Final answer:
Tetralogy of Fallot encompasses four congenital heart defects: pulmonary infundibular stenosis, overriding aorta, ventricular septal defect, and right ventricular hypertrophy. These defects lead to symptoms like heart murmur and cyanosis and are typically treated through surgical repair.
Step-by-step explanation:
Four Congenital Abnormalities of Tetralogy of Fallot
The congenital heart condition known as Tetralogy of Fallot includes four abnormalities that contribute to its pathology:
- Pulmonary infundibular stenosis - A blockage or rigidity at the pulmonary valve that obstructs blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
- Overriding aorta - This refers to the displacement of the aortic valve so it's positioned above the ventricular septal defect, impacting the flow of oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood through the heart.
- Ventricular septal defect (VSD) - An abnormal opening in the interventricular septum that allows mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood between the right and left ventricles.
- Right ventricular hypertrophy - The enlargement of the right ventricle due to the increased workload from the obstruction and abnormal blood flow patterns.
These defects lead to symptoms like heart murmur, cyanosis, and dyspnea. Diagnosis typically involves echocardiography imaging, and treatment usually includes surgical repair, often involving stents, valve replacement, and septal repair. Despite treatment, there is a significant mortality risk associated with Tetralogy of Fallot.