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CT in congenitally-corrected transposition of the great vessels
J E Takasugi1, J D Godwin, J T Chen
1Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710.
Insights
Congenitally-corrected transposition of the great vessels (CTGV) can be diagnosed in adults, sometimes mimicking mediastinal masses on X-rays. CT imaging effectively reveals CTGV and associated heart defects, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Radiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Congenitally-corrected transposition of the great vessels (CTGV) is a rare congenital heart defect.
- Diagnosis in adulthood can be challenging due to ambiguous radiographic findings.
- CTGV may be misdiagnosed as a mediastinal mass on plain radiographs.
Observation:
- Plain radiography can present ambiguous findings in CTGV.
- Mediastinal masses can mimic the radiographic appearance of CTGV.
- Computed Tomography (CT) is crucial for visualizing vascular malpositions.
Findings:
- CT accurately demonstrates the malposition of the aorta and pulmonary artery in CTGV.
- CT imaging can identify associated congenital heart lesions.
- CT effectively differentiates CTGV from conditions with similar radiographic appearances.
Implications:
- Early and accurate diagnosis of CTGV in adults is facilitated by CT imaging.
- CT plays a vital role in the differential diagnosis of mediastinal abnormalities.
- Improved diagnostic accuracy for CTGV leads to better patient management and outcomes.
Abstract:
Congenitally-corrected transposition of the great vessels (CTGV) may be detected de novo in adulthood and the plain radiographic findings may be ambiguous or they may be mimicked by a mediastinal mass. CT readily shows the malposition of the aorta and pulmonary artery, and may also show associated congenital heart lesions. The following cases demonstrate the CT findings in CTGV and the distinction of CTGV from conditions resembling it on radiographs.