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Tetralogy of Fallot

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editors-In-Chief: Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D., Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [2], Assistant Editor-In-Chief: Kristin Feeney, B.S. [3]

Overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editors-In-Chief: Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D., Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [2],Kristin Feeney, B.S. [3]

Overview

Tetralogy of Fallot was first discovered by Etienne Fallot, a French ohysician in 1888. Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect which classically has four anatomical components: obstruction to right ventricular outflow, right ventricular hypertrophy, ventricular septal defect, and overriding of aorta. It accounts for approximately 10% of all forms of congenital heart disease. It is the most common cause of cyanosis in children over one year of age (blue baby syndrome). It is understood that tetralogy of fallot is the result of improper positioning of the outlet septum. In the normal heart, the outlet septum is an indistinguishable component of the crista supraventricularis that communicates with the septomarginal trabeculae to divide the right and left ventricular cavities. In Tetralogy of Fallot, proper ventricular septation is perturbed by anterocephalad displacement of the outlet septum relative to the septomarginal trabecula. These features include a ventricular septal defect, overriding aorta, pulmonary stenosis, and right ventricular hypertrophy. The obstruction of right ventricular outflow in tetralogy of Fallot causes blood to shunt or flow from the right to left side of heart through the ventricular septal defect. This causes right ventricular hypertrophy and eventual right sided heart failure. There is flow of deoxygenated venous blood from the right side of the heart to the systemic circulation resulting in cyanosis. Common causes of tetralogy of Fallot may include: Alcoholism in the mother, diabetes, pregnancy after the age of 40, rubella or other viral illnesses during pregnancy, phenylketonuria (PKU) in the mother, fetal hydantoin syndrome, and fetal carbamazepine syndrome. On the basis cyanosis, tetralogy of Fallot must be differentiated from total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, tricuspid atresia, transposition of the great vessels, and truncus arteriosus. Tetralogy of Fallot occurs in approximately 30 to 60 per 100,000 births. Tetralogy of Fallot represents 5-7% of congenital heart defects. The majority of cases are thought to be sporadic and are not familial. Tetralogy of Fallot occurs slightly more often in males than in females. Common risk factors in the development of tetralogy of Fallot include: Alcoholism in the mother, diabetes, and pregnancy after the age of 40. According to the Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian Pediatric Cardiology Association, screening for tetralogy of Fallot by pulse oxymetry is recommended for all newborns. The prognosis of patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot has improved over the years and these patients now have the potential to lead normal lives. As these patients grow, there may be leakage of the repaired pulmonic valve. There may be a persistent risk of sudden cardiac death. Echocardiography is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of tetralogy of fallot. Echocardiography establishes the initial diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot, and is useful in evaluating the hemodynamic abnormalities that are present. Right-to-left shunting through the VSD can be visualized by color doppler imaging, and the severity of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction can be determined by spectral doppler measurements. Echocardiography may be helpful in the diagnosis of tetralogy of fallot. Findings on an echocardiography diagnostic of tetralogy of fallot include ventricular septal defect, right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and overriding aorta. Repair of tetralogy of Fallot reduces mortality. we can either perform palliative surgery which involves forming an anastomosis between the subclavian artery and the pulmonary artery. This redirected a large portion of the partially oxygenated blood leaving the heart for the body into the lungs, increasing flow through the pulmonary circuit, and greatly relieving symptoms in patients or total surgical repair which involves making incisions into the heart muscle, relieving the right ventricular outflow tract stenosis by careful resection of muscle, repairing the VSD using a Gore-Tex or Dacron patch or a homograft. Additional reparative or reconstructive work may be done on patients as required by their particular anatomy.The repair could be done by either of the approaches i.e.transatrial or transpulmonary.

Historical Perspective

Tetralogy of Fallot was first discovered by Etienne Fallot, a French ohysician in 1888.

Classification

There is no established system for the classification of tetralogy of Fallot.

Pathophysiology

Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart lesion characterized by a constellation of four morphologic abnormalities present in the newborn heart. It is understood that tetralogy of fallot is the result of improper positioning of the outlet septum. In the normal heart, the outlet septum is an indistinguishable component of the crista supraventricularis that communicates with the septomarginal trabeculae to divide the right and left ventricular cavities. In Tetralogy of Fallot, proper ventricular septation is perturbed by anterocephalad displacement of the outlet septum relative to the septomarginal trabecula. These features include a ventricular septal defect, overriding aorta, pulmonary stenosis, and right ventricular hypertrophy. The obstruction of right ventricular outflow in tetralogy of Fallot causes blood to shunt or flow from the right to left side of heart through the ventricular septal defect. This causes right ventricular hypertrophy and eventual right sided heart failure. There is flow of deoxygenated venous blood from the right side of the heart to the systemic circulation resulting in cyanosis.

Causes

Common causes of tetralogy of Fallot may include: Alcoholism in the mother, diabetes, pregnancy after the age of 40, rubella or other viral illnesses during pregnancy, phenylketonuria (PKU) in the mother, fetal hydantoin syndrome, and fetal carbamazepine syndrome.

Differentiating Tetralogy of Fallot from other Diseases

On the basis cyanosis, tetralogy of Fallot must be differentiated from total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, tricuspid atresia, transposition of the great vessels, and truncus arteriosus.

Epidemiology and Demographics

Tetralogy of Fallot occurs in approximately 30 to 60 per 100,000 births. Tetralogy of Fallot represents 5-7% of congenital heart defects. The majority of cases are thought to be sporadic and are not familial. Tetralogy of Fallot occurs slightly more often in males than in females.

Risk factors

Common risk factors in the development of tetralogy of Fallot include: Alcoholism in the mother, diabetes, and pregnancy after the age of 40.

Screening

According to the Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian Pediatric Cardiology Association, screening for tetralogy of Fallot by pulse oxymetry is recommended for all newborns.

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

The prognosis of patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot has improved over the years and these patients now have the potential to lead normal lives. As these patients grow, there may be leakage of the repaired pulmonic valve. There may be a persistent risk of sudden cardiac death.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic Study of Choice

Echocardiography is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of tetralogy of fallot.

History and Symptoms

Patients with tetralogy of Fallot may have a positive history of alcoholism, diabetes, Poor nutrition in mother in mother. Common symptoms of tetralogy of Fallot include sudden, marked bluish skin (tet spell), dyspnea on exertion, difficulty in feeding, failure to gain weight, failure to thrive, retarded growth and physical development, and hemoptysis.

Physical Examination

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.

Laboratory Findings

Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of tetralogy of fallot include diminished oxygen saturation, hematocrit between 65% to 70%, and low platelet count and coagulation factors.

Electrocardiogram

An ECG may be helpful in the diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot. Findings on an ECG suggestive of tetralogy of Fallot include right axis deviation, right ventricular hypertrophy, wide QRS, and right bundle branch block.

X Ray

An x-ray may be helpful in the diagnosis of tetralogy of fallot. Findings on an x-ray diagnostic of tetralogy of fallot include normal or decreased pulmonary vascularity, concave pulmonary artery segment, “boot-like” heart, and right sided aortic arch.

Echocardiography

Echocardiography establishes the initial diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot, and is useful in evaluating the hemodynamic abnormalities that are present. Right-to-left shunting through the VSD can be visualized by color doppler imaging, and the severity of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction can be determined by spectral doppler measurements. Echocardiography may be helpful in the diagnosis of tetralogy of fallot. Findings on an echocardiography diagnostic of tetralogy of fallot include ventricular septal defect, right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and overriding aorta.

CT

Computed tomography can be helpful as a diagnostic tool in conditions where the echocardiographic findings are inconclusive.

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging can be helpful as a diagnostic tool in patients in whom the echocardiographic findings are inconclusive.

Other Imaging Findings

There are no other imaging findings associated with tetralogy of fallot.

Other Diagnostic Studies

There are no other diagnostic studies associated with tetralogy of fallot.

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Although operative repair of tetralogy of Fallot is definitive, medical therapy can be used to manage hypoxic or tet spells. Tet spells cause acute hypoxia and may be treated with beta blockers, morphine, phenylephrine, and oxygen.

Surgery

Repair of tetralogy of Fallot reduces mortality. we can either perform palliative surgery which involves forming an anastomosis between the subclavian artery and the pulmonary artery. This redirected a large portion of the partially oxygenated blood leaving the heart for the body into the lungs, increasing flow through the pulmonary circuit, and greatly relieving symptoms in patients or total surgical repair which involves making incisions into the heart muscle, relieving the right ventricular outflow tract stenosis by careful resection of muscle, repairing the VSD using a Gore-Tex or Dacron patch or a homograft. Additional reparative or reconstructive work may be done on patients as required by their particular anatomy.The repair could be done by either of the approaches i.e.transatrial or transpulmonary.

Primary Prevention

There are no established measures for the primary prevention of Tetralogy of Fallot.

Secondary Prevention

According to the Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian Pediatric Cardiology Association, screening for tetralogy of Fallot by pulse oxymetry is recommended for all newborns.

References


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Historical Perspective

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editors-In-Chief: Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D., Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [2], Assistant Editor-In-Chief: Kristin Feeney, B.S. [3]

Overview

Tetralogy of Fallot was first discovered by Etienne Fallot, a French ohysician in 1888.

Historical Perspective

Discovery

  • Tetralogy of Fallot was first discovered by Etienne Fallot, a French ohysician in 1888.[1][2][3]
  • Many physicians had described morphologic anomalies of heart related to tetralogy of fallot such as:
    • Niels Stensen (1671)
    • Eduard Sandifort (1777)
    • William Hunter (1784)
    • J. P. Farre (1814)
    • Thomas Bevill Peacock (1846)
    • Thomas Bevill Peacock’s (1866)

References

  1. Evans, William N. (2008). “Tetralogy of Fallot” and Étienne-Louis Arthur Fallot”. Pediatric Cardiology. 29 (3): 637–640. doi:10.1007/s00246-007-9186-8. ISSN 0172-0643.
  2. Tubbs, R. Shane; Gianaris, Nicholas; Shoja, Mohammadali M.; Loukas, Marios; Cohen Gadol, Aaron A. (2012). “?The heart is simply a muscle? and first description of the tetralogy of ?Fallot?. Early contributions to cardiac anatomy and pathology by bishop and anatomist Niels Stensen (1638?1686)”. International Journal of Cardiology. 154 (3): 312–315. doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2010.09.055. ISSN 0167-5273.
  3. Neill CA, Clark EB (1994). “Tetralogy of Fallot. The first 300 years”. Tex Heart Inst J. 21 (4): 272–9. PMID 7888802.


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Classification

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D.

Overview

There is no established system for the classification of tetralogy of Fallot.

Classification

There is no established system for the classification of tetralogy of Fallot.


References

Template:WH Template:WS

Pathophysiology

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

Overview

Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart lesion characterized by a constellation of four morphologic abnormalities present in the newborn heart. It is understood that tetralogy of fallot is the result of improper positioning of the outlet septum. In the normal heart, the outlet septum is an indistinguishable component of the crista supraventricularis that communicates with the septomarginal trabeculae to divide the right and left ventricular cavities. In Tetralogy of Fallot, proper ventricular septation is perturbed by anterocephalad displacement of the outlet septum relative to the septomarginal trabecula. These features include a ventricular septal defect, overriding aorta, pulmonary stenosis, and right ventricular hypertrophy. The obstruction of right ventricular outflow in tetralogy of Fallot causes blood to shunt or flow from the right to left side of heart through the ventricular septal defect. This causes right ventricular hypertrophy and eventual right sided heart failure. There is flow of deoxygenated venous blood from the right side of the heart to the systemic circulation resulting in cyanosis.

Pathophysiology

Physiology

The normal physiology of heart development can be understood as follows:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2037_Embryonic_Development_of_Heart.jpg


Pathogenesis

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tetralogy_of_Fallot.svg


Anatomy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Heart_tetralogy_fallot.svg
  • This defect in outlet septum in turn leads to the four characteristic features:
  • A: Pulmonic Stenosis
    • Pulmonic stenosis is a right ventricular outflow tract obstruction
      • A narrowing at (valvular stenosis, seen in approximately 20-25% case) or just below (infundibular stenosis, seen in around 50% of cases) the pulmonary valve.
      • The stenosis is mostly the result of hypertrophy of the septoparietal trabeculae,[4] however the deviated outlet septum is believed to play a role.
      • The stenosis is the major cause of the malformations, with the other associated malformations acting as compensatory mechanisms to the pulmonic stenosis.[5]
      • The degree of stenosis varies between individuals with TOF, and is the primary determinant of symptoms and severity. This malformation is infrequently described as sub-pulmonary stenosis or subpulmonary obstruction.[6]
      • Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia or pseudotruncus arteriosus is a severe variant in which there is complete obstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract and absence of the pulmonary trunk. In these individuals, there is complete right-to-left shunting of blood. The lungs are perfused via extensive collaterals from the systemic arteries.
  • B: Overriding Aorta
  • C: Ventricular Septal Defect
    • Ventricular septal defect is a hole between the two bottom chambers (ventricles) of the heart. The defect is centered around the outlet septum, the most superior aspect of the septum, and in the majority of cases is single and large. In some cases septal hypertrophy can narrow the margins of the defect.[4]
  • D: Right Ventricular Hypertrophy
    • The right ventricle is more muscular than normal, causing a characteristic coeur-en-sabot (boot-shaped) appearance as seen by chest x-ray. Due to the misarrangement of the external ventricular septum, the right ventricular wall increase in size to deal with the increased obstruction to the right outflow tract. This feature is now generally agreed to be a secondary anomaly, as the level of hypertrophy generally increases with age.[7]
  • There is anatomic variation between the hearts of individuals with tetralogy of Fallot.
  • The degree of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction varies between patients and is generally determines clinical symptoms and disease progression.

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Embrylogy

Genetics

Associated Conditions

Gross Pathology

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PLC_Fallots_tetralogy.jpg


Microscopic Pathology

There is no characteristic findings of tetralogy of fallot on microscopic histopathological analysis.


References

  1. Anderson RH, Jacobs ML (2008). “The anatomy of tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary stenosis”. Cardiol Young. 18 Suppl 3: 12–21. doi:10.1017/S1047951108003259. PMID 19094375.
  2. Bashore TM (2007). “Adult congenital heart disease: right ventricular outflow tract lesions”. Circulation. 115 (14): 1933–47. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.592345. PMID 17420363.
  3. Bailliard F, Anderson RH (2009). “Tetralogy of Fallot”. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 4: 2. doi:10.1186/1750-1172-4-2. PMC 2651859. PMID 19144126.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Gatzoulis MA, Webb GD, Daubeney PE. (2005) Diagnosis and Management of Adult Congenital Heart Disease. Churchill Livingstone, Philadelphia. ISBN 0443071039.
  5. Bartelings M, Gittenberger-de Groot A (1991). “Morphogenetic considerations on congenital malformations of the outflow tract. Part 1: Common arterial trunk and tetralogy of Fallot”. Int. J. Cardiol. 32 (2): 213–30. PMID 1917172.
  6. Anderson RH, Weinberg. The clinical anatomy of tetralogy of Fallot. Cardiol Young. 2005 15;38-47. PMID 15934690.
  7. Anderson RH, Tynan M. Tetralogy of Fallot – a centennial review. Int J Cardiol. 1988 21; 219-232. PMID 3068155.
  8. Olson EN (2006). “Gene regulatory networks in the evolution and development of the heart”. Science. 313 (5795): 1922–7. doi:10.1126/science.1132292. PMID 17008524.
  9. Yang YQ, Gharibeh L, Li RG, Xin YF, Wang J, Liu ZM; et al. (2013). “GATA4 loss-of-function mutations underlie familial tetralogy of fallot”. Hum Mutat. 34 (12): 1662–71. doi:10.1002/humu.22434. PMID 24000169.
  10. Bruneau BG (2008). “The developmental genetics of congenital heart disease”. Nature. 451 (7181): 943–8. doi:10.1038/nature06801. PMID 18288184.
  11. Bruneau BG, Srivastava D (2014). “Congenital heart disease: entering a new era of human genetics”. Circ Res. 114 (4): 598–9. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.113.303060. PMID 24526674.
  12. Hiroi Y, Kudoh S, Monzen K, Ikeda Y, Yazaki Y, Nagai R; et al. (2001). “Tbx5 associates with Nkx2-5 and synergistically promotes cardiomyocyte differentiation”. Nat Genet. 28 (3): 276–80. doi:10.1038/90123. PMID 11431700.
  13. Garg V, Kathiriya IS, Barnes R, Schluterman MK, King IN, Butler CA; et al. (2003). “GATA4 mutations cause human congenital heart defects and reveal an interaction with TBX5”. Nature. 424 (6947): 443–7. doi:10.1038/nature01827. PMID 12845333.
  14. Sheng W, Qian Y, Wang H, Ma X, Zhang P, Diao L; et al. (2013). “DNA methylation status of NKX2-5, GATA4 and HAND1 in patients with tetralogy of fallot”. BMC Med Genomics. 6: 46. doi:10.1186/1755-8794-6-46. PMC 3819647. PMID 24182332.
  15. Dabizzi RP, Caprioli G, Aiazzi L, Castelli C, Baldrighi G, Parenzan L, Baldrighi V (January 1980). “Distribution and anomalies of coronary arteries in tetralogy of fallot”. Circulation. 61 (1): 95–102. doi:10.1161/01.cir.61.1.95. PMID 7349946.
  16. Satyanarayana Rao, B.N.; Anderson, Ray C.; Edwards, Jesse E. (1971). “Anatomic variations in the tetralogy of Fallot”. American Heart Journal. 81 (3): 361–371. doi:10.1016/0002-8703(71)90106-2. ISSN 0002-8703.
  17. Muster, Alexander J.; Paul, Milton H.; Nikaidoh, Hisashi (1973). “Tetralogy of Fallot Associated with Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Drainage”. Chest. 64 (3): 323–326. doi:10.1378/chest.64.3.323. ISSN 0012-3692.
  18. Saifi, Comron; Matsumoto, Hiroko; Vitale, Michael G.; Roye, David P.; Hyman, Joshua E. (2012). “The incidence of congenital scoliosis in infants with tetralogy of Fallot based on chest radiographs”. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics B. 21 (4): 313–316. doi:10.1097/BPB.0b013e3283536872. ISSN 1060-152X.


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Causes

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

Overview

Common causes of tetralogy of Fallot may include: Alcoholism in the mother, diabetes, pregnancy after the age of 40, rubella or other viral illnesses during pregnancy, phenylketonuria (PKU) in the mother, fetal hydantoin syndrome, and fetal carbamazepine syndrome.

Causes

Common Causes

Common causes of tetralogy of Fallot may include:

Less Common Causes

Less common causes of tetralogy of Fallot may include:

Genetic Causes

Genetic causes of tetralogy of Fallot may include:

References

  1. Marinho C, Alho I, Guerra A, Rego C, Areias J, Bicho M. The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene variant (C677T) as a susceptibility gene for tetralogy of Fallot. Rev Port Cardiol. Jul-Aug 2009;28(7-8):809-12.
  2. Lee CN, Su YN, Cheng WF, Lin MT, Wang JK, Wu MH, et al. Association of the C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase mutation with congenital heart diseases. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. Dec 2005;84(12):1134-40.


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Differentiating Tetralogy of Fallot from other Diseases

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editors-In-Chief: Eiman Ghaffarpasand, M.D. [2], Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D., Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [3], Keri Shafer, M.D. [4]; Assistant Editor-In-Chief: Kristin Feeney, B.S. [5]

Overview

On the basis cyanosis, tetralogy of Fallot must be differentiated from total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, tricuspid atresia, transposition of the great vessels, truncus arteriosus.

Differentiating Tetralogy of Fallot from other Diseases

Tetralogy of Fallot must be differentiated from other diseases that cause cyanosis:

Diseases Cyanosis Clinical manifestations Para-clinical findings Gold standard Additional findings
Symptoms Physical examination
Lab Findings Imaging
Peripheral Central Dyspnea Fever Chest pain Clubbing Peripheral edema Auscultation CBC ABG Electrolytes Other X-ray CT scan Other
Pulmonary diseases Airway disorder Severe croup[1] + + +/- Stridor Lymphocytosis Normal Normal Steeple sign Normal Distended hypopharynx during inspiration Clinical findings Intercostal and subcostal retraction, Barking cough
Epiglottitis[2] + + + Stridor Leukocytosis with neutrophilia Normal Normal Thumb sign Normal Laryngoscopy Muffled voice, Drooling
Foreign body aspiration[3] + + +/- Decreased breath sounds, Wheezing Normal Normal Normal Hyperinflation, Atelectasis, Objects Foreign body entrapment with edema or granulation tissue Bronchoscopy Mediastinitis
Bacterial tracheitis[4] + + + + Inspiratory stridor Leukocytosis Normal Normal Blood culture, Gram stain Irregular tracheal margin Normal Steeple sign (confusing) Laryngotracheobronchoscopy Brassy cough, Hoarseness
Sleep apnea[5] + + Normal Polycythemia O2, ↑CO2 Normal Normal Normal Polysomnography Polysomnography Nightmares, Snoring
Chronic bronchitis[6] + + +/- +/- + Rales, crackles, Wheeze Leukocytosis O2, ↑CO2, Respiratory acidosis Hypokalemia, Hypernatremia Gram stain of sputum Elongated heart, Flattened diaphragms, Prominent hilar vasculature Bronchial wall thickening with increased bronchovascular markings HRCT Productive cough, Chest tightness
Atelectasis[7] + + + Localized diminished breath sounds, Wheeze Leukocytosis O2, ↑CO2, Respiratory acidosis Normal Localized increased opacity, Deviation toward the atelectasis Local crowding of pulmonary vessels and bronchi MRI for distinguishing obstructive from non-obstructive HRCT Cough, Shallow breathing
Parenchymal disorder Alveolitis[8] +/- + + + + +/- Wheeze, Crackles Leukocytosis, Eosinophilia O2, ↑CO2 Normal ESR, ↑CRP Scattered opacities, Fine reticulation Homogeneous ground-glass opacity HRCT PLUS Clinical findings Malaise, Chills, Headache
Pneumonia[9] + + + + +/- Rales, Crackles, Wheeze, Pleural friction rub Leukocytosis with neutrophilia Normal Hyponatremia Entire lobe consolidated, Air bronchograms Focal ground-glass opacity HRCT Tachycardia, Bradycardia (Legionella)
Asthma (Late)[10] + + +/- +/- End expiratory wheeze Eosinophilia O2, ↑CO2 Normal IgE Atelectasis Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, Bronchiectasis Spirometry before and after bronchodilator Triad of asthma, nasal polyps, and rash is indicative of aspirin sensitivity.
Cystic fibrosis[11] + +/- +/- + Wheeze, Crackles Normal O2, ↑CO2 Increased sweat chloride Sweat chloride test Hyperinflation, Nodules Peribronchial thickening, Bronchiectasis Sweat chloride test Absent vas deferens
COPD

(Severe emphysema)[12]

+ + +/- + +/- +/- Reduced breath sounds, Wheeze, Inspiratory crackles Polycythemia O2, ↑CO2 Normal Alpha 1-antitrypsin test Elongated heart, Flattened diaphragms, Prominent hilar vasculature Bullae HRCT Pulmonary hypertension, Right heart failure
Tuberculosis[13] + + + + +/- Reduced breath sounds, Wheeze, Inspiratory crackles Leukocytosis, ↑Lymphocyte O2, ↑CO2 Hyponatremia, Hyperkalemia, Hypochloremia PPD, interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) Dense, homogeneous parenchymal consolidation Nodules with low-density centers and rim enhancement Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT (FDG PET/CT) Sputum culture, QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT) Loss of appetite, Night sweats
Pulmonary fibrosis[14] + + + + Inspiratory crackles Anemia O2, ↑CO2 Normal Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) Honeycombing Traction bronchiectasis,

Interlobular septal thickening

HRCT HRCT Fatigue, Weight loss
Pneumoconiosis[15] + + +/- +/- End expiratory wheeze Leukocytosis, Anemia O2, ↑CO2, Respiratory acidosis Hyper/Hypocalcemia,

Hypermagnesemia

Small to large round nodular opacities Diffuse distribution of small nodules MRI and PET-CT scan CT/HRCT scan Tightness in the chest
Lung cancer[16] + + +/- + Absence of breath sounds, Stridor, Wheezing Leukocytosis, Anemia O2, ↑CO2 Hyponatremia CRP, ↑ESR Pulmonary nodule or mass,

Mediastinal widening

Hilar lymphadenopathy

Massive lymphadenopathy, Direct mediastinal invasion MRI, PET-CT scan, Bronchoscopy Low dose computed tomography scan (LDCT) Weight loss, Loss of appetite
Acute respiratory distress syndrome[17] + + +/- + Inspiratory crackles Leukopenia/Leukocytosis O2, ↓CO2, Respiratory alkalosis Hyponatremia, Hyperkalemia BNP, ↑Von Willebrand factor (VWF) Bilateral pulmonary infiltrates (patchy to diffuse) Emphysema, Pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum, Mediastinal lymphadenopathy Invasive Hemodynamic Monitoring (PCWP), Bronchoscopy Chest CT scan Tachypnea, Muscle weakness
Pulmonary vascular disorders Massive pulmonary embolism[18] + + +/- + +/- Reduced breath sounds, Crackles, Loud P2 Leukocytosis O2, ↑CO2, Respiratory acidosis Normal D-dimer, BNP Fleischner sign, Hampton hump, Westermark sign, Pleural effusion Filling defects in the pulmonary vasculature Spiral CT pulmonary angiogram Spiral CT pulmonary angiogram Tachycardia, Shock, Pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary arterio-venous malformation[19][20][21] + + + + Pulmonary bruit Normal O2, ↑CO2, Respiratory acidosis Normal One or more rounded or multilobular opacities Connecting vessel in hilum Magnetic resonance angiography, Echocardiography Contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography Cerebral arteriovenous malformation
Pulmonary hypertension[22] + + +/- +/- Tricuspid regurgitation murmur, Pulmonic insufficiency murmur Mild anemia O2, ↑CO2 Hypernatremia BNP, ↑ANP Right deviated cardiac apex,

Prominent pulmonary artery

Ill-defined nodules, Interlobular septal thickening CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA), MRA Cardiac catheterization (PCWP) Fatigue, Inability to exercise
Chest wall disorders Flail chest[23] + + + Normal Normal O2, ↑CO2 Normal ≥3 adjacent ribs with segmental fractures, >5 adjacent rib fractures Normal CXR Bruises over chest
Pneumothorax[24] + + + Diminished breath sounds Normal O2, ↑CO2 Normal No lung marking on one side, Collapsed lung Loculated air in thoracic cavity M-mode ultrasonography Chest CT scan Tachypnea
Disease Peripheral Central Dyspnea Fever Chest pain Clubbing Peripheral edema Auscultation CBC ABG Electrolytes Other X-ray CT scan Other Gold standard Additional findings
Cardiac diseases Congenital disorders Atrioventricular canal defect[25] +/- + + +/- +/- Wheezing,Holosystolic or systolic ejection murmur Normal Normal Normal Pulse oximetry Cardiomegaly, Increased pulmonary vascular markings Normal Echocardiography, MRI Echocardiography Tachypnea, Lack of appetite, Pale skin color, Excessive sweating
Ebstein anomaly[26] + +/- +/- Loud S1 Normal Normal Normal Pulse oximetry Cardiomegaly, “Box shape” heart Apical displacement of the septal and posterior leaflets of the tricuspid valve “Atrialisation” of the right ventricle in MRI, Tricuspid regurgitation in echocardiography Echocardiography Fatigue, Palpitations
Tetralogy of Fallot[27] + +/- +/- Harsh systolic murmur Normal Normal Normal Pulse oximetry “Boot-shaped” heart with an upturned cardiac apex Aortopulmonary collateral vessels Peripheral pulmonary stenosis and atresia in echocardiography Echocardiography Fainting, Palpitation
Pulmonic stenosis[28] + + + +/- Crescendo-decrescendo ejection murmur Schistocyte O2 Normal Pulse oximetry Right ventricular hypertrophy, Dilated main pulmonary artery Stenotic segment, Post stenotic dilatation Severity of the stenosis by velocity encoded phase contrast (VEC) cine sequences Echocardiography Fainting, Palpitation
Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection[29] + + +/- +/- Systolic murmur over the pulmonary area Normal O2 Normal Pulse oximetry Snowman sign Anomalous venous return Blind ended left atrium with no connecting veins in echocardiography Echocardiography Pounding heart, Weak pulse, Extreme sleepiness
Transposition of the great vessels[30] + + +/- +/- Diastolic and Systolic murmur Normal O2 Normal Pulse oximetry Cardiomegaly with narrow superior mediastinum (egg on a string sign) Abnormal great vessel anatomy Flow dynamics on Steady-state free precession (SSFP) MRI Echocardiography Lack of appetite, Poor weight gain
Truncus arteriosus[31] + +/- +/- +/- Holosystolic or ejection type murmur Normal O2 Normal Pulse oximetry Moderate cardiomegaly, pulmonary plethora, Widened mediastinum Single cardiac trunk Anomalous anatomy in MRI Echocardiography Fatigue, Sweating, Pale or cool skin
Patent ductus arteriosus[32] + +/- +/- +/- Continuous machinery murmur Normal O2, ↑CO2 Normal Pulse oximetry Cardiomegaly, Aortopulmonary window obsecuration Tortuous morphology of ductus (Krichenko classification) Spiral CT pulmonary angiogram Echocardiography Failure to thrive, Respiratory distress
Acquired disorders Heart failure[33] + + +/- + + Coarse crackles, S3 Anemia O2, ↑CO2 Hyponatremia, Hypokalemia, Hypomagnesemia Elevated BNP Pleural effusion, Cardiomegaly Kerley B lines Normal Radioisotope scan Echocardiography Generalized edema, Hepatomegaly
Valvular heart disease[34] + + + Murmurs Schistocyte Normal Normal Hyperthyroidism Valve calcification Normal Valvular dysfunction in echocardiography Echocardiography Syncope, Palpitation
Myocardial infarction[35] + + +/- + S3 and S4 Normal Normal Hyponatremia, Hypokalemia Elevated troponin I and CKMB Rolling out other causes Coronary luminal narrowing in CT perfusion scan Wall motion abnormality in echocardiography Cardiac troponin I Dizziness, Fatigue, Lightheadedness, Cold sweat
Cardiogenic shock[36] +/- + + + Muffled heart sound Anemia O2, ↑CO2 Hyperkalemia PaO2 in pulse oximetry Normal Normal Echocardiography Clinical findings Tachypnea, Palpitation, Hypotension, Weak pulse
Cardiomyopathy[37] + + + + + S3 and S4 Lymphocytosis O2, ↑CO2 Normal PaO2 in pulse oximetry Enlarged left ventricle and atria, Pulmonary edema Normal MRI Endomyocardial biopsy Arrhythmia, Bloating
Heart tumors[38] + + +/- +/- +/- Early diastolic tumor plop Normal Normal Normal Mild ↓PaO2 in pulse oximetry Calcification in lateral view Intracardiac mass Echocardiography Histologic diagnosis (biopsy) Syncope, Weight loss
Mitral Stenosis[39] + + +/- +/- +/- Diastolic murmur Normal Normal Normal Mild ↓PaO2 in pulse oximetry Left atrial enlargement, Mitral annular calcification Secondary pulmonary hemosiderosis Velocity-encoded cine-magnetic resonance imaging (VEC-MRI) Echocardiography Dizziness, Hemoptysis
Vascular disease Arterial disorders Acrocyanosis[40] + +/- + Normal Anemia, Leukocytosis O2, ↑CO2 Hypercalcemia PaO2 in pulse oximetry Normal Normal Clinical findings Brittle nails, Telangiectasia
Arterial embolism[41] + + + +/- Normal Normal Normal Hyperkalemia PaO2 in pulse oximetry Normal Normal Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) Clinical findings Headache, Decreased sensation
Raynaud’s Phenomenon[42] + + Normal Polycythemia O2 Normal Mild ↓PaO2 in pulse oximetry Normal Normal Clinical findings Sensitivity to cold, Decreased sensation
Venous disorders Superior vena cava obstruction[43] + +/- +/- +/- + Normal Polycythemia O2 Normal PaO2 in pulse oximetry Superior mediastinal widening, Right hilar prominence Thrombosis, Mediastinal mass or lymphadenopathy, Associated lung mass Chest CT scan Headache,

Facial swelling

Venous stasis[44] + +/- + Normal Polycythemia O2 Hypercalcemia Normal Normal Normal Color-flow duplex ultrasound Color-flow duplex ultrasound Leg swelling, Pain during walking,

Leg ulcers

Disease Peripheral Central Dyspnea Fever Chest pain Clubbing Peripheral edema Auscultation CBC ABG Electrolytes Other X-ray CT scan Other Gold standard Additional findings
Hematologic diseases Methemoglobinemia[45] + + +/- + Wheezing Anemia, Methemoglobinemia Normal PaO2, ↑SaO2, “Saturation gap” Normal SaO2 in pulse oximetry Normal Normal Echocardiography for ruling out other causes Co-oximetry, ABG paired with pulse oximetry. Serum methemoglobin levels Headache, Altered mental status, Delirium, Seizure, Coma
Polycythemia[46] + + + +/- +/- + Normal RBC, ↑WBC, ↑HGB, ↑Plt O2 Hyperkalemia Leukocyte alkaline phosphatase, ↑Ferritin, ↑Erythropoietin AVM, COPD, pulmonary hypertension Normal Abdominal ultrasound or renal vascular studies for ruling out renal artery stenosis RBC mass (RCM) and plasma volume measurement Itchiness, Headache. Dizziness. Blurred vision
Neurological disease Breath-holding spells[47] + + +/- Wheezing Hypochromic microcytic anemia O2 Hypocalcemia, Hypokalemia Iron deficiency Ruling out foreign body aspiration Normal EEG monitoring Clinical findings Fainting, Twitching muscles, Seizure
Seizure[48] + + +/- Normal Normal O2, ↑CO2 Hyponatremia, Hypo/Hypercalcemia CPK, ↑LDH, Normal Normal EEG EEG Fainting, Tonic-clonic movements
Coma[49] + +/- Wheezing Normal O2, ↑CO2 Normal Underlying disease Underlying disease Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) Depressed brainstem reflexes, Agonal breathing
Head trauma[50] + + Normal Normal O2, ↑CO2 Normal Skull fracture Intracranial hemorrhage MRI CT scan Nausea, Hypertension, Bradycardia,Tachypnea
Miscellaneous High altitude exposure[51] +/- + + +/- + Wheezing Polycythemia O2, ↓CO2, Respiratory alkalosis Hyperphosphatemia, Hypercalcemia, Hyponatremia, Hypokalemia, Hypomagnesemia Decreased bicarbonate Central interstitial edema Pulmonary consolidation Hypoxic challenge test Dizziness, Coma, Death
Septic shock[52] + + + +/- Rales, crackles, Wheeze, Pleural friction rub Leukocytosis with neutrophilia O2, ↑CO2, Metabolic acidosis Hyperkalemia ESR, ↑CRP Consolidation Pulmonary infiltration Echocardiography Blood culture Chills, Hypothermia, Loss of consciousness
Smoke inhalation[53] +/- + + + Wheezing Anemia, Carboxyhemoglobin O2, ↑CO2, Respiratory acidosis Normal CO-oximetry Diffuse opacities Pulmonary infiltration Pulmonary function testing Bronchoscopy Cough, Hoarseness, Hemoptysis, Headache, Fainting
Cold exposure[54] + +/- Normal Leukopenia, ↑RBC O2, ↑CO2, Metabolic acidosis Hypokalemia, Hypocalcemia Hyperglycemia, ↑CK Normal Normal Clinical findings Confusion, Tachycardia/Bradycardia, Coma

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  28. Yoo BW, Park HK (2013). “Pulmonary stenosis and pulmonary regurgitation: both ends of the spectrum in residual hemodynamic impairment after tetralogy of Fallot repair”. Korean J Pediatr. 56 (6): 235–41. doi:10.3345/kjp.2013.56.6.235. PMC 3693041. PMID 23807889.
  29. Stein P (March 2007). “Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection”. AORN J. 85 (3): 509–20, quiz 521–4. doi:10.1016/S0001-2092(07)60123-9. PMID 17352891.
  30. Martins P, Castela E (2008). “Transposition of the great arteries”. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 3: 27. doi:10.1186/1750-1172-3-27. PMC 2577629. PMID 18851735.
  31. Van Praagh R (1987). “Truncus arteriosus: what is it really and how should it be classified?”. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 1 (2): 65–70. PMID 2856609.
  32. “Patent Ductus Arteriosus – National Library of Medicine – PubMed Health”.
  33. Inamdar AA, Inamdar AC (2016). “Heart Failure: Diagnosis, Management and Utilization”. J Clin Med. 5 (7). doi:10.3390/jcm5070062. PMC 4961993. PMID 27367736.
  34. Maganti K, Rigolin VH, Sarano ME, Bonow RO (2010). “Valvular heart disease: diagnosis and management”. Mayo Clin Proc. 85 (5): 483–500. doi:10.4065/mcp.2009.0706. PMC 2861980. PMID 20435842.
  35. “Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Symptoms – National Library of Medicine – PubMed Health”.
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  37. Marian AJ, Braunwald E (September 2017). “Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Genetics, Pathogenesis, Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Therapy”. Circ. Res. 121 (7): 749–770. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.117.311059. PMID 28912181.
  38. Hoffmeier A, Sindermann JR, Scheld HH, Martens S (2014). “Cardiac tumors–diagnosis and surgical treatment”. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 111 (12): 205–11. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2014.0205. PMC 3983698. PMID 24717305.
  39. Kannan M, Vijayanand G (2010). “Mitral stenosis and pregnancy: Current concepts in anaesthetic practice”. Indian J Anaesth. 54 (5): 439–44. doi:10.4103/0019-5049.71043. PMC 2991654. PMID 21189882.
  40. Das S, Maiti A (2013). “Acrocyanosis: an overview”. Indian J Dermatol. 58 (6): 417–20. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.119946. PMC 3827510. PMID 24249890.
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Epidemiology and Demographics

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

Tetralogy of Fallot occurs in approximately 30 to 60 per 100,000 births. Tetralogy of Fallot represents 5-7% of congenital heart defects. The majority of cases are thought to be sporadic and are not familial. Tetralogy of Fallot occurs slightly more often in males than in females.

Epidemiology and Demographics

Prevalance

Incidence

  • The majority of cases are thought to be sporadic and are not familial.
  • The incidence in siblings is 1% to 5%.

Gender

  • Tetralogy of Fallot occurs slightly more often in males than in females.

References

  1. Goldmuntz, Elizabeth (2001). “THE EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GENETICS OF CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE”. Clinics in Perinatology. 28 (1): 1–10. doi:10.1016/S0095-5108(05)70067-1. ISSN 0095-5108.


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Risk Factors

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D.

Overview

Common risk factors in the development of tetralogy of Fallot include: Alcoholism in the mother, diabetes, and pregnancy after the age of 40.

Risk Factors

Common Risk Factors

Less Common Risk Factors

References

  1. “Congenital Malformations in Infants of Diabetic Mothers”. QJM: An International Journal of Medicine. 1976. doi:10.1093/oxfordjournals.qjmed.a067465. ISSN 1460-2393.
  2. Loser, H; Majewski, F (1977). “Type and frequency of cardiac defects in embryofetal alcohol syndrome. Report of 16 cases”. Heart. 39 (12): 1374–1379. doi:10.1136/hrt.39.12.1374. ISSN 1355-6037.

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Screening

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D.

Overview

According to the Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian Pediatric Cardiology Association, screening for tetralogy of Fallot by pulse oxymetry is recommended for all newborns.

Screening

According to the Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian Pediatric Cardiology Association, screening for tetralogy of Fallot by pulse oxymetry is recommended for all newborns:[1]

by Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D.

References

  1. Wong, Kenny K.; Fournier, Anne; Fruitman, Deborah S.; Graves, Lisa; Human, Derek G.; Narvey, Michael; Russell, Jennifer L. (2017). “Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian Pediatric Cardiology Association Position Statement on Pulse Oximetry Screening in Newborns to Enhance Detection of Critical Congenital Heart Disease”. Canadian Journal of Cardiology. 33 (2): 199–208. doi:10.1016/j.cjca.2016.10.006. ISSN 0828-282X.

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Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editors-In-Chief: Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D., Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [2]; Kristin Feeney, B.S. [3]

Overview

The prognosis of patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot has improved over the years and these patients now have the potential to lead normal lives. As these patients grow, there may be leakage of the repaired pulmonic valve. There may be a persistent risk of sudden cardiac death.

Natural History

Complications

Common complications of tetralogy of fallot include:[1][2]

Prognosis

Unrepaired Tetralogy of Fallot

The survival for unrepaired tetralogy of Fallot is as follows:[3]

  • 75% at one year
  • 70% at two years
  • 60% at four years
  • 50% at six years
  • 30% at ten years
  • 10% at twenty years
  • 5% at forty years
  • If pulmonary atresia is present as well, survival is even poorer with only 50% of patients surviving to one year, and only 8% of patients surviving to 10 years.

Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot

  • Patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot now have the potential to lead normal lives with continued excellent cardiac function.
  • Most survivors are in NYHA Class I heart failure.
  • Some patients have more pronounced symptoms with exertion.[4][5]
  • Current techniques for total surgical repair greatly improve the hemodynamic function of the heart with tetralogy of Fallot but do not provide a lifetime correction of the defect.
  • Ninety percent of patients with total repair as infants develop a progressively leaky pulmonary valve (pulmonic insufficiency as the heart grows to its adult size. Patients also may have some degree of residual right ventricular outflow obstruction and damage to the conduction system of the heart from surgical corrections, causing conduction abnormalities on the EKG and/or arrhythmias.
  • Tetralogy of Fallot patients are at risk for development of heart failure. Therefore, lifetime follow-up care by an adult congenital cardiologist is recommended to assess and monitor these risks and to recommend treatment, such as interventional procedures or re-operation, if it becomes necessary.
  • Tetralogy of Fallot patients are at risk for sudden cardiac death with a 1% to 5% lifetime incidence. Risk factors for sudden cardiac death include:

References

  1. Cheung, Michael M.H.; Konstantinov, Igor E.; Redington, Andrew N. (2005). “Late Complications of Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot and Indications for Pulmonary Valve Replacement”. Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 17 (2): 155–159. doi:10.1053/j.semtcvs.2005.02.006. ISSN 1043-0679.
  2. Gregg, David; Foster, Elyse (2007). “Pulmonary insufficiency is the nexus of late complications in tetralogy of Fallot”. Current Cardiology Reports. 9 (4): 315–322. doi:10.1007/BF02938380. ISSN 1523-3782.
  3. Bertranou EG, Blackstone EH, Hazelrig JB, Turner ME, Kirklin JW (September 1978). “Life expectancy without surgery in tetralogy of Fallot”. Am. J. Cardiol. 42 (3): 458–66. doi:10.1016/0002-9149(78)90941-4. PMID 685856.
  4. Park CS, Lee JR, Lim HG, Kim WH, Kim YJ (September 2010). “The long-term result of total repair for tetralogy of Fallot”. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 38 (3): 311–7. doi:10.1016/j.ejcts.2010.02.030. PMID 20346688.
  5. Lindberg HL, Saatvedt K, Seem E, Hoel T, Birkeland S (September 2011). “Single-center 50 years’ experience with surgical management of tetralogy of Fallot”. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 40 (3): 538–42. doi:10.1016/j.ejcts.2010.12.065. PMID 21354809.


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Diagnosis

Diagnosis

Diagnostic study of choice | History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Electrocardiogram | X-Ray Findings | Echocardiography | CT-Scan Findings | MRI Findings | Other Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Treatment

Medical Therapy | Surgery | Interventions | Primary Prevention | Secondary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editors-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, MBBS [2]; Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [3]; Keri Shafer, M.D. [4]; Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief: Kristin Feeney, B.S. [5]

Overview

Tetralogy of Fallot is treated on two levels: with immediate emergency care for hypoxic or “tet” spells and with corrective surgery.

Emergency management of tet spells

Consequential acute hypoxia may be treated with beta-blockers such as propranolol, but acute episodes may require rapid intervention with morphine to reduce ventilatory drive and phenylephrine to increase blood pressure. Oxygen is ineffective in treating hypoxic spells because the underlying problem is lack of blood flow through the pulmonary circuit and not alveolar oxygenation. There are also simple procedures such as the knee-chest position which increases aortic wave reflection, increasing pressure on the left side of the heart, decreasing the right to left shunt thus decreasing the amount of deoxygenated blood entering the systemic circulation.[1]

See also

References

  1. Murakami T (2002). “Squatting: the hemodynamic change is induced by enhanced aortic wave reflection”. Am. J. Hypertens. 15 (11): 986–8. PMID 12441219.

de:Fallot-Tetralogie it:Tetralogia di Fallot nl:Tetralogie van Fallot nn:Fallots tetrade uk:Тетрада Фалло


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Case Studies

Case Studies

Case #1

Related Chapters

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