Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect characterized by a combination of four heart abnormalities. It is one of the most common cyanotic heart defects, meaning it causes a decrease in oxygen levels in the blood. The four components of Tetralogy of Fallot include:
These abnormalities result in mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, leading to a bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, and nails (cyanosis). Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, poor weight gain, fatigue, and fainting spells. Surgical intervention is typically required to correct Tetralogy of Fallot and improve blood flow to the lungs.