Truncus

Truncus arteriosus is a rare type of congenital heart disease that presents at birth. In this condition, a single blood vessel (truncus arteriosus) comes out of the right and left ventricles, instead of the normal 2 vessels (pulmonary artery and aorta). It is associated with a ventricular septal defect (VSD), a hole between the two ventricles.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of truncus arteriosus may vary, but common signs include cyanosis (blue skin, lips, and nail beds due to lack of oxygen), poor feeding, failure to gain weight and grow at the expected rate, excessive sleepiness or fatigue, and rapid breathing or shortness of breath.

Causes

Truncus arteriosus occurs during fetal growth when the baby's heart is developing. While some factors, such as genetics, diabetes in the mother, or maternal use of certain medications, may increase the risk, in most cases the cause is unknown.

Diagnosis

Truncus arteriosus can often be diagnosed during pregnancy or soon after the baby is born. Tests that can help diagnose this condition include echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, and cardiac catheterization.

Treatment

Treatment for truncus arteriosus is surgical and should be done within the first few weeks of life. The surgery involves closing the ventricular septal defect and separating the pulmonary arteries from the single large vessel and connecting them to the right ventricle using a conduit.

Prognosis

With early diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis for children with truncus arteriosus has greatly improved. Many children who have had surgery for truncus arteriosus live healthy lives, though they will need lifelong cardiac care and may need additional surgeries or procedures.

See Also

• Congenital heart disease
• Ventricular septal defect
• Cyanosis
• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram
• Cardiac catheterization

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