Aortic atresia is a rare congenital cardiac defect. It usually leads to death in the neonatal period. With this condition, there is no opening (or just a small opening) from the left ventricle into the aorta. The valve cannot open properly and cannot , which impedes the blood flow from the left ventricle to the body. The only source of blood flow to the body will be through the ductus ateriosus. Aortic atresia usually occurs in combination with other heart defects (usually hypoplastic left heart syndrome - HLHS).
Symptoms of aortic atresia
The main symptoms include:
- rapid breathing or trouble breathing
- heart murmur,
- cyanosis,
- irritability
- low energy,
- clammy skin.
The severity of the symptoms depend on the severity of the defects.
Diagnosis
Available tests:
- chest X-ray,
- electrocardiogram,
- echocardiogram,
- cardiac catheterization,
- cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.
Treatment
Treatment usually involves drugs (prostaglandin) and surgeries. Cardiac catheterization can sometimes be done to help correct a problem.
