article · European Journal of Anatomy
Truncus arteriosus is an uncommon congenital heart defect where a single common blood vessel arises from the heart instead of separate aorta and pulmonary arteries. Managing this condition is complex because of its intricate anatomy and frequent associated cardiac malformations. In a documented clinical case, a two-month-old boy exhibited symptoms including cough, breathlessness, and cyanosis. Initial investigations using chest X-rays and electrocardiography indicated congenital heart disease, which was subsequently verified by an echocardiogram. A computed tomography angiogram provided a definitive diagnosis of Type-1 Persistent Truncus Arteriosus, revealing both the pulmonary trunk and the aorta branching from the single trunk. Although managed medically for heart failure using furosemide and spironolactone, the patient required referral to a distant private facility for corrective surgery due to a lack of local surgical capacity. Thorough imaging remains essential for prompt diagnosis and improved patient survival.
Congenital heart defects like truncus arteriosus can be life-threatening if not identified and treated early. Highlighting the diagnostic steps and treatment challenges illustrates the crucial role of advanced imaging techniques in detecting complex structural heart anomalies. It also draws attention to the practical difficulties encountered when specialised paediatric cardiac surgery is not universally accessible in regional healthcare settings.
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Truncus arteriosus is a rare congenital heart defect characterized by a single aortopulmonary trunk. This condition presents a significant challenge in diagnosis and management due to its complex anatomy and its potential for associated cardiac anomalies. We present a case of a two-month-old male infant who presented with cough, breathlessness and cyanosis. Chest X-ray and electrocardiography showed a suggestion of congenital heart disease, which was confirmed by echocardiogram. A definitive diagnosis of Type-1 Persistent Truncus Arteriosus with pulmonary trunk and aorta arising from the common vessel was seen on CT angiogram. The Patient was discharged and readmitted two weeks after discharge on account of heart failure. He did well on furosemide and spironolactone and was thereafter referred to a private hospital in Lagos- Nigeria for definitive cardiac surgery due to its unavailability at our center. Appropriate evaluation with imaging is necessary in patients with truncus arteriosus, as prompt diagnosis will significantly improve the survival of these patients.
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DOI: 10.52083/rltj4712
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