Study note
MedicineCardiology

Tetralogy of Fallot: components and blood flow

THE CONTEXT
Tetralogy of Fallot is a complex congenital cardiac defect occurring in about 1 in 2000 births and described as the most common cause of cyanosis.

Four component abnormalities

FeatureDetails
Outflow obstruction
There is obstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract.
Ventricular hypertrophy
The right ventricle is hypertrophied.
Septal defect
A large ventricular septal defect is present.
Aortic position
The aorta overrides the ventricular septal defect.

Consequence for blood flow

•
Direct aortic flow: The overriding aorta, together with the septal defect, allows blood to be pumped directly from the right ventricle into the aorta.
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