What Is Truncus Arteriosus?
Truncus arteriosus is a rare heart defect present at birth. Instead of having two large arteries leaving the heart, the baby has one. This single vessel must carry blood to both the lungs and the body.
It is a type of congenital heart disease that affects blood flow and oxygen levels. It is always treated with surgery.
How the Heart Is Affected
In a normal heart, the pulmonary artery and aorta carry blood in two directions. In truncus arteriosus, one common artery takes over both jobs. A hole between the lower chambers (called VSD) is also present.
This setup sends extra blood to the lungs and not enough to the rest of the body. That leads to poor oxygen levels and stress on the heart.
Types of Truncus Arteriosus
Doctors group this condition based on where the blood vessels branch off. The main truncus arteriosus types include:
What Causes It?
Truncus arteriosus embryology shows the heart doesn’t form the way it should in early development. The cause is often unknown. It may be linked to gene changes or other birth problems.
Symptoms and Signs
Signs often show up soon after birth. The baby may look blue or have trouble feeding.
Common symptoms:
These are also common symptoms of pediatric heart conditions. They often lead to fast testing and treatment.
How It’s Diagnosed
A baby heart defect diagnosis starts with a checkup. If a murmur is heard, more tests are ordered.
Tests may include:
A pediatric cardiologist will confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
This is where BaleDoneen can help.
We support families from early diagnosis through lifelong care. If your child had surgery for a heart defect, we help monitor heart health as they grow. We also guide care after childhood with proven strategies to prevent heart attack.
Treatment and Surgery
Truncus arteriosus treatment always involves heart surgery in infants. Surgery is done early, often in the first weeks of life. The goal is to separate blood flow to the lungs and body.
Surgery includes:
Follow-up care is key. Valve repairs may be needed later. Some may need aorta valve replacement surgery during childhood or early adulthood.
Treatment and Surgery
Truncus arteriosus life expectancy is better today with early care. Most babies survive surgery and grow well. They will need regular checks for heart function and valve changes.
Open heart surgery recovery can take weeks. Most babies go home within two to three weeks after surgery.
Prevention and Support
There is no known way to prevent truncus arteriosus. But early care helps babies live longer and feel better. Families with a history of congenital heart defects may want genetic testing during pregnancy for heart conditions.