Type 1 truncus arteriosus with main pulmonary artery arising at the origin of left subclavian artery: case report from Northern Nigeria

Truncus arteriosus is a rare congenital heart defect characterized by a single aortopulmonary trunk. This condition presents a significant challenge in diagnosis and management due to its complex anatomy and its potential for associated cardiac anomalies. We present a case of a two-month-old male infant who presented with cough, breathlessness and cyanosis. Chest X-ray and electrocardiography showed a suggestion of congenital heart disease, which was confirmed by echocardiogram. A definitive diagnosis of Type-1 Persistent Truncus Arteriosus with pulmonary trunk and aorta arising from the common vessel was seen on CT angiogram. The Patient was discharged and readmitted two weeks after discharge on account of heart failure. He did well on furosemide and spironolactone and was thereafter referred to a private hospital in Lagos- Nigeria for definitive cardiac surgery due to its unavailability at our center. Appropriate evaluation with imaging is necessary in patients with truncus arteriosus, as prompt diagnosis will significantly improve the survival of these patients.