Tricuspid Atresia
Tricuspid Atresia Causes
As above-mentioned, the disease is caused by a missing or broken tricuspid valve. Therefore, there is no outlet for blood flow from the right ventricle to the right atrium, making the blood unable to enter the lungs where it is supposed to be oxygenated.
Tricuspid Atresia Definition
A form of congenital heart disease, Tricuspid atresia is the complete absence of the tricuspid valve, causing the absence of right atrioventricular connection. This disorder is contracted during prenatal development, when the heart does not finish developing.
Tricuspid Atresia Diagnosis
The condition may be discovered during a prenatal ultrasound imaging, or when the baby undergoes examination right after birth. Cyanosis may already be present at birth and a heart murmur is usually present. Some of the tests include ECG, Echocardiogram, chest x-ray, and cardiac catheterization.
Tricuspid Atresia Symptoms and Signs
During the first 2 weeks of life, tachypnea may be experienced by the infant as well as poor feeding, progressive cyanosis, holosystolic murmur, superior axis and left ventricular hypertrophy. The heart size is normal though.
Tricuspid Atresia Treatment
Babies with the disorder are immediately admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) where a breathing machine (ventilator) may be used. Prostaglandin E1 is then used to maintain blood circulation in the body.