Transposition of the Great Arteries

Question 1

What is transposition of the great arteries

Answer 1

Cyanotic congenital cardiac defect where the origins of the aorta and pulmonary artery are swapped

Question 2

Conditions associated with transposition

Answer 2

VSDs, coarctation of the aorta and pulmonary stenosis

Question 3

Diagnosis of TGA

Answer 3

Diagnosed during pregnancy on antenatal US scans. If not detected with present in first few days of life with cyanosis

Question 4

Symptoms of TGA

Answer 4

Develop respiratory distress, tachycardia, poor feeding, poor weight gain, sweating - after compensation of a PAD or VSD allowing mix of blood between systemic circulation and lungs

Question 5

Management of TGA

Answer 5

Prostaglandin infusion
Balloon septostomy or open heart surgery definitive

Question 6

What does a prostaglandin infusion do

Answer 6

Maintains ductus arteriosus to allow blood from aorta to flow to the pulmonary arteries for oxygenation