Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

Understanding Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a congenital heart defect that affects the structure of the heart, leading to a variety of symptoms and challenges.

It is one of the most common congenital heart defects, occurring in about 3 out of every 10,000 live births.

Side Effects of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

TOF involves four main heart defects:

• Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): A hole in the wall that separates the heart's lower chambers (ventricles).
• Pulmonary Stenosis: Narrowing of the pulmonary valve and the passage from the heart to the lungs.
• Overriding Aorta: The aorta, which carries oxygen-rich blood to the body, is shifted toward the right ventricle and above the VSD.
• Right Ventricular Hypertrophy: Thickening of the muscular wall of the right ventricle due to its increased workload.

These defects can lead to a range of symptoms, including cyanosis (blue tint to the skin due to lack of oxygen), shortness of breath, rapid breathing, fainting spells, and difficulty feeding or growing in infants.

Diagnosis of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

Tetralogy of Fallot is typically diagnosed soon after birth or during infancy. Diagnosis often involves:

• Physical Examination: Listening for heart murmurs and observing signs of cyanosis.
• Echocardiogram: Ultrasound imaging to visualize the heart's structure and blood flow.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)  and  Chest X-ray: These tests help assess the heart's electrical activity and its size and shape.

Potential Treatment of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

Treatment of Tetralogy of Fallot usually involves surgical intervention to correct the heart defects. The timing and type of surgery depend on the severity of the condition and the child's overall health. Common procedures include:

• Complete Repair: This involves closing the VSD and relieving the pulmonary stenosis to improve blood flow to the lungs. This surgery is typically performed during infancy.
• Palliative Procedures: Sometimes, temporary measures such as a shunt (a small tube) are placed to increase blood flow to the lungs until the child is ready for a complete repair.

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