Intermediate type atrioventricular septal defect in the elderly.

A 65-year-old woman with intermediate type atrioventricular septal defect had been undiagnosed until initial presentation with congestive heart failure. She underwent surgery when the ventricular septal defect was found to be restrictive. The atrioventricular valve was similar to the common atrioventricular valve, but was connected to the crest of the ventricular septal defect. Surgery included direct closure of the ventricular septal defect, repair of the cleft in the atrioventricular valve, and ostium primum closure. Postoperative echocardiography indicated successful heart repair. We present a review of rare intermediate type atrioventricular septal defect in the elderly, and we discuss the surgical issues in this case.