Persistent truncus arteriosus

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Persistent truncus arteriosus (pronunciation: per-SIS-tent TRUN-kus ar-teer-e-O-sus) is a rare form of congenital heart disease that presents at birth. The term originates from the Latin words truncus meaning trunk and arteriosus referring to artery.

Definition

Persistent truncus arteriosus is a condition where the embryonic structure known as the truncus arteriosus fails to properly divide into the pulmonary artery and aorta during the first few weeks of fetal development. This results in a single large blood vessel, or truncus, that arises from the heart, instead of the normal two separate vessels.

Symptoms

Symptoms of persistent truncus arteriosus typically appear within the first few days of life and may include cyanosis (a bluish coloration of the skin due to low oxygen levels), rapid breathing, poor feeding, and failure to gain weight.

Causes

The exact cause of persistent truncus arteriosus is unknown, but it is believed to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is often associated with DiGeorge syndrome, a genetic disorder caused by a defect in the chromosome 22.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of persistent truncus arteriosus is usually made through a combination of physical examination, echocardiography, and cardiac catheterization.

Treatment

Treatment for persistent truncus arteriosus typically involves open-heart surgery to separate the single large vessel into two separate vessels. This is usually performed within the first few weeks of life.

Prognosis

With early diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis for children with persistent truncus arteriosus has significantly improved. However, long-term follow-up care is necessary to monitor for potential complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and endocarditis.

See also

External links

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