Are there other congenital heart defects or genetic defects that are specifically related to Truncus Arteriosus?
A Syndrome known as Digeorge syndrome has been linked to a significant number of patients diagnosed with Truncus Arteriosus. Because of this link most infants diagnosed with a truncal defect will also have a genetics doctor see them while he/ she is in the hospital. Another lesion associated with Truncus Arteriosus is and interrupted Aortic Arch. This defect is repaired at the same time as the truncus. The two ends of the interrupted aorta are sewn together. This associated lesion creates an additional challenge and risk when repairing the heart with Truncus Arteriosus.
