Sonographic Diagnosis of Dextrotransposition of the Great Arteries

Abstract

Ultrasonography has proved to be a clinically valuable procedure for diagnosing dextrotranspostion of the great arteries (d-TGA). In children with this congenital condition, the Rashkind procedure followed by the Mustard or Senning operation is performed to prolong life. An arterial switch procedure, without the Rashkind method, also may be the preferred type of surgery. Echocardiography has a major role during the Rashkind procedure and in monitoring patients after their corrective operation. This article attempts to help bridge the gap between inexperienced medical personnel and personnel who are knowledgeable about the sonographic appearance of the d-TGA heart. With proper medical treatment and surgical correction, affected children may survive into adulthood. Adult echocardiography, rather than pediatric echocardiography, may then be responsible for monitoring these patients as adults. All echocardiographers and cardiologists, not only pediatric personnel, therefore must understand the sonographic appearance of the heart in these patients, so that they will survive and prosper into adulthood.