Exam 1 Review:  Chapter 18:  Pathology of the Heart -- Anatomical Defects

patent fossa ovalis - A flaplike opening in the interatrial septum at the location of the fossa ovalis which persists after age 1 year; this permits interatrial communication with the potential for a right-to-left shunt with inappropriate mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.  (In utero, the foramen ovale serves as a physiologic conduit for right-to-left shunting; once the pulmonary circulation is established after birth, left atrial pressure increases, allowing functional closure of the foramen ovale, followed by anatomical closure of the septum opening by the age of 1 year.)

coronary artery spasm - A sudden temporary closing of an artery, which cuts off blood flow to the heart and causes symptom of angina or heart attack; more common in atherosclerotic vessels; it may occur spontaneously, or it may be caused by exposure to cold, emotional stress, alcohol withdrawal, or vasoconstricting medications; cocaine use and cigarette smoking can cause severe spasm of the arteries while at the same time increasing the energy requirements of the heart..

patent ductus arteriosus - A failure of closure of the fetal shunt between the pulmonary trunk and the aorta after birth which permits a large left-to-right shunt and inappropriate mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood; if untreated the left side of the heart may enlarge and the pulmonary circulation may develop significant hypertension.

ventricular septal defect - A persistence of the hole in the interventricular septum of the heart, which normally closes early in fetal life; failure of closure of this fetal shunt permits a left-to-right shunt causing inappropriate mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood and pulmonary hypertension.

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