Question 1

what is truncus arteriosus?

Accepted Answer

Congenital heart dx: Truncus arteriosus is a relatively rare form of congenital heart disease consisting of a single, common blood vessel that arises from the heart pumping chambers (ventricles) and gives rise to both the pulmonary arteries (taking blood to the lungs) and the aorta (taking blood to the body). It's caused by a failure of the truncus to separate into a pulmonary artery and aorta during fetal development.

Question 2

what are the tests for truncus arteriosus?

Accepted Answer

Echo and cxr: Clinical presentation leads to suspicion of heart disease. Lack of improving oxygenation with 100% oxygen is another area of concern. Cxr will be diagnostic along with echocardiogram.

Question 3

what are the common symptoms of truncus arteriosus?

Accepted Answer

Fast breathing: When children are born with this, they can appear quite healthy. Over the first days to weeks of life, patients breath rapidly as more blood floods the lungs. They have difficulty eatting and gaining weight.. All of these patients require surgery.

Question 4

what to do if i'm having kids, possible or not with truncus arteriosus?

Accepted Answer

Wrong place to ask: The cardiologist who manages your specific case is the best source for information on your risks with reproduction. His/her advice and that of your OBGyn could give you an understanding of how pregnancy would affect you.

Question 5

what kind of operation is needed for a truncus arteriosus?

Accepted Answer

Open heart surgery: Repair of truncus arteriosus is a complicated procedure, because the aorta and pulmonary artery did not separate during development. A patch is placed to close the communication between the right and left ventricle.  The pulmonary arteries are taken off of the aorta and a new tube graft is placed into the right ventricle and connected to the pulmonary arteries to restore a normal circulation.

Question 6

can the formation of aortic arches come prior to septation of truncus arteriosus?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Formation of primitive aortic arches begins in the third week of fetal life.  The aortic and pulmonary outflow tracts are fully separated by 8-9 weeks.

Question 7

what is the relationship between truncus arteriosus (embryology) and the bulbous cordis?

Accepted Answer

Truncus and bulbus: read these:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulbus_cordis

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persistent_truncus_arteriosus

Question 8

do a lot of people have a baby with pulmonary sling, complete tracheal rings, and truncus arteriosus?

Accepted Answer

No: These entities are relatively rare.  However, today's pediatric cardiac and thoracic surgeons are experts in repairing even the most complicated lesions. You should discuss your concerns with them. Good luck.

Question 9

if people with  truncus arteriosus type 4 receive a heart transplant will it solve the problem?

Accepted Answer

No: Type 4 truncus arteriosus is also known as pseudotruncus. It is typically repaired surgically, not with a transplant. If a patient has a failed surgical repair a transplant is sometimes an option. A transplant is not a cure, as it is a medical condition itself that has to be managed closely. Rejection is always to be feared, and anti-rejection medication can have troubling side effects.

Question 10

what?causes ?the patent ductus arteriosus?

Accepted Answer

Causes the PDA: The PDA is a critical vessel that allows the blood to bypass the lungs and get to the placenta while babys are still inside, in mom's uterus.  The lungs are full of amniotic fluid and don't do any gas exchange (o2 delivery and co2 release)

eveyone is born with a pda, it persists... Open (patent) most commonly in premature babies.
There is no absolute answer as to why it stays open in some people.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Cause of truncus arteriosus

A member asked:

What is truncus arteriosus?

A member asked:

What are the tests for truncus arteriosus?

A member asked:

What are the common symptoms of truncus arteriosus?

A member asked:

What to do if i'm having kids, possible or not with truncus arteriosus?

A member asked:

What kind of operation is needed for a truncus arteriosus?

A member asked:

Can the formation of aortic arches come prior to septation of truncus arteriosus?

A member asked:

What is the relationship between truncus arteriosus (embryology) and the bulbous cordis?

A member asked:

Do a lot of people have a baby with pulmonary sling, complete tracheal rings, and truncus arteriosus?

A member asked:

If people with truncus arteriosus type 4 receive a heart transplant will it solve the problem?

A member asked:

What?causes ?the patent ductus arteriosus?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?