Which congenital heart defect is characterized by an abnormal connection between the pulmonary artery and aorta, leading to cyanosis?

The condition described, characterized by an abnormal connection between the pulmonary artery and aorta leading to cyanosis, is known as transposition of the great vessels. In this defect, the two primary arteries, the aorta and the pulmonary artery, are switched (or transposed). As a result, oxygen-rich blood from the left side of the heart is sent back to the body without passing through the lungs, while oxygen-poor blood from the right side is returned to the lungs without adequately circulating through the body. This incorrect routing leads to a lack of oxygen in the systemic circulation, causing cyanosis, which is the bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to low oxygen levels.

Other congenital heart defects such as a ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, and coarctation of the aorta present differently. Ventricular septal defect involves a hole between the left and right ventricles, which can lead to increased blood flow to the lungs but typically does not cause cyanosis unless complicated by other factors. An atrial septal defect results in a connection between the atria but usually allows for adequate mixing of blood without cyanosis unless there is significant right-to-left shunting. Coarctation of