transposition of great arteries
Also written as: TGA
A congenital heart defect where the aorta and pulmonary artery are switched, with the aorta arising from the right ventricle and pulmonary artery from the left ventricle.
Full Definition
Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a cyanotic congenital heart disease where the aorta and pulmonary artery are inappropriately connected to the ventricles. In d-TGA (dextro-transposition), the aorta arises from the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery from the left ventricle, creating two parallel circuits that are incompatible with life unless mixing occurs through septal defects or patent ductus arteriosus. This condition requires immediate recognition and intervention, often beginning with balloon atrial septostomy (Rashkind procedure) followed by arterial switch operation in the neonatal period. Pediatric radiologists must rapidly identify the characteristic imaging features including abnormal great vessel relationships, and assess for associated defects such as ventricular septal defects or left ventricular outflow tract obstruction that affect surgical planning.
Usage
Usage note: Specify d-TGA vs l-TGA (corrected transposition) as these have different implications and treatments.
In Context
- "Transposition of great arteries was diagnosed on fetal echocardiography at 20 weeks gestation." — Prenatal cardiac diagnosis
- "The newborn with transposition of great arteries required urgent balloon atrial septostomy." — Neonatal intensive care consultation