What is Truncus arteriosus?
{{italictitle}} [[file: Truncus arteriosus.jpg|thumb|right|Truncus arteriosus heart]] '''''Truncus arteriosus''''' is a stage in the development of the [[heart]]. It is the arterial trunk that starts from both [[Ventricle (heart)|ventricle]]s of the heart. Later it divides into the [[aorta]] and the [[pulmonary trunk]]. ''Failure of the truncus arteriosus to close results in the condition known as '''persistent truncus arteriosus''''', a rare [[congenital]] heart defect. It is a type of [[heart disease]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-we-treat/truncus-arteriosus|title = Truncus arteriosus}}</ref> People are born with this condition. There are no cures. If not operated on at an early age people may die from this condition. == References == {{reflist}} {{med-stub}} [[Category:Heart disease]] [[Category:Developmental disorders]]