[Complete D-transposition of the great vessels diagnosed late in a 10-month infant. Rashkind manoeuvre]

Dakar Med. 1997;42(2):138-42.
[Article in French]

Abstract

We report a first documented case in Senegal with simple transposition of the great arteries diagnosed in a 2 months old girl treated by Rashkind atrioseptostomy. Our patient benefited from clinical examination, ECG (15 derivations), chest X ray and standard laboratory tests. Pulsed-Doppler, two dimensional and TM echocardiography have been performed with an ATL MK 600 echocardiograph. Cardiac catheterism, angiocardiography and Rashkind procedure have been realized in our Department. These data are discussed and compared to the literature. At admission this patient presents with major cyanosis and polypnea. At examination, there is a 3/6 murmur at the left sternal border and a subclavicular continuous murmur. Laboratory tests showed metabolic acidosis and severe hypoxemia. Chest x-ray showed a cardio-thoracic ratio at 0.64 with increased pulmonary vascular markings. ECG showed right ventricular hypertrophy. Echocardiography-Doppler revealed ventriculo-arterial discordance with restrictive atrial septal defect and persistent ductus arteriosus. Rashkind procedure was followed by an increased aortic saturation. After 6 weeks there was an improvement of cyanosis and cardiac failure. Diagnosis of transposition of the great arteries is actually easier with development of ultrasonography which is useful when performed by experienced cardiologist. Spontaneous prognosis of this malformation is very poor. Rashkind atrioseptostomy is an important step for the initial treatment of transposition of the great arteries in terms of survival before open heart surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiac Catheterization
  • Catheterization*
  • Cyanosis / etiology
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Transposition of Great Vessels / diagnosis*
  • Transposition of Great Vessels / diagnostic imaging
  • Transposition of Great Vessels / surgery
  • Transposition of Great Vessels / therapy
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Right / etiology
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Right / therapy