A subset of patients with ventricular septal defect develop prolapse of an aortic valve cusp, leading to progressive aortic regurgitation. This complication changes the clinical trajectory and requires a specific management approach beyond routine VSD surveillance.
In this scenario, the VSD acts as a substrate for cusp prolapse, and the resulting progressive aortic regurgitation drives both haemodynamic deterioration and the decision to intervene. The presence of worsening AR in this setting is the key indicator that guides the treatment strategy.
In patients with VSD-associated prolapse of an aortic valve cusp causing progressive AR, surgery should be considered.
Surgical closure can be performed with low operative mortality (1-2%) and good long-term results.
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