Truncus Arteriosus Flashcards
What happens when the aorta and the pulmonary artery fail to separate completely during development?
The aorta and pulmonary artery are connected. There is only one artery/trunk instead of two. This CHD is called truncus arteriosus.
What other CHD is commonly associated with this condition?
It usually comes with VSD.
What happens when oxygenated and deoxygenated blood mix together?
Too much blood goes to the lungs. This increases the blood pressure needed to pump blood to the rest of the body.
What type of valve is found in this condition instead of the two semi-lunar valves?
A single common valve – the truncal valve. It normally has 3 flaps or cusps, but it can sometimes be abnormal.
How is the truncal valve often abnormal?
It can be thickened, which blocks blood when leaving. It can be narrowed, which causes leaks. It can also have the abnormal amount of cusps (the normal amount is 3)
What might a victim of this condition need soon after birth?
A victim may need surgery or other procedures soon after birth. It is therefore considered a critical CHD.
Truncus arteriosus happens when…
Truncus arteriosus happens when only a single vessel comes out of the heart
What happens to infants with truncus arteriosus in the first few days of life?
They are usually in distress.
Why are infants with truncus arteriosus usually in distress?
A large amount of blood going to the lungs makes the heart work harder.
What effect does truncus arteriosus have on the heart?
It leads to higher HR and BP.
What are some signs and symptoms of truncus arteriosus?
Cyanosis, problems breathing, fast HR, weak pulse, and extreme sleepiness.
What is cyanosis?
Cyanosis is the condition of having bluish lips, skin, and nails because of low blood oxygen levels.
What is one of the breathing-related signs of truncus arteriosus?
Problems breathing.
What heart-related sign can be seen in truncus arteriosus?
A fast HR.
What is a circulatory symptom of truncus arteriosus?
A weak pulse.
What level of alertness is typical in infants with truncus arteriosus?
Extreme sleepiness.
How is truncus arteriosus diagnosed during pregnancy or soon after birth?
It can be diagnosed during pregnancy with prenatal tests such as ultrasounds or after birth with an echocardiogram
What prenatal tests are used to diagnose truncus arteriosus?
Prenatal ultrasounds are used to check for birth defects and other conditions including truncus arteriosus
Can an ultrasound detect truncus arteriosus?
Yes, an ultrasound may detect truncus arteriosus during pregnancy
What is ordered if truncus arteriosus is suspected during pregnancy?
A fetal echocardiogram may be ordered to confirm truncus arteriosus
What is an echocardiogram used for after birth?
An echocardiogram shows the structure of the heart and can confirm truncus arteriosus
Can an echocardiogram show how the heart is working with truncus arteriosus?
Yes, it can show how the heart is working or not working with the defect
What can newborn pulse oximetry screening detect?
Newborn pulse oximetry screening can detect truncus arteriosus before symptoms appear
What medicines may be needed for infants with truncus arteriosus?
Some infants may need medicine to strengthen the heart muscle, lower blood pressure, or help get rid of extra fluid
Why might some infants with truncus arteriosus have difficulty feeding?
Some infants get tired while feeding and do not eat enough to gain weight or sufficient nutrition
What is prescribed to help infants with truncus arteriosus gain weight and nutrition?
A special high-calorie formula may be prescribed to ensure babies get enough nutrition
Do some infants with truncus arteriosus need feeding tubes?
Yes, some infants may need feeding tubes to get enough nutrition
When is surgery needed for infants with truncus arteriosus?
Surgery is needed to repair the heart and blood vessels, usually within the first few months of life
How is the timing of surgery for truncus arteriosus determined?
Surgery timing depends on how sick the infant is and the specific structure of the defect
What is the goal of surgery for truncus arteriosus?
The goal is to separate the flow of deoxygenated blood to the lungs and oxygenated blood to the body
What is done to close the VSD in truncus arteriosus surgery?
The VSD is closed with a patch during surgery
What happens to the common artery during surgery for truncus arteriosus?
The common artery is turned into the new aorta during surgery
What is used as a new MPA during surgery for truncus arteriosus?
A conduit with an artificial valve is used to become the new MPA during surgery
Do most victims of truncus arteriosus survive the surgical repair?
Yes, most victims survive the surgical repair, but they may need more surgery or other procedures over time
Why do victims of truncus arteriosus need more surgery or procedures?
Because the artificial tube and valve don’t grow and will need to be replaced as the child grows
What can happen to the blood flow in victims of truncus arteriosus?
Blockages to blood flow may occur and need to be relieved
What problems might arise with the truncal valve in victims of truncus arteriosus?
Problems with the truncal valve may arise
Who do victims of truncus arteriosus need regular follow-up visits with?
They need regular follow-up visits with a cardiologist
What is the purpose of the regular follow-up visits for victims of truncus arteriosus?
To monitor progress and avoid other complications and health problems
