Persistent truncus arteriosus

Persistent truncus arteriosus (PTA) is a rare form of congenital heart disease that presents at birth. In this condition, instead of having separate vessels to carry blood from the heart to the lungs and the rest of the body, there is only one common blood vessel or truncus.

Signs and Symptoms

Infants with PTA often show signs of heart failure within the first few weeks of life. These can include rapid breathing, poor feeding, and failure to gain weight. Other symptoms may include a bluish coloration of the skin and lips (cyanosis), fatigue, and poor circulation.

Causes

PTA is caused by a defect in the development of the heart during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of PTA is usually made shortly after birth, based on the infant's symptoms and a physical examination. This can be confirmed by echocardiography, which can show the single vessel coming out of the heart, and other associated heart defects.

Treatment

Treatment for PTA involves surgery to separate the single large vessel into two separate vessels, one for the lungs (pulmonary artery) and one for the body (aorta). This is usually done within the first few weeks of life. Medications may also be used to help manage symptoms before surgery.

Prognosis

With early diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis for children with PTA is generally good. However, they will need lifelong follow-up care with a cardiologist to monitor their heart function and manage any complications.

See Also

• Congenital heart disease
• Heart failure
• Cyanosis
• Echocardiography

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