Final answer:
Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect characterized by an abnormal opening in the interventricular septum, resulting in cyanosis. It is diagnosed by echocardiography and requires extensive surgical repair for treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect characterized by an abnormal opening in the interventricular septum, which is caused by blockage of the pulmonary trunk. This condition allows oxygen-poor blood from the right ventricle to mix with oxygen-rich blood in the left ventricle, resulting in cyanosis. Symptoms include a heart murmur, low blood oxygen saturation, difficulty breathing, and poor weight gain in infants.
Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common cause of cyanosis following birth. It is typically diagnosed by echocardiography imaging. Treatment involves extensive surgical repair to redirect blood flow, repair the septal defect, and replace valves and patches. Survival rates for this condition vary depending on age, with the highest rates during the first year of life.