MODERN APPROACHES TO THE DIAGNOSIS, SURGICAL CORRECTION, AND LONG-TERM MONITORING OF PATIENTS WITH COMMON ARTERIAL TRUNK

Abstract

Introduction. Common truncus arteriosus (CTA) is a rare and severe congenital heart defect characterized by a single common vessel supplying both systemic and pulmonary circulations, leading to serious hemodynamic abnormalities. Without timely diagnosis and surgical intervention, approximately 80% of patients die within the first year of life. Modern imaging methods, such as echocardiography, CT, and MRI, allow for more precise identification of anatomical features, improving prognosis and treatment options. Advances in cardiac surgery have enabled early complete correction, though patients still require long-term monitoring due to the risk of complications. Research into modern approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of CTA is essential to improving the quality of life and survival rates for patients with this condition. Aim: To investigate modern diagnostic methods and surgical correction techniques for common truncus arteriosus, assessing their effectiveness and impact on long-term treatment outcomes for patients with this rare congenital heart defect. Search strategy: Key terms used to increase search accuracy included "common arterial trunk," "truncus arteriosus," "diagnostic methods", "echocardiography", "computed tomography", "cardiac catheterization", "magnetic resonance imaging", "surgical treatment", "long-term outcomes", "congenital heart defects." Inclusion Criteria: Publications with full-text articles available through open access or subscription resources; studies describing modern diagnostic methods (echocardiography, CT, MRI, cardiac catheterization) and surgical treatment of CTA; articles focused on the outcomes of surgical interventions and long-term results for patients with this defect. Publications in English and Russian from the last 20 years. Review articles, meta-analyses, and clinical studies with clear conclusions and results were prioritized. Exclusion Criteria: Duplicated publications, repeated articles, and resources with paid access if full texts could not be obtained; conference abstracts, promotional articles, short reviews, or materials without clear scientific conclusions; studies not directly related to the diagnosis and treatment of CTA, such as epidemiology or genetic research without a focus on clinical treatment methods. The search was not limited to specific time frames, as both recent studies and foundational works, such as the Collett and Edwards classification of 1949, were included to cover the evolution of CTA understanding from early anatomical descriptions to modern diagnostic and therapeutic methods. A total of 74 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were selected and analyzed. Results and conclusions: Study results indicate that modern imaging methods, such as echocardiography, CT, and MRI, play a crucial role in the accurate diagnosis and treatment planning for common truncus arteriosus. These methods allow the identification of anatomical features, complications, and associated anomalies, which are critical for successful surgical correction. Early complete correction in the neonatal period significantly reduces the risk of complications, such as pulmonary hypertension and valve dysfunction. The use of biocompatible conduits and prosthetics also improves treatment outcomes, although regular monitoring is required. Long-term follow-up using high-precision imaging techniques helps to detect and correct late complications promptly, enhancing quality of life and increasing survival rates for patients with CTA.