Final answer:
The most common congenital cause of early cyanosis is Tetralogy of Fallot, a severe heart defect that requires extensive surgical repair.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common congenital cause of early cyanosis is the Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect characterized by four key features: ventricular septal defect (VSD), pulmonary infundibular stenosis, an overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy. The condition leads to insufficiently oxygenated blood being pumped around the body, causing cyanosis, or bluish skin, especially noted during activity.
This condition is often found alongside other septal defects such as patent ductus arteriosus or patent foramen ovale. However, the Tetralogy of Fallot is the primary condition leading to cyanosis soon after birth. Diagnosis typically involves echocardiography imaging, and treatment requires extensive surgical repair, which may include stent placement, valve replacement, and septal defect repair. Despite advanced treatments, the mortality rate remains significant, with varying survival rates as the patient ages.