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Truncus arteriosus

Alternative Names: Truncus Symptoms: lethargy poor feeding shortness of breath (dyspnea) rapid breathing (tachypnea) fatigue sometimes cyanosis (blue discoloration of skin) delayed growth or growth failure broadening of the finger tips (clubbing) Signs and tests: The cardiologist or pediatrician usually hears a murmur when listening to the heart with a stethoscope. An ECG shows signs of enlargement of the heart (ventricular hypertrophy). An X-ray of the chest shows heart enlargement and fluid-filled lungs. An echocardiogram shows a ventricular septal defect (VSD) and a single truncal artery -- definitive diagnosis. Rarely, a heart catheterization is necessary to help with the diagnosis or planning of a treatment strategy.

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