View source for Transposition of the great arteries

== Transposition of the Great Arteries ==

'''Transposition of the Great Arteries''' (pronounced: trans-po-si-shun of the great ar-te-ries), also known as '''TGA''', is a serious but rare [[congenital heart defect]] in which the two main arteries leaving the heart are reversed (transposed). 

=== Etymology ===

The term "Transposition" comes from the Latin "transpositio", meaning "to place across". "Arteries" is derived from the Greek "arteria", meaning "windpipe, artery". The term "Great Arteries" refers to the two main arteries leaving the heart, the [[pulmonary artery]] and the [[aorta]].

=== Description ===

In a normal heart, the [[blood]] flows in to collect oxygen from the lungs through the pulmonary artery and then the oxygen-rich blood is carried to the rest of the body through the aorta. However, in a heart with TGA, this flow is reversed, leading to a shortage of oxygen in the blood that is pumped from the heart to the rest of the body.

=== Symptoms ===

Symptoms of TGA usually appear within the first hours or days of life and may include [[cyanosis]] (a bluish coloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen), rapid breathing, poor feeding, and lethargy.

=== Diagnosis ===

TGA is usually diagnosed through a combination of [[physical examination]], [[echocardiogram]], and [[cardiac catheterization]].

=== Treatment ===

Treatment for TGA usually involves surgery to correct the transposition. This is typically performed within the first week of life. The most common procedure is the [[arterial switch operation]].

=== Prognosis ===

With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the prognosis for children with TGA is generally good, with many leading normal, healthy lives.

=== Related Terms ===

* [[Congenital heart defect]]
* [[Pulmonary artery]]
* [[Aorta]]
* [[Cyanosis]]
* [[Echocardiogram]]
* [[Cardiac catheterization]]
* [[Arterial switch operation]]

[[Category:Medical Dictionary]]
[[Category:Cardiology]]
[[Category:Congenital Heart Defects]]

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