Truncus arteriosus (TRUNG-kus ahr-teer-e-O-sus) is a rare heart problem present at birth. That means it’s a congenital heart defect. In this condition, one large blood vessel leads out of the heart, instead of two.
Having only one large blood vessel means that oxygen-poor and oxygen-rich blood mix. This mixing reduces the amount of oxygen delivered to the body. It usually increases the amount of blood flow into the lungs too. The heart has to work harder to adjust for the changes in blood flow.
A person with truncus arteriosus also usually has a hole between the two lower heart chambers, called the ventricles. The hole is called a ventricular septal defect.
Another name for truncus arteriosus is common arterial trunk.
Truncus arteriosus is a life-threatening condition. A baby with the condition needs surgery to repair the heart problems and fix blood flow.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/truncus-arteriosus/symptoms-causes/syc-20364247
Ivy Heart Memorial 
Leave a comment