Tetralogy of Fallot

Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital cardiac malformation characterised by obstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract, override of the ventricular septum by the aortic root and right ventricular hypertrophy.

Useful diagnostic tests are the chest radiograph, ECG, and echocardiogram. The echocardiogram establishes the definitive diagnosis and usually provides sufficient information for planning surgical treatment. Approximately half of patients are now diagnosed antenatally. Differential diagnosis includes primary pulmonary causes of cyanosis, along with other cyanotic heart lesions, such as critical pulmonary stenosis and transposed arterial trunks.

The arrhythmia burden in repaired tetralogy of Fallot is considerable and increases markedly after the age of 45.