Single Ventricle Anomalies—Child(Single Ventricle Lesions—Child)
by
Deanna M. Neff, MPH DefinitionSingle ventricle anomalies refer to a category of rare heart conditions that can develop in the growing fetus. In a normal heart, the two ventricles work by collecting blood and pumping it to the lungs or the rest of the body. With this condition, one of the ventricles does not develop properly. The defect can be mild to severe. Other heart problems may be present, as well. Examples of single ventricle anomalies include:
Causes TOPThese anomalies are congenital defects. This means that the baby is born with the condition. The abnormality develops while the baby is forming in the womb. It is not known exactly why the heart develops this way in some babies. Risk Factors TOPSpecific risk factors for single ventricle anomalies are often unclear, but they may include:
Symptoms TOPSymptoms may include:
Diagnosis TOPYou will be asked about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. A heart murmur may be detected during the exam. Your child's bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with blood tests. Images may be taken of your child's bodily structures. This can be done with: Your child's heart function may be tested. This can be done with: Treatment TOPTalk with the doctor about the best treatment plan for your child. Often, surgery is needed right away. Treatment options include: MedicationMedications may be given to keep blood flowing through the ductus arteriosus. The ductus arteriosus is a connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta, which is the largest artery in the body. It usually closes within a few days after birth. Keeping this passage open is a temporary treatment. Other medications may be used as well. SurgeryThe goal of surgery is to:
Depending on the type of defect and how severe it is, there are several surgery options. For example, a shunt may be placed to restore connections between the heart and lungs, as well as the heart and the rest of the body. If there is too much blood flow, a band may be placed around the pulmonary artery. Fontan procedure is another option. This involves a series of surgeries with the goal being to reroute blood travel through the heart and lungs. In other cases, a heart transplant may be needed. Lifelong Monitoring TOPYour child will have regular exams from a heart specialist. Your child may also need antibiotics prior to medical or dental procedures. This is to prevent an infection in the heart. Your child’s activity may also be limited. Prevention TOPPreventing fetal heart defects may not always be possible, but you can reduce your risk with proper prenatal care. RESOURCES:American Heart Association http://www.heart.org Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Cardiovascular Society http://www.ccs.ca Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada http://www.heartandstroke.ca References:Single ventricle anomalies and Fontan circulation. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated July 2016. Accessed December 27, 2017. Single ventricle defects. American Heart Association website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated September 12, 2017. Accessed December 27, 2017. Single ventricle heart defects. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed December 27, 2017. Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Kari Kassir, MD Last Updated: 12/20/2014 |
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