Final answer:
A patent ductus arteriosus is the specific cardiac anomaly often associated with septal defects that can cause conditions like edema and pulmonary hypertension.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patent ductus arteriosus is a cardiac anomaly that is often associated with septal defects. In this condition, the ductus arteriosus, which is a blood vessel connecting the pulmonary artery and the aorta in a fetus, fails to close after birth.
As a result, blood from the higher pressure aorta flows into the lower pressure pulmonary trunk, leading to increased pulmonary pressure and difficulties in respiration. This can cause symptoms such as edema and pulmonary hypertension.