Tricuspid atresia is an uncommon form of congenital heart disease that affects about 5 in every 100,000 live births. 20% of patients with this condition will also have have other heart problems.
Normally, blood flows from the body into the right atrium, then through the tricuspid valve to the right ventricle and on to the lungs. If the tricuspid valve does not open, the blood cannot flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle. Blood ultimately cannot enter the lungs, where it must go to pick up oxygen (become oxygenated).
Infants with tricuspid atresia generally are cyanotic (bluish discoloration of skin) and easily become short of breath.
What causes Tricuspid atresia?
Tricuspid atresia is an uncommon form of congenital heart disease that affects about 5 in every 100,000 live births. 20% of patients with this condition will also have have other heart problems.
Normally, blood flows from the body into the right atrium, then through the tricuspid valve to the right ventricle and on to the lungs. If the tricuspid valve does not open, the blood cannot flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle. Blood ultimately cannot enter the lungs, where it must go to pick up oxygen (become oxygenated).
Infants with tricuspid atresia generally are cyanotic (bluish discoloration of skin) and easily become short of breath.