Tetralogy of Fallot is what?

Written by Hu Qi Feng

Pediatrics

Updated on September 08, 2024

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Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease in infants, accounting for about twelve percent of all congenital heart diseases. It was thoroughly described by the French physician Fallot in 1888, which is how it got its name. Tetralogy of Fallot consists of four cardiac malformations: first, obstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract; second, ventricular septal defect; third, overriding aorta; fourth, right ventricular hypertrophy.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng

Pediatrics

39sec

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Tetralogy of Fallot Emergency Measures

Generally, one should often drink water to prevent infection, prevent dehydration and complications. Infants and young children should be especially careful in their care, to avoid episodes of paroxysmal hypoxia. In mild cases of hypoxic episodes, placing them in a knee-chest position can alleviate the symptoms. In severe cases, oxygen should be administered immediately, along with the appropriate drug treatment. If the episodes cannot be effectively controlled with medication, emergency surgical intervention may be necessary. With the continuous improvement in surgical techniques this year, the mortality rate for curative surgeries has been decreasing.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng

Pediatrics

1min 12sec

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Tetralogy of Fallot Common Symptoms

The clinical manifestations of Tetralogy of Fallot include, firstly, cyanosis as the primary clinical symptom. The degree and onset of cyanosis are related to the severity of pulmonary stenosis, and it often appears in areas with abundant capillaries such as lips, fingers, toes, nail beds, and bulbar conjunctiva. Secondly, squatting symptoms are common among children; they often spontaneously squat for a while during walking or playing. Squatting, with the legs bent, reduces the venous return and thus decreases the load on the heart, temporarily relieving symptoms of hypoxia by reducing the right-to-left shunt. Thirdly, clubbing occurs due to long-term hypoxic conditions, which can cause capillary dilation and proliferation in the fingers and toes, and the local soft tissues and bones also grow and enlarge; fourthly, paroxysmal hypoxic attacks, which are most common in infants, can be triggered by breastfeeding, crying, emotional excitement, or anemia. These attacks suddenly occur and can lead to severe symptoms including difficulty breathing, fainting, convulsions, and even death.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang

Pediatrics

51sec

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Tetralogy of Fallot is caused by what?

Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease in childhood, consisting of four abnormalities: ventricular septal defect, obstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract, overriding aorta, and hypertrophy of the right ventricle. Congenital heart disease generally stems from abnormal cardiovascular development during the fetal period, resulting in a complex vascular malformation. The occurrence of cardiovascular malformations is mainly due to the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. The causes of congenital heart disease have not been fully clarified yet, but it is important to reinforce prenatal care, especially by actively preventing viral infections early in pregnancy and avoiding certain high-risk factors related to the disease to prevent congenital heart disease in children.

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Written by Yao Li Qin

Pediatrics

50sec

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Can children with Tetralogy of Fallot be desired?

Tetralogy of Fallot is a relatively severe congenital heart disease. If it is detected during the fetal period, it is not an indication for termination of pregnancy. In other words, one should not choose to not have the baby simply because it has Tetralogy of Fallot. However, it is crucial that the baby undergoes a timely echocardiogram after birth to assess the condition and undergo surgery as soon as possible. Currently, pediatric surgery, particularly cardiothoracic surgery, is developing very rapidly in our country. With multiple surgeries, Tetralogy of Fallot can be surgically cured. Therefore, having a child with Tetralogy of Fallot is not an indication for termination of pregnancy.

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Written by Chen Guang Yin

Cardiology

50sec

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Is it normal after the complete repair of Tetralogy of Fallot?

Tetralogy of Fallot is a serious congenital heart defect characterized by a ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, and problems with right ventricular obstruction. It is a congenital disease that can cause hypoxia throughout the body, especially as age increases, the symptoms tend to worsen. After the corrective surgery for Tetralogy of Fallot, it does not mean that the patient is completely normal. Their lifespan is still somewhat impacted. They will not be like patients with simpler congenital heart diseases such as only a ventricular septal defect or atrial septal defect, who can achieve a natural lifespan. For these individuals, their lifespan is still impacted to some extent. As they age post-surgery, some complications may arise, including sudden death, and some may require a second surgery.