Echocardiographic Diagnosis of Transposition of the GreatVesselsl

Abstract

Experience in the echocardiographic diagnosis of dextro-transposition of the great vessels in 11 cases is presented. Transposition can be recognized by the altered spatial relationship of the great vessels characteristic of this condition. In the normal subject, the posterior out-flow vessel (aorta) is detected by medial transducer angulation while the anterior vessel (pulmonary artery) requires lateral angulation. In dextro-transposition of the great vessels, this relationship is reversed. This safe noninvasive technique is recommended in newborns when the cause of cyanosis is uncertain or when other causes of cyanosis may confuse the diagnosis.