Truncus arteriosus

Alternative Names

Treatment

Surgery is needed to treat this condition. Two procedures are available. One is banding of the pulmonary arteries coming off the truncus, but it is rarely used anymore. The other procedure is called complete repair. Complete repair appears to be the preferred option but as the child grows, repeat surgical procedures may be necessary.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Complete repair usually provides good results. Re-operation may be necessary as the patient grows. Untreated cases have a poor outcome, usually leading to death between during the first year of life. Rarely, the diagnosis is missed until early adulthood; these patients generally need a heart and a lung transplant.

Possible Complications

• Heart failure
• Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) with pulmonary obstructive lung disease

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if your infant or child appears lethargic, does not eat well, appears excessively tired or mildly short of breath, or does not seem to be growing or developing normally.

If the child's skin, lips, or nail beds appear blue or if the child seems significantly short of breath, take the child to the emergency room or have the child examined promptly.

References

Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo; WB Saunders; 2007.