A birth defect in which the positions of the pulmonary artery and the aorta are reversed. As a result, blood circulates to and from the body without picking up oxygen in the lungs. Babies born with transposition of the great vessels survive only if an abnormal connection, such as a hole between the two upper heart chambers (atrial septal defect), allows oxygen-rich blood to reach the body. Transposition of the great vessels can be repaired surgically. Long-term outlook depends on the severity of the defect, and lifelong medical follow-up is required.
A fetal deformity of the heart in which the aorta arises from the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery arises from the left ventricle.
A condition characterized by a bluish discoloration of the skin caused by inadequate oxygen in the blood circulating throughout the body. This occurs due to an abnormality where the pulmonary artery receives blood from the left ventricle, and the aorta receives blood from the right ventricle, resulting in improper blood flow and reduced oxygenation.
A severe type of congenital heart ailment involves the transposition of the two primary blood vessels responsible for carrying blood away from the heart—the aorta and the pulmonary artery. Consequently, the body’s tissues receive inadequate oxygenated blood supply. This condition typically leads to the development of cyanosis, marked by bluish skin discoloration, along with progressive breathlessness and feeding difficulties in the infant. Correction of the defect necessitates open heart surgery.