Prostaglandin E1 is MOST appropriate for which congenital cardiac lesion?

Prostaglandin E1 plays a crucial role in managing certain congenital cardiac conditions by maintaining the patency of the ductus arteriosus, which is essential for survival in specific scenarios. In the case of interrupted aortic arch, this medication is especially important because it helps keep the ductus arteriosus open, allowing for adequate blood flow and oxygenation to the lower body. When the aortic arch is interrupted, the systemic circulation can be severely compromised, leading to critical situations. By using Prostaglandin E1, the ductus arteriosus acts as a critical shunt, helping to stabilize the patient until surgical intervention can be performed.

Understanding the use of Prostaglandin E1 in the context of other congenital heart defects helps clarify why this particular option is the most appropriate. For instance, while Prostaglandin E1 may also have roles in managing conditions like patent ductus arteriosus and truncus arteriosus, its primary and most critical application remains in scenarios where the ductal shunt is necessary for survival, such as in interrupted aortic arch.