A Pioneering Heart Transplant Program

Cardiac syndromes

Hypoplastic Ventricles

Hypoplasia refers to the incomplete development of tissue or an organ. The term, hypoplastic ventricles, generally applies to a group of related abnormalities affecting the left side of the heart. Often, the left ventricle is underdeveloped or nonfunctioning while the right attempts to maintain the circulatory system. The condition(s) results in insufficient systemic and pulmonary circulation. Most newborns with hypoplastic ventricle(s) are diagnosed within hours of birth; the skin often appears gray-blue. Heart failure, liver enlargement, difficulty breathing and low cardiac output is evident with days or weeks. Treatment options include a Norwood procedure, heart transplantation or palliative care.