Tetralogy of fallot physical examination

	Tetralogy of fallot Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Tetalogy of Fallot from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural history, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
Chest X Ray
Echocardiography
CT
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Interventions
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
ACC/AHA Guidelines for Evaluation and Follow-up
;
Tetralogy of fallot physical examination On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Tetralogy of fallot physical examination All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Tetralogy of fallot physical examination
CDC on Tetralogy of fallot physical examination
Tetralogy of fallot physical examination in the news
Blogs on Tetralogy of fallot physical examination
Directions to Hospitals Treating Type page name here
Risk calculators and risk factors for Tetralogy of fallot physical examination

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]; Assistant Editor-In-Chief: Kristin Feeney, B.S. [4]

Overview

Patients with tetralogy of Fallot usually appear small due to a failure to thrive. Physical examination of patients with tetralogy of Fallot is usually remarkable for cyanosis, systolic thrill, systolic ejection murmur, and Clubbing.

Patients with tetralogy of Fallot usually appear small due to a failure to thrive
Patients may be found in squatting position (compensatory mechanism)

A harsh systolic ejection murmur best heard at the left sternal border is usually present.
The loudness and length of systolic murmur is inversely proportional to the severity of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO).
In other words as the RVOTO worsens, the murmur softens.
The more cyanotic the patient, the softer the murmur.
As the RVOTO progresses towards occlusion the right ventricular blood is diverted to left ventricle through ventricular septal defect.
This causes the pulmonic murmur to become shorter and softer.
P2 is faint and delayed in mild cyanosis and inaudible in severe cyanosis.
A diastolic murmur may be heard due to aortic regurgitation.