truncus arteriosus fetal ultrasound

What is truncus arteriosus? 

• Truncus arteriosus is a serious congenital heart defect where a single, large blood vessel arises from
• the heart instead of the normal two separate arteries (aorta and pulmonary artery).
• In truncus arteriosus, a single common artery arises from the heart and supplies coronary, pulmonary and systemic circulation. This case demonstrates the typical findings of truncus arteriosus on standard fetal echo views.
• This condition causes oxygen-poor and oxygen-rich blood to mix, which can impact the body’s oxygen supply.

How is it diagnosed with a fetal ultrasound?

• Initial Ultrasound: A standard prenatal ultrasound may detect signs of truncus arteriosus. 
• Fetal Echocardiogram: If suspicion is high, a specialized fetal echocardiogram (a detailed ultrasound of the heart) is performed to confirm the diagnosis. 
• Key Findings: The echocardiogram can reveal a single large vessel overriding a ventricular septal defect (VSD), from which the pulmonary arteries and aorta branch off.