Fallot's Tetralogy

Question 1

What is Fallot’s tetralogy?

Answer 1

Rare congenital cardiac disease with four coexisting pathologies

Question 2

What are the coexisting pathologies in Fallot’s tetralogy?

Answer 2

Pulmonary stenosis

Right ventricular hypertrophy

Overriding aorta

Ventricular septal defect

Question 3

Risk factors for Fallot’s tetralogy

Answer 3

Rubella infection

Increased maternal age (>40)

Alcohol consumption in pregnancy

Diabetic mother

Question 4

Clinical features of Fallot’s tetralogy

Answer 4

Tet spells (acute episodes of cyanosis)

Clubbing

Poor feeding

Poor weight gain

Ejection systolic murmur heard loudest in pulmonary area

Question 5

Management of tet spells

Answer 5

Analgesia

Supplemental O2

Vasoconstrictive agent as last line e.g. phenylephrine

Question 6

Management of Fallot’s tetralogy

Answer 6

Neonates - prostaglandin infusion can maintain ductus arterioles

Surgery to correct VSD and widen ventricular outflow tract