Double-outlet right ventricle (DORV) is a rare heart defect. In a normal heart, the blood flows in from the body to the right atrium. It then goes into the right ventricle. Next, the blood travels to the lungs through the pulmonary valve. Here, it picks up fresh oxygen. The blood returns to the left atrium and goes into the left ventricle. The blood moves out to the rest of the body.
Normally, the aorta (the largest artery) comes from the heart’s left ventricle. But when DORV occurs, the aorta and the pulmonary artery are attached to the right ventricle.
Another heart defect called ventricular septal defect (VSD) usually occurs with DORV. VSD is a hole in the wall between the right and left ventricle. DORV can be categorized into several types depending on the position of the VSD.
Along with these conditions, the pulmonary valve may be narrowed. DORV is a serious condition. It requires care right away by the doctor.
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This condition is a congenital defect. This means that the heart forms incorrectly when the baby is developing in the womb. The baby is born with the condition. It is not known exactly why the heart develops abnormally in some babies.
For many heart defects, the risk factors are unclear. Some risk factors for DORV may include:
Symptoms may vary depending on where the VSD is located. Symptoms may include:
During the exam, the doctor may also detect a heart murmur .
These symptoms may be due to other conditions. If your child has any of these, talk to the doctor right away.
Your doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include:
Talk with the doctor about the best treatment plan for your child. Often, surgery is needed right away. Treatment options include:
Surgery can be done to correct DORV. The goal of surgery is to connect the aorta to the left ventricle. Surgery can range in complexity. The doctor may insert a shunt or create a new “tunnel” to connect the left ventricle to the aorta through the VSD. Pulmonary artery banding may be used to limit blood flow to the lungs. Depending on other abnormalities, a more complex surgery may be needed to change the position of the large arteries and reconnect other vessels.
Your child will have regular exams from a heart specialist. In some cases, your child may need antibiotics prior to some medical or dental procedures. This is to prevent an infection in the heart.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org/
American Heart Association
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Cardiovascular Society
http://www.ccs.ca/
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://ww2.heartandstroke.ca/splash/
References:
Children’s Hospital Boston. Double outlet right ventricle. Children’s Hospital Boston website. Available at: http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site1940/mainpageS1940P0.html . Accessed July 13, 2010.
Johns Hopkins University, Cove Point Foundation. Double-outlet right ventricle. Johns Hopkins University, Cove Point Foundation website. Available at: http://www.pted.org/?id=doubleoutlet1 . Updated April 3, 2009. Accessed July 13, 2010.
Last reviewed September 2012 by Michael Woods, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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