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Sumber

Baldwin HS, Dees Ellen. Embryology and physiology of the cardiovascular system. In: Gleason CA,
Devaskar S, eds. Avery's Diseases of the Newborn. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier;
2011:chap 50.
(http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007328.htm)

Double outlet right ventricle


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Double outlet right ventricle (DORV) is a heart disease that is present from birth (congenital). The aorta
connects to the right ventricle (the chamber of the heart that pumps blood to the lungs), instead of to the
left ventricle (the chamber that normally pumps blood to the body).
Both the pulmonary artery (which carries oxygen-poor blood to the lungs) and aorta (which carries
oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body) come from the same pumping chamber. No arteries are
connected to the left ventricle (the chamber that normally pumps blood to the body).
Causes
In a normal heart structure, the aorta connects to the left ventricle, the chamber that pumps blood into the
body. The pulmonary artery normally is connected to the right ventricle. In DORV, both arteries flow out of
the right ventricle. This is a problem because the right ventricle carries oxygen-poor blood. This blood is
then circulated throughout the body.
Another defect called a ventricular septal defect (VSD) always occurs with DORV. Other conditions that
may be part of the defect are pulmonary valve stenosis and transposition of the great arteries.
Oxygen-rich blood from the lungs flows from the left side of the heart, through the VSD opening and into
the right chamber. This helps the infant with DORV, because it allows oxygen-rich blood to mix with blood
lacking in oxygen. Even with this mixture, the body may not get enough oxygen. This makes the heart
work harder to meet the bodys needs. There are several types of DORV.
The difference between these types is the location of the VSD compared to the location of the pulmonary
artery and aorta. The symptoms and severity of the problem will depend on the type of DORV the baby
has. The presence of pulmonary valve stenosis also affects the condition.
People with DORV often have other heart abnormalities, such as:

Coarctation of the aorta


Mitral valve problems

Pulmonary atresia

Pulmonary valve stenosis

Right aortic arch

Transposition of the great arteries

Symptoms
Symptoms of DORV may include:

Baby tires easily, especially when feeding


Bluish color of the skin and lips

Clubbing (thickening of the nail beds) on toes and fingers (late sign)

Failure to gain weight and grow

Pale coloring

Sweating

Swollen legs or abdomen

Trouble breathing

Exams and Tests


Signs of DORV may include:

Enlarged heart
Heart murmur

Rapid breathing

Rapid heartbeat

Tests to diagnose DORV include:

Chest x-rays
Passing a thin, flexible tube into the heart to measure blood pressure and inject dye for special
pictures of the heart and arteries (cardiac catheterization)

Ultrasound exam of the heart (echocardiogram)

Using magnets to create images of the heart (MRI)

Treatment
Treatment requires surgery to close the hole in the heart and direct blood from the left ventricle into the
aorta. Surgery may also be needed to move the pulmonary artery or aorta.
Factors that determine the type and number of operations the baby needs include:

The type of DORV


The severity of the defect

The presence of other problems in the heart

The child's overall condition

Outlook (Prognosis)
How well the baby does depends on:

The size of the VSD


Its location

The size of the pumping chambers

The location of the aorta and pulmonary artery

The presence of other complications (such as coarctation of the aorta and mitral valve problems)

The baby's overall health at the time of diagnosis

Whether lung damage has occurred from too much blood flowing to the lungs for a long period of
time

Possible Complications
Complications from DORV may include:

Congestive heart failure (CHF)


High blood pressure in the lungs

Irreversible damage to the lungs due to untreated high blood pressure in the lungs

Children with this congenital heart disease may need to take antibiotics before dental treatment. This
prevents infections around the heart. Antibiotics may also be needed after surgery.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if your child seems to tire easily, has trouble breathing, or has bluish skin or
lips. You should also consult your health care provider if your baby is not growing or gaining weight.

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