64 slice CT results

[justlookingforanswers]

Happy Holidays Everyone!  I was wondering if any of you out there had a better understanding of something I found on my report from my CT.  My doctor didn't mention it to me so I am assuming it is nothing, but nonetheless, I read the report and am a little concerned.

The report says:  

"There is a cleft seen in the heart and mediastinum associated with the basilar intraventricular septum.  There is a cleft seen in the muscular septum which is possibly a normal variant."

"A small old muscular VSD at this location having this appearance would be difficult to exclude.  This is not a typical location for a VSD as that most are in the membranous septum."

"The abnormality in the intraventricular septum is seen on images...blah, blah."

ABNORMALITY???  That word got me a little nervous.  I did call the doctor Wednesday and haven't heard back but it is the holidays!!

I was just hoping that someone knew a little more about the heart and its anatomy than I do and could give me a more info....just to get me through the holidays!!  I see my doc next week and will have this in hand but until then.......

Hope you all have a healthy holiday!!

[justlookingforanswers]

Thank you both for your very fast replies.  I know that my doc would have mentioned it if it were life threatening but sometimes it is hard to convince myself of it.

Thanks again, have a great holiday!!

[anacyde]

Everything kitcurious said :)

VSDs are really really common, in fact I was startled to learn how common they are.  Most pose no problem.  It sounds like you had or have one, it's just in an unusual place.

[kitcurious]

They seem to be saying that you have a formation that is a normal variant ( meaning it's found so commonly in the general population it is of no signifcance and may just be normal after all) and possibly a small old VSD (closed? unclear on that)that is in an unusual(but not unheard of )location for a VSD.

Small holes are common, congenital (VSDs account for about 20-30% of all heart defects discovered in newborns),usually don't cause problems, and frequently close on their own early in life. Obviously, not all of them do close.  Antibiotic prophylaxis can be required before procedures like dental work.

Small VSDs can apparently open after an MI, but if you have no memory of an old heart attack and the tests do not conclude it, then that wouldn't likely be the cause.

There are others with more expertise and experience on this forum who can address this better, but just let me say that in my personal experience, if they see anything on a test or exam that is of the LEAST bit of concern physicians follow-up on it immediately. It's their chosen "mission" in life, and, for those less nobly motivated, they also have to worry about litigation.

"Abnormality" doesn't usually translate into life threatening or necessarily even diminished functionality.

Try not to stress over it, it can develop into a cycle. Make note (even write them down so you don't forget) of all the questions you have for your doctor and have them prepared. I hope your appointment provides you with the answers and reassurance you seek.

Happy Holiday :-)