adolescence. Spontaneous closure is common in the first year of life. The defects are almost always small and rarely cause symptoms or require surgery. Antibiotic prophylaxis for infectious endocarditis is indicated. The auscultatory findings are characteristic and distinctive, and when present, referral for an echocardiogram or to a pediatric cardiologist is not necessary. The most cost-effective approach to the diagnosis is the use of the stethoscope and an educated ear.