Tetralogy of Fallot symptoms vary, depending on the amount of blood flow that’s blocked. Signs and symptoms may include: A bluish coloration of the skin caused by low blood oxygen levels (cyanosis) Shortness of breath and rapid breathing, especially during feeding or exercise.

Which is the most common clinical symptom in an infant with Tetralogy of Fallot?

Tetralogy of Fallot may be present at birth or emerge within the first year of life. The most common symptom of this disorder is abnormal bluish discoloration of the skin (cyanosis). This may occur while the child is at rest or crying.

What is Tetralogy of Fallot in infants?

Tetralogy of Fallot (pronounced te-tral-uh-jee of Fal-oh) is a birth defect that affects normal blood flow through the heart. It happens when a baby’s heart does not form correctly as the baby grows and develops in the mother’s womb during pregnancy.

How early can Tetralogy of Fallot be detected?

Diagnosis. Usually, tetralogy of Fallot is diagnosed soon after birth. Your baby’s skin may appear blue. A doctor might hear an abnormal whooshing sound (heart murmur) when listening to the baby’s heart with a stethoscope.

How do you confirm tetralogy of Fallot?

How Is Tetralogy of Fallot Diagnosed?

1. a chest X-ray to check for structural abnormalities.
2. an echocardiogram to check for disruptions in heartbeats.
3. a heart MRI to check for structural problems.
4. a pulse oximetry test to measure the oxygen level in the blood.
5. a cardiac catheterization.

How is tetralogy of Fallot diagnosed?

Is tetralogy of Fallot serious?

If TOF is left untreated, it can cause problems with heart rhythms, developmental delays, and seizures. If the condition is never fixed, which is rare, it typically causes death by the age of 20 years old. Usually, a doctor will notice the condition early on and perform surgery to correct the problem.

What causes cyanosis in tetralogy of Fallot?

The cause of cyanosis is a lower than normal blood oxygen level. Patients with tetralogy of Fallot are at risk for cyanosis because the narrowing of blood flow to the lungs in combination with a VSD or hole allows blood in many instances to bypass the lungs and go directly up to the body.

What is tetralogy of Fallot and how is it repaired?

Tetralogy of Fallot is treated with two kinds of surgery. One provides temporary improvement by a shunt to give more blood flow to the lungs. The other is a complete repair of the two most important abnormalities that make up tetralogy of Fallot. Patients might have one or both surgeries in their lifetime.

What are the four components of tetralogy of Fallot?

Tetralogy of Fallot Tetralogy of Fallot is a combination of four congenital abnormalities. The four defects include a ventricular septal defect (VSD), pulmonary valve stenosis, a misplaced aorta and a thickened right ventricular wall (right ventricular hypertrophy).

When your child has tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)?

When Your Child Has Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) Your child has been diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). This is a common complex heart defect. TOF is a serious heart condition, but it can be repaired with surgery.

What is the survival rate of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)?

The 25-year survival rate for patients undergoing surgical repair for Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), a form of cyanotic congenital heart disease, is 94.5%, with staged repairs and non-valve-sparing operations showing increased risk of early mortality, and genetic abnormalities increasing risk at ≥6 years post-surgery, according to a study published in JAMA Cardiology.