Tetralogy of Fallot Flashcards
When are most cases of Tetralogy of fallot picked up?
In an antenatal scan, before the baby is born
When does Tetralogy of Fallot usually present?
Around 1-2 months
When is Tetralogy of fallot usually picked up?
Around 6 months
What is Tetralogy of fallot?
Anterior malalignment of the aorticopulmonary septum
What are the 4 key characteristics of Tetralogy of fallot?
- ventricular septal defect (VSD)
- right ventricular hypertrophy
- right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, pulmonary stenosis (pulmonary valve stenosis)
- overriding aorta
What determines the severity of the disease?
The severity of the right ventricular outflow tract obstruction
(pulmonary valve stenosis)
What will severe cases of teratology present with?
Heart failure before one year of age.
How would mild Tetralogy of fallot present?
Older children develop signs and symptoms of heart failure.
What are the signs and symptoms of Tetralogy of fallot (heart failure)?
- Cyanosis (blue discolouration of the skin due to low oxygen saturations)
- Clubbing
- Poor feeding
- Poor weight gain
What murmur can be heard with Tetralogy of fallot?
Ejection systolic murmur- heard loudest in the pulmonary area
What is the ejection systolic murmur due to?
Pulmonary stenosis
What might an unrepaired TOF cause?
Hypercyanotic tet spell
What is a tet spell?
Intermittent symptomatic periods where the right to left shunt becomes temporarily worsened, precipitating a cyanotic episode.
What are the main features of tet spells?
- Tachypnoea
* Severe cyanosis that may occasionally result in loss of consciousness
When do tet spells typically occur?
When an infant is upset, is in pain or has a fever
