Tetrology of Fallot

Tetrology of Fallot

Introduction

Tetralogy (i.e., the combination of four symptoms or elements) of Fallot (TOF) is the most common congenital heart anomaly classified as cyanotic (vs. acyanotic); TOF is characterized by ventricular septal defect (VSD; a defect in the septal/tissue layer between the ventricle chambers). Right ventricular (RV) outflow obstruction resulting from infundibular stenosis (i.e., narrowing of the conus arteriosus, the anterosuperior portion of the right ventricle at the entrance to the pulmonary trunk) Right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH; i.e., enlargement). Dextroposition of the aorta, causing it to override the septal defect and receive blood from both ventricles (Gelson, Gatzoulis, Johnson, ...