Tetralogy of fallot(patient information): Difference between revisions

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==Overview==
==Overview==
[[Tetralogy of fallot]] refers to a type of [[congenital heart defect]]. Congenital means present at [[birth]]. Tetralogy of Fallot is classified as a [[cyanotic heart defect]] because the condition causes low oxygen levels in the [[blood]]. This leads to [[cyanosis]] (a bluish-purple color to the [[skin]]).
[[Tetralogy of Fallot]] refers to a type of [[congenital heart defect]]. Congenital means present at [[birth]]. Tetralogy of Fallot is classified as a [[cyanotic heart defect]] because the condition causes low oxygen levels in the [[blood]]. This leads to [[cyanosis]] (a bluish-purple color to the [[skin]]).


The classic form of tetralogy includes four related defects of the [[heart]] and its major [[blood vessel]]s:
The classic form of tetralogy includes four related defects of the [[heart]] and its major [[blood vessel]]s:
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* A thickened muscular wall of the [[right ventricle]] ([[right ventricular hypertrophy]])
* A thickened muscular wall of the [[right ventricle]] ([[right ventricular hypertrophy]])


At birth, infants may not show signs of [[cyanosis]]. However, later they may develop sudden episodes (called [[Tet spells]]) of bluish skin from crying or feeding.
At [[birth]], [[infant]]s may not show signs of [[cyanosis]]. However, later they may develop sudden episodes (called [[Tet spells]]) of bluish skin from crying or feeding.


Tetralogy of Fallot is rare, but it is the most common form of [[cyanotic congenital heart disease]]. Patients with tetraology of Fallot have a higher [[incidence]] of major non-heart congenital defects.
Tetralogy of Fallot is rare, but it is the most common form of [[cyanotic congenital heart disease]]. Patients with tetralogy of Fallot have a higher [[incidence]] of major non-heart congenital defects.


{{#ev:youtube|uPRjw8GlmoQ}}
{{#ev:youtube|uPRjw8GlmoQ}}


==What are the symptoms of Tetralogy of fallot?==
==What are the symptoms of Tetralogy of Fallot?==
Patients with ventricular septal defects may not have symptoms. However, if the hole is large, the baby often has symptoms related to [[heart failure]].
Patients with [[ventricular septal defect]]s may not have symptoms. However, if the hole is large, the baby often has symptoms related to [[heart failure]].


The most common symptoms include:
The most common symptoms include:
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{{#ev:youtube|AywUO2TLbYs}}
{{#ev:youtube|AywUO2TLbYs}}


==What causes Tetralogy of fallot?==
==What causes Tetralogy of Fallot?==
The cause of most [[congenital heart defect]]s is unknown. Many factors seem to be involved.
The cause of most [[congenital heart defect]]s is unknown. Many factors seem to be involved.


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* Mother who is over 40 years old
* Mother who is over 40 years old
* Poor [[nutrition]] during [[pregnancy]]
* Poor [[nutrition]] during [[pregnancy]]
* [[Rubella]] or other [[viral]] illnesses during pregnancy
* [[Rubella]] or other [[viral]] illnesses during [[pregnancy]]


* There is a high incidence of chromosomal disorders in children with tetralogy of Fallot, such as [[Down syndrome]] and [[DiGeorge syndrome]] (a condition that causes heart defects, [[low calcium]] levels, and [[immune deficiency]]).
* There is a high [[incidence]] of [[chromosomal disorder]]s in children with tetralogy of Fallot, such as [[Down syndrome]] and [[DiGeorge syndrome]] (a condition that causes heart defects, [[low calcium]] levels, and [[immune deficiency]]).


==Possible Complications?==
==Possible Complications?==
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==Treatment options==
==Treatment options==
Surgery to repair tetralogy of Fallot is done when the infant is very young. Sometimes more than one surgery is needed. When more than one surgery is used, the first surgery is done to help increase blood flow to the lungs.
[[Surgery]] to repair tetralogy of Fallot is done when the [[infant]] is very young. Sometimes more than one surgery is needed. When more than one surgery is used, the first surgery is done to help increase [[blood flow]] to the [[lung]]s.


Surgery to correct the problem may be done at a later time. Often only one corrective surgery is performed in the first few months of life. Corrective surgery is done to widen part of the narrowed pulmonary tract and close the ventricular septal defect.
Surgery to correct the problem may be done at a later time. Often only one corrective [[surgery]] is performed in the first few months of life. Corrective surgery is done to widen part of the narrowed pulmonary tract and close the [[ventricular septal defect]].


Surgery for a VSD with no symptoms is controversial. This should be carefully discussed with your health care provider.
Surgery for a VSD with no symptoms is controversial. This should be carefully discussed with your health care provider.


==When to Contact a Medical Professional?==
==When to Contact a Medical Professional?==
 
Most often, this condition is diagnosed during routine examination of an [[infant]]. Call your infant's health care provider if the baby seems to be having difficulty breathing, or if the baby seems to have an unusual number of [[respiratory infection]]s.
Most often, this condition is diagnosed during routine examination of an infant. Call your infant's health care provider if the baby seems to be having difficulty breathing, or if the baby seems to have an unusual number of respiratory infections.
 


==Outlook (Prognosis)==
==Outlook (Prognosis)==
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Call your health care provider if new unexplained symptoms develop or the patient is having an episode of [[cyanosis]] ([[blue skin]]).
Call your health care provider if new unexplained symptoms develop or the patient is having an episode of [[cyanosis]] ([[blue skin]]).


If a child with tetralogy of Fallot becomes blue, immediately place the child on his or her side or back and put the knees up to the chest. Calm the baby and seek medical attention immediately.
If a child with tetralogy of Fallot becomes blue, immediately place the child on his or her side or back and put the [[knee]]s up to the [[chest]]. Calm the baby and seek medical attention immediately.


==Prevention==
==Prevention==
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http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001567.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001567.htm
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Congenital malformations and deformations of circulatory system}}
[[de:Herzfehler]]
[[es:Cardiopatía congénita]]
[[fr:Cardiopathie congénitale]]
[[lv:Iedzimtās sirds slimības]]
[[nn:Medfødd hjartefeil]]
[[pl:Wada serca]]
[[pt:Cardiopatia congênita]]
[[sr:Урођене срчане мане]]
[[uk:Вроджені вади серця]]
[[wa:Maladeye des bleus påpåds]]
[[tr:Doğumsal kalp hastalıkları]]


[[Category:Cardiology]]
[[Category:Cardiology]]
[[Category:Congenital heart disease]]
[[Category:Congenital heart disease]]
[[Category:Genetic Disease]]
[[Category:Pediatrics]]
[[Category:Disease]]
[[Category:Patient information]]


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Latest revision as of 19:17, 24 January 2013

Tetralogy of Fallot

Overview

What are the symptoms?

What are the causes?

Who is at highest risk?

When to seek urgent medical care?

Diagnosis

Treatment options

Where to find medical care for Tetralogy of Fallot?

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Possible complications

Prevention

Tetralogy of Fallot On the Web

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

Images of Tetralogy of Fallot

Videos on Tetralogy of Fallot

FDA on Tetralogy of Fallot

CDC on Tetralogy of Fallot

Tetralogy of Fallot in the news

Blogs on Tetralogy of Fallot

Directions to Hospitals Treating Tetralogy of Fallot

Risk calculators and risk factors for Tetralogy of Fallot

For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editors-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [2], Keri Shafer, M.D. [3]; Atif Mohammad, M.D.; Assistant Editor-In-Chief: Kristin Feeney, B.S. [4]

Overview

Tetralogy of Fallot refers to a type of congenital heart defect. Congenital means present at birth. Tetralogy of Fallot is classified as a cyanotic heart defect because the condition causes low oxygen levels in the blood. This leads to cyanosis (a bluish-purple color to the skin).

The classic form of tetralogy includes four related defects of the heart and its major blood vessels:

At birth, infants may not show signs of cyanosis. However, later they may develop sudden episodes (called Tet spells) of bluish skin from crying or feeding.

Tetralogy of Fallot is rare, but it is the most common form of cyanotic congenital heart disease. Patients with tetralogy of Fallot have a higher incidence of major non-heart congenital defects.

{{#ev:youtube|uPRjw8GlmoQ}}

What are the symptoms of Tetralogy of Fallot?

Patients with ventricular septal defects may not have symptoms. However, if the hole is large, the baby often has symptoms related to heart failure.

The most common symptoms include:

{{#ev:youtube|AywUO2TLbYs}}

What causes Tetralogy of Fallot?

The cause of most congenital heart defects is unknown. Many factors seem to be involved.

Factors that increase the risk for this condition during pregnancy include:

Possible Complications?

Exams and Tests

A physical examination with a stethoscope almost always reveals a heart murmur.

Tests may include:

Treatment options

Surgery to repair tetralogy of Fallot is done when the infant is very young. Sometimes more than one surgery is needed. When more than one surgery is used, the first surgery is done to help increase blood flow to the lungs.

Surgery to correct the problem may be done at a later time. Often only one corrective surgery is performed in the first few months of life. Corrective surgery is done to widen part of the narrowed pulmonary tract and close the ventricular septal defect.

Surgery for a VSD with no symptoms is controversial. This should be carefully discussed with your health care provider.

When to Contact a Medical Professional?

Most often, this condition is diagnosed during routine examination of an infant. Call your infant's health care provider if the baby seems to be having difficulty breathing, or if the baby seems to have an unusual number of respiratory infections.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Call your health care provider if new unexplained symptoms develop or the patient is having an episode of cyanosis (blue skin).

If a child with tetralogy of Fallot becomes blue, immediately place the child on his or her side or back and put the knees up to the chest. Calm the baby and seek medical attention immediately.

Prevention

There is no known prevention.

Sources

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001567.htm


Template:WikiDoc Sources