Tetralogy of Fallot

Overview

Tetralogy of Fallot consists of ventricular septal defect, right ventricular outflow obstruction, overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy.

Clinical Features

Severity depends largely on the degree of right ventricular outflow obstruction.

Children may have cyanosis, exertional intolerance, or hypercyanotic episodes.

Investigation

Echocardiography defines anatomy and severity. ECG and chest imaging can provide supportive findings.

Management

Acute hypercyanotic episodes require urgent supportive treatment and reduction of right-to-left shunting.

Definitive treatment is surgical repair or staged intervention based on anatomy and age.

Clinical Pearls