Tetralogy of Fallot refers to a type of congenital heart defect. Congenital means present at birth.
Alternative NamesTet; TOF
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsTetralogy of Fallot is classified as a cyanotic heart defect because the condition causes low oxygen levels in the blood. This leads to cyanosis (a bluish-purple color to the skin).
The classic form of tetralogy includes four related defects of the heart and its major blood vessels:
At birth, infants may not show signs of cyanosis. However, later they may develop sudden episodes (called "Tet spells") of bluish skin from crying or feeding.
Tetralogy of Fallot is rare, but it is the most common form of cyanotic congenital Heart disease. Patients with tetraology of Fallot have a higher incidence of major non-heart congenital defects.
The cause of most congenital heart defects is unknown. Many factors seem to be involved.
Factors that increase the risk for this condition during pregnancy include:
There is a high incidence of chromosomal disorders in children with tetralogy of Fallot, such as Down syndrome and DiGeorge syndrome (a condition that causes heart defects, low calcium levels, and immune deficiency).
SymptomsA physical examination with a stethoscope almost always reveals a heart murmur.
Tests may include:
Surgery to repair tetralogy of Fallot is done when the infant is very young. Sometimes more than one surgery is needed. When more than one surgery is used, the first surgery is done to help increase blood flow to the lungs.
Surgery to correct the problem may be done at a later time. Often only one corrective surgery is performed in the first few months of life. Corrective surgery is done to widen part of the narrowed pulmonary tract and close the ventricular septal defect.
Expectations (prognosis)Most cases can be corrected with surgery. Babies who have surgery usually do well. Ninety percent survive to adulthood and live active, healthy, and productive lives. Without surgery, death usually occurs by the time the person reaches age 20.
Patients who have continued, severe leakiness of the pulmonary valve may need to have the valve replaced.
Regular follow-up with a cardiologist to monitor for life-threatening arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms) is recommended.
ComplicationsCall your health care provider if new unexplained symptoms develop or the patient is having an episode of cyanosis (blue skin).
If a child with tetralogy of Fallot becomes blue, immediately place the child on his or her side or back and put the knees up to the chest. Calm the baby and seek medical attention immediately.
PreventionThere is no known prevention.
ReferencesZipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo; WB Saunders; 2007.
Tetralogy of Fallot is a type of congenital heart defect. Congenital means that it is present at birth.
Alternative NamesTet; TOF
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsTetralogy of Fallot causes low oxygen levels in the blood. This leads to cyanosis (a bluish-purple color to the skin).
The classic form includes four defects of the heart and its major blood vessels:
Tetralogy of Fallot is rare, but it is the most common form of cyanotic congenital heart disease. Patients with tetraology of Fallot are more likely to also have other congenital defects.
The cause of most congenital heart defects is unknown. Many factors seem to be involved.
Factors that increase the risk for this condition during pregnancy include:
Children with tetralogy of Fallot are more likely to have chromosome disorders, such as Down syndrome and DiGeorge syndrome (a condition that causes heart defects, low calcium levels, and poor immune function).
SymptomsA physical examination with a stethoscope almost always reveals a heart murmur.
Tests may include:
Surgery to repair tetralogy of Fallot is done when the infant is very young. Sometimes more than one surgery is needed. When more than one surgery is used, the first surgery is done to help increase blood flow to the lungs.
Surgery to correct the problem may be done at a later time. Often only one corrective surgery is performed in the first few months of life. Corrective surgery is done to widen part of the narrowed pulmonary tract and close the ventricular septal defect.
Expectations (prognosis)Most cases can be corrected with surgery. Babies who have surgery usually do well. More than 90% survive to adulthood and live active, healthy, and productive lives. Without surgery, death usually occurs by the time the person reaches age 20.
Patients who have continued, severe leakiness of the pulmonary valve may need to have the valve replaced.
Regular follow-up with a cardiologist to monitor for life-threatening irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) is recommended.
ComplicationsCall your health care provider if new unexplained symptoms develop or the patient is having an episode of cyanosis (blue skin).
If a child with tetralogy of Fallot becomes blue, immediately place the child on his or her side or back and put the knees up to the chest. Calm the baby and seek medical attention immediately.
PreventionThere is no known prevention.
ReferencesWebb GD, Smallhorn JF, Therrien J, Redington AN. Congenital heart disease. In: Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, Libby P, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011: chap 65.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 12/01/2011
Kurt R. Schumacher, MD, Pediatric Cardiology, University of Michigan Congenital Heart Center, Ann Arbor, MI. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
tetralogy of Fallot
Fallot's tetralogy minus Pulmonary stenosis
Dizziness associated with tetralogy of fallot comes from a lack of oxygenated blood being circulated throughout the body.
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
Birth Day - 2000 Cystocele and Tetralogy of Fallot was released on: USA: 17 September 2002
A child born with tetralogy of Fallot has four heart defects. The prefix "tetr-" means four.
Shawn White, for one.
The skin of a baby born with Tetralogy of Fallot has a blue tint.
The 't' is silent, so it sounds like fallow, with the 'o' having a long sound.
I'm not sure how many children with tetralogy of fallot have digeorge however my son has tetralogy of fallot repaired in 2006. He also has a partial deletion of chromosome 22 DiGeorge Syndrome. He is doing really well and his speech/articulation is emerging.
Tetralogy of Fallot
Tetralogy of Fallot