What It Is
Truncus arteriosus is characterized by a large ventricular septal defect over which a large, single great vessel (truncus) arises. This single great vessel carries blood both to the body and to the lungs.
Truncus arteriosus is characterized by a large ventricular septal defect over which a large, single great vessel (truncus) arises. This single great vessel carries blood both to the body and to the lungs.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is required to close the ventricular septal defect and separate blood flow to the body from blood flow to the lungs. This is generally done early in infancy to prevent high blood pressure from damaging the lungs' arteries. A patch is used to close the ventricular defect. The pulmonary arteries are then disconnected from the single great vessel and a tube (a conduit or tunnel) is placed from the right ventricle to these pulmonary arteries. This is sometimes called a Rastelli repair.
Surgery is required to close the ventricular septal defect and separate blood flow to the body from blood flow to the lungs. This is generally done early in infancy to prevent high blood pressure from damaging the lungs' arteries. A patch is used to close the ventricular defect. The pulmonary arteries are then disconnected from the single great vessel and a tube (a conduit or tunnel) is placed from the right ventricle to these pulmonary arteries. This is sometimes called a Rastelli repair.
Medical
Patients with truncus arteriosus need regular follow-up with a pediatric or adult cardiologist with special training in congenital heart disease. You may need to take medicine after your operation to help your heart pump better. Your cardiologist will track you with a variety of tests. These include electrocardiograms, Holter monitors, exercise stress tests and echocardiograms to determine when another procedure such as cardiac catheterization may be needed.
Patients with truncus arteriosus need regular follow-up with a pediatric or adult cardiologist with special training in congenital heart disease. You may need to take medicine after your operation to help your heart pump better. Your cardiologist will track you with a variety of tests. These include electrocardiograms, Holter monitors, exercise stress tests and echocardiograms to determine when another procedure such as cardiac catheterization may be needed.
Activity Restrictions
If you have decreased heart function or rhythm disturbances, you may need to limit your activity. Your cardiologist will help determine what is necessary.
If you have decreased heart function or rhythm disturbances, you may need to limit your activity. Your cardiologist will help determine what is necessary.
Problems You May Have
Heart Function
In the long-term period after the operation, the heart muscle's ability to contract may decrease. You may need medication including diuretics, agents to help your heart pump better and drugs to control your blood pressure.
In the long-term period after the operation, the heart muscle's ability to contract may decrease. You may need medication including diuretics, agents to help your heart pump better and drugs to control your blood pressure.
Heart Rhythm Disturbances
Patients with repaired truncus arteriosus have a higher risk for heart rhythm disturbances, called arrhythmias. These arrhythmias can originate from the atria (the heart's two upper chambers) or the ventricles (the two lower chambers). Sometimes they may cause dizziness or fainting. Medication may be required to control them. In rare cases, a procedure in the cardiac catheterization laboratory or the operating room may be required to eliminate these arrhythmias and control symptoms.
Patients with repaired truncus arteriosus have a higher risk for heart rhythm disturbances, called arrhythmias. These arrhythmias can originate from the atria (the heart's two upper chambers) or the ventricles (the two lower chambers). Sometimes they may cause dizziness or fainting. Medication may be required to control them. In rare cases, a procedure in the cardiac catheterization laboratory or the operating room may be required to eliminate these arrhythmias and control symptoms.
High Blood Pressure in the Lungs (Pulmonary Hypertension)
Sometimes, even when the defect is repaired early, the pulmonary hypertension becomes progressively worse. You may experience shortness of breath, decreased exercise endurance and sometimes headaches and dizziness.
Sometimes, even when the defect is repaired early, the pulmonary hypertension becomes progressively worse. You may experience shortness of breath, decreased exercise endurance and sometimes headaches and dizziness.
Pregnancy
Women with repaired truncus arteriosus may handle pregnancy well. However, some may not.
Women with repaired truncus arteriosus may handle pregnancy well. However, some may not.
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