Transposition of trunk vessels
Transposition of the trunk vessels is a congenital heart defect in which the two main arteries exiting the heart are switched (transposition). Transposition of the trunk vessels changes the blood flow in the body and causes a lack of oxygen in the blood pumped from the heart to the rest of the body. Without oxygen, the body cannot function properly, which is why the child is at risk of serious complications and death
Transposition of the trunk blood vessels is detected within a few hours or a few weeks after birth
To treat the transposition of the main blood vessels, an operation is performed shortly after birth In case of timely treatment, the prognosis is promising
Transposition of the trunk vessels occurs during the development of the heart in the womb The cause of the defect is unknown
Normally, the pulmonary artery, which carries blood from the heart to the lungs, is attached to the lower right chamber of the heart (right ventricle). From the lungs, oxygen-rich blood enters the upper left chamber of the heart (left atrium). Blood flows through the mitral valve into the lower left chamber (left ventricle) Normally, the aorta emerges from the left ventricle It carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to other parts of the body
During the transposition of the main blood vessels, the location of the aorta and pulmonary arteries is changed. The pulmonary artery is connected to the left ventricle, and the aorta is connected to the right ventricle Oxygen-poor blood from the right ventricle bypasses the lungs to the rest of the body, while oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle goes directly to the lungs.
Oxygen-poor blood circulation causes the skin to turn blue (cyanosis) Because of this, transposition of the trunk vessels is also called congenital cyanotic heart defect
Certain factors, such as rubella, other viral infections, maternal age over 40, and maternal diabetes increase the risk of the defect, although in most cases the cause is unknown.
Symptoms of transposition of the trunk vessels are:
- Blue coloration of the skin (cyanosis)
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite
- Weak weight gain
When to consult If signs and symptoms do not appear in the hospital, call 911 if the child develops cyanosis, especially around the lips and face
