Does the baby have Tricuspid Atresia?

Does the baby have Tricuspid Atresia?

30/04/2024

Tricuspid atresia is a type of congenital heart disease resulting from tricuspid valve agenesis (absence of communication between the right atrium and right ventricle). The incidence varies from 1 to 3% among all heart diseases. Associated cardiac anomalies are common to tricuspid atresia and include atrial septal defect, interventricular septal defect, pulmonary valve stenosis, transposition of great arteries, patent ductus arteriosus, among others.

Cardiovascular anomalies associated with Tricuspid Atresia can produce decreased, normal or increased pulmonary blood flow, affecting physiology and clinical manifestations and the type of treatment. Babies with reduced pulmonary blood flow have cyanosis (bluish color), which can be evident in the first days of life. Those who have defects associated with increased pulmonary blood flow will have signs of heart failure.

Diagnosis is made through color Doppler echocardiography. The exam evaluates the anatomy of the heart and vessels, as well as their function. Currently, with fetal echocardiography, the diagnosis can be made in utero (before the baby is born).

Detecting the disease early allows the medical team to monitor the entire development of the fetus and plan delivery in a health unit with an adequate structure for management, clinical treatment and, if necessary, surgical intervention in the first days of life.

The treatment of Tricuspid Atresia is surgical and the technique used or the need for palliative surgery depends on the associated anomalies.