Ostium premium is also known by which term?

The correct identification of ostium primum as an endocardial cushion defect is rooted in the understanding of congenital heart defects. Ostium primum refers to a specific type of atrial septal defect where there is a failure of proper fusion of the endocardial cushions during fetal development. This defect typically results in an atrioventricular canal, which is why it is often referred to as an endocardial cushion defect.

In this condition, there's a deficiency in the tissue that forms the walls (septa) that should separate the atria and the ventricles. As a result, instead of having separate atria and ventricles, there is a shared space that can lead to significant blood flow issues due to the mixing of deoxygenated and oxygenated blood, often leading to congestive heart failure if not addressed. This understanding is crucial for evaluating and managing congenital heart defects in pediatric patients, as it affects both the anatomy and function of the heart.