Transposition of the great arteries
Macroscopic appearance
- incorrect connection of ventricles and great vessels:
the aorta arises from the morphologic right ventricle, the
pulmonary artery from the morphologic left ventricle
- the great arteries arise in an unusual position from the base of the heart,
the aorta in front of the pulmonary artery, aorta slightly to the right
- ventricular septal defect is found in 40% of affected hearts
Clinical signs
- the most common congenital cyanotic heart defect in the newborns
- the infants present with severe and progressive cyanosis within hours after birth with closure
of the ductus
- the systemic and pulmonary circulations are separated
- oxygenation of systemic blood is totally dependent on mixing of pulmonary and systemic blood
flow at arterial level (patent ductus arteriosus) and the cardiac level (foramen ovale, atrial
septal defect, ventricular septal defect)
- palliation: prostaglandin E infusion to maintain patency of the ductus, balloon
atrial septostomy is performed as soon as possible after delivery
- corrective surgary: arterial switch procedure (anatomical correction) is strongly
preferred. The aorta and pulmonary artery are transected and removed in their normal position.
Coronary arteries must be transferred as well. After the surgery the left ventricle
works as the systemic ventricle.
Pictures
Transposition of the great arteries, view of the heart base, newborn:
Transposition of the great arteries, Macro, autopsy (72094)
Transposition of the great arteries, aorta arises from the right
ventricle, newborn (the same case):
Transposition of the great arteries, Macro, autopsy (72095)
Transposition of the great arteries, ventricular septal defect:
Transposition of great arteries, VSD, Macro, autopsy (73338)
Transposition of great arteries, VSD, Macro, autopsy (73339)
Transposition of great arteries, VSD, Macro, autopsy (73340)
Transposition of great arteries, VSD, Macro, autopsy (73341)