Developmental Pathophysiology, Develop. Physiol., Dr. D. Penney

Table 4.21 - Characteristics in transposition of the great arteries.

• Improper rotation of the septation of the fetal truncus arteriosus results in the aorta arising from RV and pulmonary artery from LV.

• Hence, low O₂ content blood is pumped to the aorta and RV pressure is high; LV receives oxygenated blood from LA and under low pressure pumps high O₂ content blood back to the lungs.

• A communication between RV & LV must be present for survival.

• Deep cyanosis is seen, no dyspnea; mild congestive heart failure.

• RV hypertension seen by RV lift, RV enlargement seen by ECG.

• Echocardiography can identify great vessel origins.

• Catheterization demonstrates abnoumal connections.

• If no septae are closing, an ASD can be created with an inflatable balloon catheter.

Abbreviations: AO = aorta, D.A. = ductus arteriosus, I.S. = incomplete septum, F.O. = foramen ovale, PA = pulmonary artery, PV = pulmonary vein, LA = left atrium, LV = left ventricle, RA = right atrium, RV = right ventricle, SVC = superior vena cava

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