Persistent truncus arteriosus (or Truncus arteriosus) is a rare form of congenital heart disease that presents at birth. In this condition, the embryological structure known as the truncus arteriosus never properly divides into the pulmonary artery and aorta.
The most well-known classification was the fourfold system developed by Collett and Edwards in 1949. Collett/Edwards Types I, II, and III are distinguished by the branching pattern of the pu...
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Persistent truncus arteriosus (or Truncus arteriosus) is a rare form of congenital heart disease that presents at birth. In this condition, the embryological structure known as the truncus arteriosus never properly divides into the pulmonary artery and aorta.
The most well-known classification was the fourfold system developed by Collett and Edwards in 1949. Collett/Edwards Types I, II, and III are distinguished by the branching pattern of the pulmonary arteries:
The "Type IV" proposed in 1949 is no longer considered a form of PTA by most modern sources.
Another well-known classification was defined by Van Praaghs in 1965.
Most of the time, this defect occurs spontaneously. Genetic disorders, and teratogens (viruses, metabolic imbalance, and industrial or pharmacological agents) have been associated as possible causes. Up to 50% (varies in studies) of cases are associated with chromosome 22q11 deletions. The neural crest, specifically a population known as the cardiac neural crest,...
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