Which heart defect is associated with cyanosis appearing within the first 2 weeks of life?

Cyanosis that appears within the first two weeks of life often indicates significant congenital heart defects that interfere with normal blood flow and oxygenation. Among the listed options, transposition of the great arteries is particularly critical as it leads to a situation where the aorta and pulmonary artery are switched. This abnormality results in two separate circulatory systems that do not communicate effectively: one circulates deoxygenated blood while the other circulates oxygenated blood. Because the body is receiving inadequate oxygenated blood, cyanosis becomes evident shortly after birth.

In contrast, conditions like coarctation of the aorta, pulmonary stenosis, and atrial septal defect typically do not manifest immediate cyanosis in the same way. Coarctation may lead to symptoms related to blood flow obstruction but often has more gradual onset. Pulmonary stenosis usually causes right ventricular hypertrophy over time, with cyanosis being mild and slowly developing. An atrial septal defect often allows for adequate mixing of blood and can be asymptomatic for a longer period, so cyanosis is generally not an early indicator.

Given these considerations, transposition of the great arteries stands out as the defect most likely to show early cyanotic signs due to its severe impact on systemic oxygen