Which of the following statements describe truncus arteriosus?
I. It is a rare defect in which a single great artery arises from the ventricles of the heart.
II. If PVR increases relative to systemic vascular resistance (SVR), more blood flows to the lungs through the truncus, decreasing systemic cardiac output.
III. Oxygen should be avoided in almost all circumstances in the preoperative setting.
IV. Patients may undergo complete biventricular repair in the newborn period.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Truncus arteriosus is a rare defect in which a single great artery arises from the ventricles of the heart, supplying both systemic and pulmonary circulations (see Figure 24-16 in the textbook). In the majority of patients, the pulmonary arteries will be of sufficient size and minimally restrictive, raising the possibility of pulmonary overcirculation as the native PVR decreases in the first few days of life as discussed in patients with HLHS. Infants may develop early respiratory distress, congestive heart failure (CHF), or shock. Similar to patients with HLHS, oxygen should be avoided in almost all circumstances in the preoperative setting since there is (in most cases) no anatomic resistor to PBF.
In most cases, patients undergo complete biventricular repair in the newborn period.

Which of the Following Statements Describe Truncus Arteriosus