Tetralogy
Tetralogy of Fallot
Tetralogy of Fallot (pronounced: te-tral-uh-jee of fal-oh) is a rare condition caused by a combination of four heart defects that are present at birth (congenital). These defects, which affect the structure of the heart, cause oxygen-poor blood to flow out of the heart and into the rest of the body. Infants and children with Tetralogy of Fallot usually have blue-tinged skin because their blood doesn't carry enough oxygen.
Etymology
The term "Tetralogy of Fallot" is named after the French physician Étienne-Louis Arthur Fallot, who first described the condition in 1888. The word "tetralogy" comes from the Greek words "tetra," meaning four, and "logos," meaning study. This refers to the four heart defects that occur together in this condition.
Defects
The four defects that make up the Tetralogy of Fallot are:
- Pulmonary stenosis: This involves narrowing of the pulmonary valve and outflow tract or area below the valve, which creates an obstruction (blockage) that can reduce the flow of blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.
- Ventricular septal defect: This is a hole in the wall that separates the two lower chambers, or ventricles, of the heart. The defect allows oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood to mix.
- Overriding aorta: In this defect, the aorta is positioned directly over the ventricular septal defect, instead of over the left ventricle. As a result, oxygen-poor blood can flow directly into the aorta.
- Right ventricular hypertrophy: This involves thickening of the muscular walls of the right ventricle, which occurs because the ventricle is pumping at high pressure due to the pulmonary stenosis.
Related Terms
- Congenital heart disease: This is a general term for a range of birth defects that affect the normal workings of the heart.
- Cyanosis: This is a bluish color of the skin and mucous membranes that occurs when there is a lack of oxygen in the blood.
- Cardiac catheterization: This is a medical procedure used to diagnose and treat some heart conditions.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tetralogy
- Wikipedia's article - Tetralogy
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