Complete Transposition of the Great Arteries

Abstract

Complete transposition of the great arteries is defined as the condition characterized by a concordant atrioventricular connection and a discordant ventriculoarterial connection, irrespective of the position of the atria. The cases are further subcategorized into those with an intact ventricular septum and those with a ventricular septal defect, with or without subpulmonary obstruction. The ventricular septal defect may be muscular or perimembra-nous and may extend into the outlet, trabecular, or inlet parts. One important and commonly encountered type of ventricular septal defect, is the malalignment defect. In such cases the outflow septum may be deviated into the right ventricle, causing obstruction of the right ventricular subaortic outflow tract, or toward the left ventricular cavity, causing subpulmonary outflow tract obstruction [17].