Double inlet left ventricle

Double Inlet Left Ventricle

Double Inlet Left Ventricle (DILV) (/ˈdʌbəl ˈɪnlɪt lɛft ˈvɛntrɪkl/), is a rare congenital heart defect where both the pulmonary artery and the aorta are connected to the left ventricle. The etymology of the term is derived from the Latin words "duplex" meaning double, "introitus" meaning inlet, "laevus" meaning left, and "ventriculus" meaning little belly or cavity.

Overview

In a normal heart, the right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs through the pulmonary artery, and the left ventricle pumps blood to the rest of the body through the aorta. In a heart with DILV, both of these major arteries are connected to the same ventricle (the left), which can lead to a variety of health complications.

Symptoms

Symptoms of DILV can vary greatly depending on the specific nature of the defect. Common symptoms include cyanosis (a bluish coloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen), difficulty breathing, and poor weight gain.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of DILV is typically made through echocardiography, a type of ultrasound used to create images of the heart. Other diagnostic tests may include a cardiac catheterization, which involves inserting a thin tube into a blood vessel and guiding it to the heart to take pictures and measure pressures.

Treatment

Treatment for DILV typically involves surgery to redirect the flow of blood through the heart. This is often done in stages, with the first surgery occurring shortly after birth. The specific type of surgery will depend on the individual patient's anatomy and needs.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with DILV can vary greatly depending on the severity of the defect and the success of surgical interventions. With appropriate treatment, many individuals with DILV can lead relatively normal lives.

See Also

• Congenital heart defect
• Pulmonary artery
• Aorta
• Cyanosis
• Echocardiography
• Cardiac catheterization

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Double inlet left ventricle
• Wikipedia's article - Double inlet left ventricle

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