A simplified categorization for common arterial trunk

Abstract

This simple approach to classification reconciles the existing disparate categorizations of patients having common arterial trunks and it emphasizes the principal morphologic determinant of surgical outcome.

Common arterial trunk: review of surgical strategies and future research

“…Russell et al recently proposed an alternative and more practical classification based on aortic or pulmonary dominance of the CAT that also emphasized the nature of the systemic intrapericardial pathways [10]. This classification reconciles the existing disparate categorizations of patients with CAT, providing a common language for all clinicians and the basis for a more appropriate surgical approach, as already emphasized by Jacobs in the past [11].…”

“…The Russell classification pointed out that it is exceedingly rare to find patients with a truly confluent pulmonary arterial segment, except in the finding of aortic hypoplasia [10]. Russell concludes that a classification that divides patients with CAT into those with either aortic or pulmonary dominance provides immediate anatomic description and is of great value in the stratification of surgical risk.…”

“…Russell concludes that a classification that divides patients with CAT into those with either aortic or pulmonary dominance provides immediate anatomic description and is of great value in the stratification of surgical risk. The single greatest risk factor for surgical mortality has been shown to be the presence of an interrupted or hypoplastic aortic arch [10].…”

“…In 1984, Ebert reported successful early and long-term postsurgical results in infants younger than 6 months of age, before they developed congestive cardiac failure or irreversible pulmonary hypertension [10]. It is now widely accepted that a complete surgical repair should be performed within the first 2-6 weeks of life regardless of weight, in order to preserve myocardial function and prevent pulmonary hypertension [14].…”

Crossed Pulmonary Arteries in a Patient With Persistent Truncus Arteriosus

“…Its association with the PTA was found in only one patient in their report. In a series of 42 patients over 30 years, Russel and colleagues [9] encountered PTA with crossed PAs in only 1 patient.…”