CT of transposition of the great arteries in adults

Clin Radiol. 2022 Apr;77(4):e261-e268. doi: 10.1016/j.crad.2021.12.006. Epub 2021 Dec 31.

Abstract

Transposition of the great arteries is one of the most common cyanotic congenital heart diseases. It is characterised by an abnormal connection of the ventricles and great arteries, so that the aorta arises from the morphological right ventricle and the pulmonary artery arises from the morphological left ventricle. Historically, as with many congenital heart diseases, patients with transposition of the great arteries had poor life expectancy. Advances in surgical and medical management have resulted in patients surviving into adulthood. As these patients are living longer, they will be encountered more frequently in practice. The purpose of this article is to familiarise the general radiologist with the expected postoperative anatomy, and the appearance on cross-sectional imaging as well as the long-term complications in this group of patients.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Heart Defects, Congenital*
  • Heart Ventricles
  • Humans
  • Pulmonary Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Situs Inversus*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Transposition of Great Vessels* / diagnostic imaging
  • Transposition of Great Vessels* / surgery