Transposition of Great Vessels (TGV), also known as Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA), is a congenital heart defect that affects the positioning of the two main arteries that carry blood away from the heart. In a normal heart, the aorta arises from the left ventricle, while the pulmonary artery arises from the right ventricle. However, in TGV, these positions are reversed.
In TGV, the aorta is connected to the right ventricle, which means oxygen-rich blood is pumped back to the lungs instead of being distributed to the rest of the body. On the other hand, the pulmonary artery is connected to the left ventricle, resulting in deoxygenated blood returning to the body instead of going to the lungs for oxygenation. This condition disrupts the normal flow of blood, resulting in insufficient oxygen supply to the body's organs and tissues.
TGV is considered a critical condition that requires immediate medical attention. Newborns with TGV often present with cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the skin due to poor oxygenation. Symptoms may include rapid breathing, difficulty in feeding, and fatigue. Diagnosis is typically made through physical examination, echocardiography, and other imaging tests.
Surgical intervention is necessary to correct TGV. The most common procedure is known as an arterial switch operation, where the aorta and pulmonary artery are switched back to their normal positions. This allows proper oxygenated blood flow throughout the body and is usually performed within the first few weeks of life. Without intervention, TGV can have severe consequences, including heart failure and potentially life-threatening complications. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment significantly improve the prognosis for individuals with Transposition of Great Vessels.
