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
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Tetralogy of Fallot Clinical Symptoms

The clinical manifestations of Tetralogy of Fallot include cyanosis, with cyanosis being the primary symptom. The severity of cyanosis is related to the extent of pulmonary stenosis and is commonly seen in areas rich in capillaries, such as the lips, fingertips, nail beds, and conjunctiva, where it appears more pronounced during physical activity or crying. Secondly, the squatting symptom is observed; children may show squatting behavior during walking or playing, often squatting down voluntarily for a moment. During squatting, the flexion of the lower limbs reduces the venous return to the heart, lightening the cardiac load and decreasing the right-to-left shunting, thereby alleviating hypoxia. Thirdly, clubbing of the fingers occurs due to long-term hypoxia, leading to hypertrophic growth at the fingertip and toe ends. Fourthly, paroxysmal hypoxic attacks occur.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Management of Hypoxic Episodes in Children with Tetralogy of Fallot

In the treatment of hypoxic episodes in children with Tetralogy of Fallot, mild cases can be alleviated by positioning the child in a knee-chest position, while severe cases should receive immediate oxygen therapy, along with appropriate medication to correct acidosis. It is important to regularly eliminate factors that may trigger hypoxic episodes, such as anemia and infections, and to maintain a calm environment for the child. If these measures do not effectively control the episodes, emergency surgical repair should be considered.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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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 Hu Qi Feng
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Emergency treatment for cyanosis in Tetralogy of Fallot

During hypoxic attacks of Tetralogy of Fallot, for mild cases, adopting the knee-chest position can provide relief. Severe cases should immediately receive oxygen and be given relevant medication treatment. Normally, attention should be paid to removing factors that cause hypoxic attacks, such as anemia and infections, and keep the child as calm as possible. For cases where hypoxia cannot be effectively controlled through the above measures, emergency surgical repair should be considered.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Tetralogy of Fallot Clinical Characteristics

Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease in infancy, accounting for about 12% of all congenital heart diseases. It is caused by malformations of four heart structures: 1. right ventricular outflow tract obstruction; 2. ventricular septal defect; 3. overriding aorta; 4. right ventricular hypertrophy. Its clinical manifestations may include cyanosis, squatting symptoms, clubbed fingers, and paroxysmal hypoxia attacks. Physical examinations generally show delayed development, a prominent precordial area, and at the second to fourth rib interspace along the left sternal margin, a grade 2 to 3 rough systolic murmur can be heard.