Truncus arteriosus
Truncus arteriosus is a rare, congenital, cyanotic cardiac anomaly characterized by a ventricular septal defect (VSD), a single truncal valve, and a common ventricular outflow tract.
The single truncal valve overlies the ventricular septal defect and receives blood from both ventricles.
Systemic and pulmonary venous blood mix at the VSD and desaturated blood is ejected into the outflow tract.
Death in infancy is probable without surgical intervention. Long-term surgical outcomes are positive, but residual and potential complications require long-term cardiology follow-up.
Truncus arteriosus has an annual incidence of 7 per 100,000 live births. While the condition accounts for less than 1% of all congenital heart lesions, it accounts for approximately 4% of critical congenital heart defects.
Reference
- Puri K, Allen HD, Qureshi AM. Congenital Heart Disease. Pediatr Rev. 2017 Oct;38(10):471-486
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