Double-Outlet Right Ventricle—Child(DORV—Child)
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionDouble-outlet right ventricle (DORV) is a rare heart defect. The aorta, which is the largest artery in the body, comes from the heart’s left ventricle. With DORV, the aorta and the pulmonary artery are attached to the right ventricle. A heart defect called ventricular septal defect (VSD) usually happens with DORV. VSD is a hole in the wall between the right and left ventricle. DORV can be categorized based on the position of the VSD. Along with these problems, the pulmonary valve may be narrowed. DORV is a serious health problem that needs care right away.
CausesDORV is present at birth. It is not known exactly why the heart does not form the right way. Risk FactorsFor many heart defects, the risk factors are not clear. Some factors for DORV may be:
SymptomsSymptoms may vary based on where the VSD is. Your child may have:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your child’s symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. During the exam, the doctor may also find a heart murmur. Pictures may be taken of your child's bodily structures. This can be done with: Your child's heart activity may be measured. This can be done with electrocardiogram (EKG). TreatmentTalk with the doctor about the best plan for your child. Often, surgery is needed right away. Your child’s options are: SurgerySurgery can be done to fix DORV. The goal is to connect the aorta to the left ventricle. Surgery can range in complexity. The doctor may insert a shunt or make a new tunnel to connect the left ventricle to the aorta through the VSD. Pulmonary artery banding may be used to limit blood flow to the lungs. If there are other defects, a more complex surgery may be needed to change the position of the large arteries and reconnect other vessels. Lifelong MonitoringYour child will have regular exams from a heart specialist. In some cases, your child may need antibiotics before some medical or dental procedures. This is to prevent an infection in the heart. PreventionDORV can’t be prevented because the cause is not known. RESOURCES:American Heart Association http://www.heart.org Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics http://www.healthychildren.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Cardiovascular Society http://www.ccs.ca Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada http://www.heartandstroke.ca References:
Congenital ventricular septal defect (VSD) in children and adults. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated June 16, 2017. Accessed June 28, 2018.
Double-outlet right ventricle in children. Boston Children's Hospital website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed June 28, 2018.
Transposition of the great vessels. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated February 6, 2018. Accessed June 28, 2018.
Last reviewed May 2018 by Kari Kassir, MD Last Updated: 6/28/2018 | ||
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