Improving detection of transposition of the great arteries in routine obstetric sonographic screening

Abstract

Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a congenital malformation in which the pulmonary artery arises from the left ventricle and the aorta arises from the right ventricle. At birth, when the ductus arteriosus and foramen ovale close, severe hypoxemia results, and intervention is necessary. Prenatal diagnosis of TGA is associated with a significant decrease in mortality and morbidity. Currently, detection of TGA is low. This literature review explores techniques for detecting TGA, the importance of prenatal diagnosis, scanning techniques, new technologies, and possible maternal risk factors.