Q20-Q28: Congenital malformations of the circulatory system

Q25: Congenital malformations of great arteries

Congenital malformations of the great arteries are birth defects that involve the two largest arteries in the heart, the aorta and the pulmonary artery. These abnormalities occur during the development of the heart in the womb and they can vary in type and severity. Some of the most common forms include transposition of the great arteries, where the two main arteries are switched in position, and persistent truncus arteriosus, where a single large artery, instead of two separate ones, arises from the heart. The causes of these conditions are not completely known and they can lead to problems with blood flow, causing symptoms such as blue skin coloration, shortness of breath, and poor weight gain. Affected babies may require surgery to correct the defects and improve heart function.