Congenital Heart Defects

Question 1

In this defect, a stricture in the aorta prevents blood flow from the left ventricle.
It usally occurs beyond the blood vesels that branch off to the upper body but before the blood vessels tha lead to the lower body.
Therefore, the blood flow in the upper body is abundant, whereas teh flow to the lower body is diminished. This results in decreased pulses in lower extremities, whereas bounding pulses (3+ bracial pulses) in the upper extremities.

Answer 1

Coarctation of the aorta

Question 2

It is characterized by a very small, underdeveloped left atrium, ventricle, and aorta. Essentially, the entire left side fo the heart is not developed. This infant will appear cyanoticc and quickly show signs of heart failure.

Answer 2

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)

Question 3

1. _______________ It is a normal duct in fetal circulation that allows oxygenated blood to shunt from the pulmonary artery to the aorta and bypass pulmonary circulation. It should close shortly after birth, but if it does not, it is known as 2. ______________. These infants present with a machine-like murmur.

Answer 3

1. Ductus arteriosus
2. Patent ductus arteriosus