Which congenital heart defect is commonly associated with Down syndrome?

The correct choice is commonly associated with Down syndrome is a ventricular septal defect (VSD). Down syndrome, or trisomy 21, is linked to several congenital heart defects, and VSD is one of the most prevalent among these.

In children with Down syndrome, the presence of a ventricular septal defect occurs due to abnormal development of the heart structures during the embryonic phase. A VSD is characterized by an opening in the septum that divides the left and right ventricles, leading to abnormal blood flow between these chambers. This can result in various complications, such as increased pulmonary blood flow and heart failure.

The association between Down syndrome and VSD is well established in medical literature, making it a key consideration in the care and assessment of patients with Down syndrome. While other congenital heart defects can also occur in children with Down syndrome, VSD is particularly common and often necessitates monitoring and sometimes surgical intervention depending on its size and the resultant hemodynamic effects.