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
