Final answer:
Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect highlighted by four main features: pulmonary stenosis, overriding aorta, ventricular septal defect, and right ventricular hypertrophy. The most characteristic features of this condition include a ventricular septal defect and right ventricular hypertrophy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Tetralogy of Fallot is a type of congenital heart defect that is characterized by four key features, although only three may be present in an individual patient. These features include:
- Pulmonary infundibular stenosis (also known as rigidity of the pulmonary valve)
- Overriding aorta (the aorta is positioned above both ventricles)
- Ventricular septal defect (a hole between the right and left ventricles)
- Right ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement or thickening of the right ventricle's muscular wall)
Symptoms of Tetralogy of Fallot can include a distinct heart murmur, cyanosis (a blue tint to the skin due to lack of oxygen), and difficulty in feeding or failure to grow in children. The most characteristic features in children with Tetralogy of Fallot are a ventricular septal defect and right ventricular hypertrophy.