Tetralogy of Fallot
Alternative Names
TET; TOFSymptoms
- Difficult feeding (poor feeding habits)
- Failure to gain weight
- Poor development
- Cyanosis which becomes more pronounced during periods of agitation
- Passing out
- Sudden death
- Clubbing of fingers (skin or bone enlargement around the finger nails)
- Squatting during episodes of cyanosis
- Stroke
Exams and Tests
A physical examination with a stethoscope almost always reveals a heart murmur.
Tests may include:
- EKG (electrocardiogram) may show the thickening of the right ventricle muscle
- CBC may show an increase in red blood cells
- Chest x-ray may show a "boot shaped" heart and dark lungs
- Cardiac catheterization helps show blood vessels in the lungs and heart
- Echocardiogram provides a definite diagnosis
- MRI of the heart (generally after surgery)
References
Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo; WB Saunders; 2007.
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