Double inlet left ventricle

A double inlet left ventricle (DILV) is a congential heart defect where both the left atrium and the right atrium feed into the left ventricle. Usually a hypoplastic right ventricle also exists (the condition is sometimes referred to as "single ventricle"). The arteries are usually transposed (the aorta from the right ventricle, and the pulmonary artery from the left ventricle).

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Effects

Infants born with DILV have excessive blood flow to the pulmonary circulation. They cannot feed normally and have difficulty gaining weight. Excessive pulmonary circulation leads to decreased systemic circulation (lack of oxygen to the body and organs). Infants develop cyanosis and/or breathlessness early.

Treatment

This treatment is usually treated with surgery. Surgical options include the Damus-Kaye-Stansel Procedure, the Fontan Procedure, and the Norwood Procedure. The goal of all of these is separating the pulmonary and the systemic circulation.