L-Transposition of the Great Arteries
Transposition of the Great Arteries, or TGA, is a congenital birth defect (present at birth) in which the two main arteries carrying blood out of the heart, the main pulmonary artery and the aorta, are switched in position, or “transposed.” There are two types: dextro TGA (d-TGA) and levo TGA (L-TGA)
In a baby without a congenital heart defect, the right side of the heart pumps oxygen-poor blood from the heart to the lungs through the pulmonary artery. The left side of the heart pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body through the aorta. The aorta is usually behind the pulmonary artery.
In L-TGA, the aorta is in front of the pulmonary artery and to the left (levo) of the pulmonary artery. In addition the ventricles (lower chambers) are also inverted. This means oxygen-poor blood circulates through the right side of the heart and back to the body without passing through the lungs. Oxygen-Rich blood circulates through the left side of the heart and directly back into the lungs without being circulated to the rest of the body.
Many times this condition is not recognized until the child is older or even as an adult. Your doctor will continue to monitor your condition throughout your life.
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Causes of I-Transposition of the Great Arteries
Doctors know that heart defects present at birth (congenital) arise from errors early in the heart's development, but there's often no clear cause.
Symptoms of I-Transposition of the Great Arteries
Some people with this condition may not experience symptoms for many years. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Heart palpitations
- Heart murmur
- Shortness of breath
- Syncope
Diagnosis of I-Transposition of the Great Arteries
To diagnose this condition, your doctor will perform a variety of diagnostic tests, including but not limited to:
- Echocardiogram (ECHO)
- Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)
- X-Rays
- Stress test
- Cardiac catheterization
- Computed tomography (CT scan)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Treatment of I-Transposition of the Great Arteries
Children and adults with this condition will require regular monitoring for any changes in their condition. If the condition worsens, your doctor may recommend a specific procedure. Some treatment options include:
Medications
Unlike in children with D-Transposition of the Great Arteries, prostaglandin treatment is not necessary at birth.