Tetralogy of Fallot
Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect (present at birth). It is composed of 4 major characteristics: there’s a hole in the ventricular septum (ventricular septal defect, or VSD); the aorta is on top of both ventricles instead of just the left ventricle (overriding aorta); narrowing of the pulmonary valve or the pulmonary arteries (pulmonary stenosis); and the right ventricle becomes thicker and more muscular than normal (hypertrophy).
Together, these four defects mean that not enough blood is able to reach the lungs to get oxygen, and oxygen-poor blood flows out to the body. Tetralogy of Fallot must be repaired either soon after birth or later in infancy. The timing of the surgery depends on how severely the pulmonary valve is narrowed. If not addressed immediately, life-threatening consequences can occur.
Causes of Tetralogy of Fallot
Doctors know that heart defects present at birth (congenital) arise from errors early in the heart's development, but there's often no clear cause.
Symptoms of Tetralogy of Fallot
Signs and symptoms of Tetralogy of Fallot include the following:
- A bluish discoloration of the lips and skin caused by low oxygen (cyanosis).
- Poor eating and poor weight gain.
- More sleepiness than normal.
- Unresponsiveness (the baby seems "out of it")
- Heart murmur
Diagnosis of Tetralogy of Fallot
To diagnose this condition, your doctor will perform a variety of diagnostic tests, including but not limited to:
- Echocardiogram (ECHO)
- Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)
- X-Rays
- Cardiac catheterization
- Computed tomography (CT scan)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Treatment of Tetralogy of Fallot
Tetralogy of Fallot most often requires a type of procedure. Some treatment options include:
Medical and Surgical Procedures
- Modified Blalock-Taussig shunt
- Complete intra-cardiac repair
- Pulmonary valve replacement later in childhood or as an adult
- Possible pacemaker implantation or implantable cardioverter defibrillator