A 10 year old male patient broke his tooth while playing. He gives a history of Endocardial cushion defect. Extra-oral examination reveals an underdeveloped midface, brachycephalic skull, flat nasal bridge and oblique palpebral fissures. What would be the common cardiac finding in patients with this condition?
**Core Concept**
The underlying condition described involves a combination of dental, facial, and cardiac anomalies, suggesting a syndrome that affects multiple systems. The **Endocardial cushion defect**, also known as atrioventricular septal defect, is a congenital heart defect that involves the septa of the heart and can be associated with specific syndromes. The facial features described are characteristic of **Down syndrome**, which is known to have an increased incidence of congenital heart defects.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Given the description of the patient's facial features (underdeveloped midface, brachycephalic skull, flat nasal bridge, and oblique palpebral fissures) and the history of an **Endocardial cushion defect**, it is highly suggestive of **Down syndrome**. Down syndrome is associated with an increased risk of congenital heart defects, with **atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD)** being particularly common. AVSD is a type of heart defect that involves the septa between the heart's chambers and can affect the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Without specific details on Option A, it's challenging to provide a direct reason for its incorrectness. However, if it doesn't align with the common cardiac findings in Down syndrome, it would be incorrect.
**Option B:** Similarly, without specifics, if Option B doesn't correspond to the known cardiac associations with Down syndrome, it would not be the correct answer.
**Option C:** If Option C suggests a cardiac defect not commonly associated with Down syndrome, it would be an incorrect choice.
**Option D:** Assuming Option D is not AVSD or another cardiac defect commonly found in Down syndrome, it would be incorrect.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that patients with Down syndrome have a higher incidence of congenital heart defects, with **atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD)** being one of the most common. Recognizing the facial features and developmental delays associated with Down syndrome can prompt further investigation into potential cardiac anomalies.
**Correct Answer:** D. Atrioventricular Septal Defect