The exact cause of truncus arteriosus is not known. It has been suggested that some cases may develop due to the interaction of many genetic and environmental factors (multifactorial inheritance). The malformation is the result of an error in embryonic development.

Is truncus arteriosus compatible with life?

Truncus arteriosus in adults

In rare cases, a person with truncus arteriosus can survive infancy without surgical repair of the heart and live into adulthood. However, people with this condition will almost certainly develop heart failure and pulmonary hypertension (Eisenmenger syndrome).

Do congenital heart defects run in families?

Family history and genetics.

Congenital heart defects sometimes run in families (are inherited) and may be associated with a genetic syndrome. Many children with an extra 21st chromosome (Down syndrome) have heart defects.