Tetralogy Of Fallot Overview

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a congenital heart defect affecting newborns, characterized by four structural abnormalities that disrupt normal blood flow. These include a ventricular septal defect (VSD), a hole between the heart's lower chambers; pulmonary stenosis, narrowing of the pathway to the lungs; overriding aorta, where the main artery straddles both ventricles; and right ventricular hypertrophy, thickening of the right heart muscle.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Infants often show cyanosis, a bluish skin tint from low oxygen, worsening during feeding or crying, known as "tet spells" with fainting, breathlessness, and irritability. Other signs include poor weight gain, clubbing of fingers, and fatigue. Echocardiography confirms the diagnosis prenatally or postnatally.

Treatment and Outlook

Surgical repair, typically within the first year, corrects defects using patches and widens the pulmonary pathway, yielding excellent long-term survival. Early intervention prevents complications like arrhythmias. Adults may need follow-ups for residual issues.