What is a transmural defect?

A transmural defect is a medical term that refers to an abnormal opening or gap that extends through the entire thickness of a structure or tissue. It can occur in various organs and tissues of the body, but is commonly found in the heart and gastrointestinal tract.

In the context of the heart, a transmural defect specifically refers to a hole or opening that affects all three layers of the heart's tissue: the epicardium (outer layer), myocardium (middle muscular layer), and endocardium (inner layer). This type of defect can be congenital, meaning present from birth, or it can be acquired due to injury or disease. Common transmural defects of the heart include ventricular septal defect (VSD) and atrial septal defect (ASD).

In the gastrointestinal tract, a transmural defect can occur in any part of the digestive system. It can manifest as an abnormal opening or fistula between the layers of the intestinal wall or between the intestine and another nearby structure. Transmural defects in the digestive system can be caused by various conditions such as Crohn's disease, diverticular disease, or complications from surgery.

Overall, a transmural defect is a term used to describe a type of structural abnormality that affects the full thickness of a tissue or organ, impacting its normal function. It can have different causes and manifestations depending on its location within the body.