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Home > Health > What is the Difference Between Patent Ductus Arteriosus and Truncus Arteriosus?

Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Patent Ductus Arteriosus and Truncus Arteriosus?

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Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and truncus arteriosus are two different congenital heart defects that occur in babies or infants. The main differences between these two conditions are:

  1. Nature of the defect: PDA is a congenital heart defect that causes a persistent opening between the aorta and pulmonary artery. In contrast, truncus arteriosus is a congenital heart defect that causes a single common blood vessel to carry blood to both the lungs and the body.
  2. Blood flow: In PDA, the ductus arteriosus, which is a connection between the aorta and pulmonary artery, remains open after birth, allowing extra blood to flow into the lungs and forcing the heart and lungs to work harder. In truncus arteriosus, too much blood flows to the lungs, which can cause breathing difficulties and damage the blood vessels inside the lungs.
  3. Treatment: Both PDA and truncus arteriosus require medical intervention, usually through surgical procedures, to correct the defects and alleviate complications.

In summary, PDA is characterized by a persistent opening between the aorta and pulmonary artery, while truncus arteriosus is characterized by a single common blood vessel carrying blood to both the lungs and the body. Both conditions cause complications and require medical intervention for correction.

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  • What is the Difference Between Patent Ductus Arteriosus and Truncus Arteriosus?
  • Comparative Table: Patent Ductus Arteriosus vs Truncus Arteriosus

    • Comparative Table: Patent Ductus Arteriosus vs Truncus Arteriosus

    Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) and Truncus Arteriosus are two different congenital heart defects that occur in babies or infants. Here is a table comparing the differences between the two:

    Feature Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) Truncus Arteriosus
    Definition A persistence of the fetal connection (ductus arteriosus) between the aorta and pulmonary artery after birth. A congenital heart defect where the primitive truncus does not divide into the pulmonary artery and aorta, resulting in a single large arterial trunk.
    Anatomical Defect Abnormal opening between the aorta and pulmonary artery. Single large blood vessel instead of separate aorta and pulmonary artery.
    Symptoms Depend on the size of the ductus and the age of the child. A continuous murmur may be present, and in preterm infants, respiratory distress or other serious complications may occur. Mild cyanosis, significant pulmonary overcirculation, and heart failure may be present.
    Diagnosis Can be diagnosed through physical examination and echocardiogram.
    Treatment Supportive medical therapy, transcatheter closure, or surgical repair. Surgical repair is required.

    Both conditions can be diagnosed through physical examination and echocardiogram. While some similarities exist, such as both being congenital heart defects and occurring mainly in babies or infants, the anatomical defects and symptoms are distinct.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.