COMPLETE TRANSPOSITION OF THE GREAT VESSELS

Abstract

The frequency of complete transposition is stressed, being only 2d to Tetralogy of Fallot as a cause of cyanosis. The prognosis is poor but a considerable number of children survive more than 3 yrs. Taussig''s sign[long dash]less cyanosis of the lower part of the body[long dash]was present in only 1 case in this series of 16. They found moderate polycythemia, packed cell volume of 65%, clubbing at 6 mos. of age, panting, slow wt. gain, lack of squatting, cough, congestive heart failure, and that murmurs may or may not be present. The radiographic findings were narrow vascular pedicle, long bulge in the middle segment of the left cardiac border, and in some cases a concave left middle segment with associated increased lung markings. A 4th sign, increased lung markings without concave left middle segment, absence of a narrow waist, or a left mid-bulge, but with cyanosis. This sign was not regarded as pathognomosic because it is also found in persistent truncus arteriosus.