Truncus Arteriosus

[saifhussain23]

My Best friend's brother had a son 2 months ago... Now he's been diagnosed with a serious Congenital Heart Defect!!
I have most of  the information about the problem from the internet and also the family's consulting some cardiologists here...
But I need another opinion as to what the course of action to correct the defect should be. Everything there is to know actually!!!!
I know it may not be accurate without the actual reports, but do help me please.

The child is 2 months old(full term cesarean delivery) as of 12/11/2008 and weighs 3.5 kg

He has had Dyspanea and difficulty in feeding since birth and his condition has deteriorated since birth.
He has had one episode of cyanosis with increased pulmonary blood flow.

According to his ECHO, he has "Truncus arteriosus", which is a rare and complicated birth defect.

It is Type II
-> No branch pulmonary artery stem
-> Small Atrial Septal Defect
-> Large Ventricular Septal Defect
-> Right sided aortic arch
-> No stenosis/regurgitation in the truncal valve

->There's something written about LV & RV which isnt quite legible.

Well thats what his initial report says
Please let me know so that I can help my friend's family to understand the problem and the solution better.

[Kate0330]

Would like to talk to any other teenage girls with truncas arteriosis. I have been living with this heart defect all my life and am experiencing problems beause of daily doses of Coumadin. I am turning 19 years old this month. You can email me if you'd like.

kaitlyn.***@****

[truncusmom]

Hi, I am the mother of a child who has truncus arteriosus type 1.  Although the diagnosis is scary, it doesn't mean that your child can't lead a normal life.  My daughter is now 13 years old and has had 3 repairs. She participates in everything she wants to do including tennis, girl scouts and goes to regular public school.  These kids have a fire in them that is amazing.  

There is also a wonderful online support group through Yahoo groups called "Ourtruncus arteriosuskids"  If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

[Encephalomalcia]

Here's a website that explains it:  http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1677