Persistent Truncus Arteriosus: An Unusual Variant With Atresia Of the Aortic Arch

AS ISOLATED malformations, persistent truncus arteriosus and atresia of the aortic arch are unusual cardiovascular anomalies. The presence of both conditions in an individual has been reported in only two previous cases in the recent literature.^1,2 The diagnosis was made prior to death in one of these cases.¹ The purpose of this report is to describe the second case of persistent truncus arteriosus with associated aortic atresia in which the diagnosis was made premortem.

Report of a Case  A 3,200 gm (7 lb 1 oz) Negro male was born at term to a 16-year-old primigravida following an uncomplicated pergnancy and delivery. The infant appeared in good condition at birth, but a systolic murmur was noted on the first examination at 10 hours of age.At 3 days of age, the infant was noted to have marked tachypnea and very slight cyanosis of his mucous membranes and nail beds.