Tetralogy Of Fallot Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Tetralogy Of Fallot ?

Tetralogy of fallot is a congenital heart defect. It is an umbrella term for four anatomical abnormalities which include:

Ventricular septal defect (VSD)
Overriding aorta − enlargement of aortic valve which appears to arise from both the left and right ventricles instead of the left ventricle as in normal hearts
Pulmonary stenosis− narrowing of the pulmonary valve and outflow tract
Right ventricular hypertrophy− thickening of the muscular walls of the right ventricle, which occurs when the right ventricle is pumping blood at high pressure

These defects cause oxygen-poor blood to flow out of the heart and to the rest of the body. Thereby, tetralogy of fallot is the most common cause of blue baby syndrome and is one of the most common cyanotic heart defects.

Along with tetralogy of fallot, those affected may also develop additional ventricular septal defects. . Some patients with tetralogy of Fallot have complete obstruction to flow from the right ventricle.

Causes Of Tetralogy Of Fallot:

The exact cause of tetralogy of fallot is yet unknown. However, it is thought to arise from a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

Specific genetic associations include:

JAG1
NKX2-5
ZFPM2
VEGF

Some conditions or factors that occur during pregnancy may increase the risk of having a child who has tetralogy of Fallot. These may include:

German measles (rubella) and some other viral illnesses
Poor nutrition
Alcohol use
Age (being older than 40)
Diabetes
Presence of down syndrome or Digeorge syndrome

Symptoms Of Tetralogy Of Fallot:

The following signs and symptoms are exhibited by babies suffering from tetralogy of fallot:

A “tet spell” characterized by bluish coloration of the skin caused by blood low in oxygen (cyanosis)
Shortness of breath and rapid breathing, especially during feeding or exercise
Loss of consciousness
Clubbing of fingers and toes
Poor weight gain
Tiring easily during play or exercise
Irritability
Prolonged crying
A heart murmur
Not respond to a parent’s voice or touch
Becoming very fussy