Introduction

Tetralogy of Fallot is a rare but serious heart condition that affects babies at birth. It is one of the most common types of congenital heart disease, which means the baby is born with it. This condition is made up of four heart problems that affect how blood flows through the heart and to the rest of the body.

The four problems in Tetralogy of Fallot are:

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): A hole between the two lower chambers of the heart.

Pulmonary Stenosis: Narrowing of the valve that carries blood from the heart to the lungs.

Right Ventricular Hypertrophy: Thickening of the heart muscle on the right side.

Overriding Aorta: The main artery (aorta) sits over the hole in the heart, instead of being connected only to the left side.

These problems reduce the amount of oxygen-rich blood that flows from the heart to the body. As a result, children with Tetralogy of Fallot symptoms may appear blue (called cyanosis) because their blood doesn't carry enough oxygen.

Tetralogy of Fallot causes
The exact cause of Tetralogy of Fallot is not always known, but it can happen if:

1. The baby has a genetic condition like Down syndrome or DiGeorge syndrome.

2. The mother had rubella (German measles) during pregnancy.

3. There is a family history of congenital heart defects.

4. The mother has diabetes or uses certain medications or alcohol during pregnancy.

Tetralogy of Fallot symptoms
Common signs and symptoms include:

1. Bluish skin, lips, and nails (especially during crying or feeding)

2. Trouble breathing or shortness of breath

3. Poor weight gain

4. Fainting or seizures in severe cases

5. Tiring easily during feeding or playing

6. A heart murmur (unusual heart sound)

Early diagnosis and Tetralogy of Fallot treatment are important to prevent serious complications. Most children with this condition will need Tetralogy of Fallot surgery to fix the heart defects.

More Information About Tetralogy of Fallot Treatment

How is Tetralogy of Fallot Diagnosed?
Most babies with Tetralogy of Fallot symptoms are diagnosed shortly after birth. Sometimes, it may even be detected during pregnancy through a fetal echocardiogram. After birth, doctors confirm the diagnosis using:

Echocardiogram (Echo) – To view the heart’s structure

Chest X-ray – To check the heart and lungs

Oxygen level tests – To measure how much oxygen is in the blood

Cardiac MRI or CT scan – For detailed imaging, if needed

What is the Treatment for Tetralogy of Fallot?
Tetralogy of Fallot treatment usually requires surgery. In most cases, doctors recommend Tetralogy of Fallot surgery within the first year of life, depending on the baby’s health.

There are two main types of surgical options:

1. Complete Repair Surgery

This is the most common form of treatment. It is an open-heart surgery done to:

• Close the hole between the heart chambers (VSD)
• Widen the narrowed pulmonary valve and arteries
• Reposition the aorta, if needed

After this surgery, oxygen-rich blood can flow properly to the body. Many children lead healthy lives after this repair.

2. Temporary (Palliative) Surgery
Sometimes, if the baby is too weak or small for a full repair, doctors may do a temporary surgery first. This involves placing a shunt to increase blood flow to the lungs. Full repair is then done later when the child is stronger.

What to Expect After Surgery
After Tetralogy of Fallot surgery, the child will stay in the ICU for close monitoring. Most children stay in the hospital for 7 to 14 days, depending on how quickly they recover.

Post-surgery care includes:

• Medications to help the heart heal
• Regular follow-up visits with the cardiologist
• Avoiding infections with proper hygiene
• Nutritional care to support growth and healing

Children may need checkups and heart scans as they grow, but most can live active lives after treatment.

Can Tetralogy of Fallot Come Back?
In some cases, patients may need another surgery or heart procedure as they get older, especially if:

• The heart valve becomes narrow again
• There are rhythm issues in the heart
• A heart valve needs to be replaced

But overall, with good medical care, children treated for Tetralogy of Fallot can live long, active, and fulfilling lives.