(Single Ventricle Lesions—Child)
Definition
Definition
Single ventricle anomalies refer to a category of rare heart conditions that can develop in the growing fetus. In a normal heart, the two ventricles work by collecting blood and pumping it to the lungs or the rest of the body. With this condition, one of the ventricles does not develop properly. The defect can be mild to severe. Other heart problems may be present, as well.
Examples of single ventricle anomalies include:
- Tricuspid atresia—tricuspid valve does not develop
- Pulmonary atresia—pulmonary valve does not develop
- Hypoplastic left heart syndrome—left side of the heart does not develop properly
- Double inlet left ventricle—large left ventricle and small right ventricle
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Causes
Causes
These anomalies are congenital defects. This means that the baby is born with the condition. The abnormality develops while the baby is forming in the womb. It is not known exactly why the heart develops this way in some babies.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Specific risk factors for single ventricle anomalies are often unclear, but they may include:
- Family history of congenital heart defect
- Other heart defects
- Certain chromosomal disorders
- Environmental exposure to chemicals that cause birth defects
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Blue or pale grayish skin color
- Fast breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Poor feeding/poor weight gain
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
A heart murmur may be detected during the exam.
Your child’s bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with blood tests.
Images may be taken of your child’s bodily structures. This can be done with:
Your child’s heart function may be tested. This can be done with:
Treatment
Treatment
Talk with the doctor about the best treatment plan for your child. Often, surgery is needed right away. Treatment options include:
Medication
Medications may be given to keep blood flowing through the ductus arteriosus. The ductus arteriosus is a connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta, which is the largest artery in the body. It usually closes within a few days after birth. Keeping this passage open is a temporary treatment. Other medications may be used as well.
Surgery
The goal of surgery is to:
- Restore connections between the heart, lungs, and body
- Improve circulation
Depending on the type of defect and how severe it is, there are several surgery options. For example, a shunt may be placed to restore connections between the heart and lungs, as well as the heart and the rest of the body. If there is too much blood flow, a band may be placed around the pulmonary artery. Fontan procedure is another option. This involves a series of surgeries with the goal being to reroute blood travel through the heart and lungs. In other cases, a heart transplant may be needed.
Lifelong Monitoring
Your child will have regular exams from a heart specialist. Your child may also need antibiotics prior to medical or dental procedures. This is to prevent an infection in the heart. Your child’s activity may also be limited.
Prevention
Prevention
Preventing fetal heart defects may not always be possible, but you can reduce your risk with proper prenatal care.
RESOURCES:
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada http://www.heartandstroke.com
References:
http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/info/heart/diagnose/sv.htm
Updated December 2013. Accessed November 10, 2014.
Single ventricle defects. American Heart Association website. Available at:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/CongenitalHeartDefects/AboutCongenitalHeartDefects/Single-Ventricle-Defects_UCM_307037_Article.jsp
Updated March 26, 2014. Accessed November 10, 2014.
Single ventricle heart defects. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia website. Available at:
http://www.chop.edu/service/cardiac-center/heart-conditions/single-ventricle.html#treatment
Accessed November 10, 2014.
Last Updated: 12/20/2014