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Ventricular septal defect — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

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EasyCardiologyVentricular septal defectRACP Paediatrics

A 6-week-old presents with poor feeding and tachypnoea. Examination reveals a pansystolic murmur loudest at the left lower sternal edge with a palpable thrill. There is hepatomegaly and failure to thrive. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: C — Ventricular septal defect

A pansystolic murmur loudest at the left lower sternal edge with a thrill in an infant presenting with heart failure symptoms (poor feeding, tachypnoea, hepatomegaly, FTT) is characteristic of a large VSD with significant left-to-right shunt. VSD is the most common congenital heart defect.

Reference: RCH Melbourne – 2023 – Heart Failure CPG; RACP Paediatric Curriculum – Cardiology