Transposition of the great arteries

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Congenital Heart Disease
• Cardiac Surgery

Background:

• Ventriculoarterial discordance, including complete transposition of the great arteries (TGA), presents unique challenges in pediatric cardiology.
• Adult survival is possible, often following atrial switch procedures (Mustard or Senning), which can result in the right ventricle supporting the systemic circulation.
• Undiagnosed cases of congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) are also documented.

Observation:

• A case of complete TGA is presented in an 8-year-old Romanian child.
• The child presented with a ventricular septal defect, leading to a functionally single ventricle.
• This case highlights a specific clinical presentation within the spectrum of TGA.

Findings:

• The case illustrates the complex anatomy and physiology associated with complete TGA and a ventricular septal defect.
• The functional single ventricle physiology adds another layer of complexity to the cardiac management.
• This presentation underscores the need for comprehensive diagnostic approaches in pediatric congenital heart disease.

Implications:

• Early and accurate diagnosis of complete TGA is crucial for timely intervention and management.
• Understanding the implications of a functionally single ventricle in TGA patients is vital for surgical planning.
• This case contributes to the understanding of rare congenital heart defect presentations in children and informs clinical practice.