Pulmonary atresias (pʊlmənɛri əˈtriʒəz) is a medical term used to describe a condition where the pulmonary valve, which controls blood flow between the heart and lungs, does not fully form. This often results in oxygen-poor blood being pumped around the body. The spelling of "pulmonary atresias" is based on the Latin and Greek terminology such as "pulmo" (lung) and "atresia" (absence of an opening or passage) and the medical use of -iasis/-iasis suffix, indicating an abnormal condition.
Pulmonary atresias, also known as pulmonary valve atresia, is a medical condition characterized by the complete closure or absence of the pulmonary valve. The pulmonary valve is responsible for regulating blood flow from the right ventricle of the heart to the pulmonary artery, which carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation. In the presence of pulmonary atresia, there is a blockage or absence of this valve, resulting in restricted blood flow to the lungs.
Individuals with pulmonary atresias often exhibit symptoms of cyanosis, which is the bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to low oxygen levels in the blood. These individuals may also experience difficulty breathing, fatigue, poor growth, and other signs of heart failure.
Pulmonary atresias can occur as isolated cardiac defects or as part of more complex congenital heart diseases. The condition is typically diagnosed using various imaging techniques, such as echocardiography and cardiac catheterization.
Treatment for pulmonary atresias aims to improve blood flow to the lungs and alleviate symptoms. This can involve surgical interventions, such as the creation of a shunt to bypass the blocked pulmonary valve, or the use of a prosthetic valve to replace or repair the defective valve.
Long-term management involves regular follow-ups with a cardiologist to monitor heart function and overall health. In some cases, individuals with pulmonary atresias may require additional interventions or surgeries throughout their lives to address complications or promote better heart function.
The word "pulmonary atresia" is derived from two parts: "pulmonary" and "atresia".
1. "Pulmonary" refers to the pulmonary artery, which is the main artery responsible for carrying deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs to be oxygenated. It is derived from the Latin word "pulmonarius", meaning "relating to the lungs".
2. "Atresia" is a medical term derived from the Greek word "atretos", meaning "no perforation" or "imperforate". It is used to describe a condition where there is a complete absence or abnormal narrowing of a natural body opening or passage. In the context of "pulmonary atresia", it refers to the complete closure or absence of the pulmonary valve, which separates the right ventricle of the heart from the pulmonary artery.