Serrano RG, González MAE, Aguilera SE, Consuegra CMT, Bacallao CD, Céspedes AM

Language: Spanish
References: 5
Page: 80-83
PDF size: 429.69 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Persistent truncus arteriosus is a rare form of congenital heart disease. Without surgical repair, only 25% of patients survive the first year of life, and most die during the first three months. The existence of patients who survive to adulthood without surgical correction has been reported, but it is unusual. The case of a 24-year-old male patient, with a previous diagnosis of primary pulmonary hypertension, is reported here. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a persistent truncus arteriosus, type I, in its natural course, with systolicdiastolic dysfunction of both ventricles and mo-derate insufficiency of the tricuspid and truncal valves. Surgical treatment was contraindicated; therefore, medical treatment started. The patient showed a good general condition at two years of clinical and echocardiographic follow-up. The diagnosis of complex congenital heart disease is not unique to pediatric patients. Transthoracic echocardiography is useful for making an accurate diagnosis without using other diagnostic techniques.

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