Truncus arteriosus is a defect in which a single great artery, or “trunk,” comes out of the ventricles instead of the usual
pulmonary artery and aorta. This big artery sits on top of the left and right ventricle and is usually accompanied by a ventricular
septal defect. The condition results in too much blood being directed to the lungs, and very little flowing to the body.
Truncus arteriosus makes up 1.1% to 2.5% of all types of congenital heart disease.
| Truncus Arteriosus |
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| A condition in which a single great artery, or "trunk", comes out of the ventricles instead of the usual pulmonary artery
and aorta. Truncus is usually accompanied by a ventricular septal defect, resulting in blood from both ventricles mixing together.
Due to this mixing, oxygen levels are lower than normal in blood that is delivered to the body. Also, because of the single
trunk, extra blood flows to the lungs, and less blood reaches the body.
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What are the symptoms of truncus arteriosus?
Symptoms include congestive heart failure and heart murmur. A diagnosis is usually made by way of an echocardiogram or cardiac
catheterization.
How is truncus arteriosus treated?
This defect generally requires surgery early in life. This involves closing the ventricular septal defect, separating the
pulmonary arteries from the large common artery, and connecting the pulmonary arteries to the right ventricle by way of an
artificial connection, or conduit.
What is the long-term outlook for children with truncus arteriosus?
With surgery, about 90% of children survive. The outlook is good, though additional surgery may be required later in life
as your child grows to replace the conduit.
