Which of the following is the MOST common congenital cardiac malformation encountered at birth?

• A Pulmonary stenosis
• B Atrial septal defect
• C Patent ductus arteriosus
• D Ventricular septal defect ✓

Explanation

Ventricular septal defect accounts for roughly 30 percent of all congenital heart defects and is the single most common malformation worldwide, including in Indian series. Atrial septal defect is the second most common and patent ductus arteriosus ranks third, so both are tempting distractors. The high spontaneous closure rate of small muscular VSDs does not change its frequency at birth.

Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.