Management considerations in the adult with surgically modified d-transposition of the great arteries

Heart. 2021 Oct;107(20):1613-1619. doi: 10.1136/heartjnl-2020-318833. Epub 2021 Mar 19.

Abstract

Dextro-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) has undergone a significant evolution in surgical repair, leading to survivors with vastly different postsurgical anatomy which in turn guides their long-term cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Atrial switch repair survivors are limited by a right ventricle in the systemic position, arrhythmia and atrial baffles prone to obstruction or leak. Functional assessment of the systemic right ventricle is complex, requiring multimodality imaging to include specialised echocardiography and cross-sectional imaging (MRI and CT). In the current era, most neonates undergo the arterial switch operation with increasing understanding of near-term and long-term outcomes specific to their cardiac anatomy. Long-term observations of the Lecompte manoeuvre or coronary stenoses following transfer continue, with evolving understanding to improve surveillance. Ultimately, an understanding of postsurgical anatomy, specialised imaging techniques and interventional and electrophysiological procedures is essential to comprehensive care of D-TGA survivors.

Keywords: congenital; congenital abnormalities; heart defects; transposition of great vessels.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Echocardiography
  • Humans
  • Transposition of Great Vessels / diagnosis
  • Transposition of Great Vessels / surgery*