Tricuspid Atresia  (TA)

What is tricuspid atresia?

Tricuspid atresia is a type of congenital heart disease, meaning that it’s a condition a baby is born with. Babies with tricuspid atresia are born with a missing valve between the two right chambers of the heart. This stops the blood from flowing properly inside the heart and can cause the lower right chamber of the heart (called the right ventricle) to be underdeveloped.

Babies born with tricuspid atresia often have other heart problems, including a hole between the top chambers of the heart, called an atrial septal defect, or between the heart’s lower chambers, called a ventricular septal defect. These holes may help blood flow through the heart, but the heart needs to work harder to pump blood. Babies with tricuspid atresia may also have patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) or transposition of the great arteries.

Many babies with tricuspid atresia need surgery shortly after birth.

What are the signs and symptoms of tricuspid atresia?

Babies with tricuspid atresia usually have symptoms shortly after birth. These symptoms may vary depending on the other heart defects the baby has. Symptoms may include:

• Fast heart rate
• Trouble breathing
• Skin or lips that look blue
• Poor feeding or weight gain
• Tiring easily
• Heart murmur

What causes tricuspid atresia?

Doctors are not sure what causes tricuspid atresia. It may run in some families.

How is tricuspid atresia treated?

The treatment for tricuspid atresia depends on the specific anatomy of your child’s heart and if they have other heart defects. Your pediatric cardiology team at Arkansas Children’s is experienced in treating tricuspid atresia and will work with you to determine the best course of treatment for your child. Some options may include:

Medication: Some babies may need to take a medicine to keep the PDA open. This will help your baby’s blood get oxygen from the lungs until they can have surgery.

Surgery: Babies with tricuspid atresia will need surgery to correct the problem. The specific type of surgery your baby needs will depend on your baby’s heart. Your care team will talk with you about the best options for your child.