Among ductal dependent heart lesions, which condition involves tricuspid atresia?

Study for the Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) Qualifying Exam. Explore comprehensive flashcards and detailed multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations to prepare effectively. Achieve success with confidence!

Tricuspid atresia is a congenital heart defect characterized by the absence or abnormal development of the tricuspid valve, which normally separates the right atrium from the right ventricle. In this condition, the right ventricle is often underdeveloped or nonexistent. This defect results in significant changes in normal blood flow, leading to reliance on the ductus arteriosus to provide adequate blood circulation to the lungs and the body.

The ductus arteriosus is a fetal blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta, allowing blood to bypass the non-functioning lungs. After birth, if the ductus closes, the baby can experience severe cyanosis and necessitate immediate medical or surgical intervention. Therefore, tricuspid atresia is categorized as a ductal-dependent heart lesion because its proper function and adequate oxygenation of the blood depend heavily on the patency of the ductus arteriosus or other forms of right-to-left shunting.

The other options, while they may involve serious cardiac anomalies, do not specifically pertain to tricuspid atresia and its associated ductal dependency in the same manner.

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