Tetralogy of Fallot prognosis

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on July 01, 2025
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Tetralogy of Fallot includes four components: ventricular septal defect, right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy. The prognosis depends on the first symptom. If it is frequent severe hypoxic attacks, sudden syncope, convulsions, or even death can occur. Therefore, early surgical treatment is essential. Most cases of Tetralogy of Fallot have a reasonable prognosis with early surgical intervention. If the condition is severe, palliative shunt surgery may be performed initially, followed by definitive surgery once the condition improves. Effective surgical treatment can generally lead to a good prognosis. Without surgery, most cases may develop severe infections and die from hypoxic attacks.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Can children with Tetralogy of Fallot be desired?

Tetralogy of Fallot is a relatively severe congenital heart disease. If it is detected during the fetal period, it is not an indication for termination of pregnancy. In other words, one should not choose to not have the baby simply because it has Tetralogy of Fallot. However, it is crucial that the baby undergoes a timely echocardiogram after birth to assess the condition and undergo surgery as soon as possible. Currently, pediatric surgery, particularly cardiothoracic surgery, is developing very rapidly in our country. With multiple surgeries, Tetralogy of Fallot can be surgically cured. Therefore, having a child with Tetralogy of Fallot is not an indication for termination of pregnancy.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Tetralogy of Fallot syncope causes

The causes of syncope in Tetralogy of Fallot generally involve episodic hypoxia attacks, which are more common in infants. Triggers include breastfeeding, crying, emotional excitement, anemia, and infections. The symptoms manifest as episodic breathing difficulties, and severe cases can suddenly lead to syncope with convulsions or even death. The underlying reason is the narrowing of the pulmonary artery infundibulum accompanied by muscular spasms, causing obstruction of the pulmonary artery and intensifying cerebral hypoxia. Older children may complain of headaches and dizziness.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Tetralogy of Fallot seizure causes

The cause of seizures in Tetralogy of Fallot is episodic hypoxia leading to cerebral hypoxia, which causes seizures, commonly seen in infants. These seizures can be triggered by feeding, crying, emotional excitement, anemia, or infections, manifesting as episodic breathing difficulties. In severe cases, sudden fainting, convulsions, or even death may occur. The underlying cause is the narrowing of the pulmonary artery infundibulum and sudden muscle spasms, which lead to temporary pulmonary artery obstruction, worsening cerebral hypoxia.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Tetralogy of Fallot prognosis

Tetralogy of Fallot includes four components: ventricular septal defect, right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy. The prognosis depends on the first symptom. If it is frequent severe hypoxic attacks, sudden syncope, convulsions, or even death can occur. Therefore, early surgical treatment is essential. Most cases of Tetralogy of Fallot have a reasonable prognosis with early surgical intervention. If the condition is severe, palliative shunt surgery may be performed initially, followed by definitive surgery once the condition improves. Effective surgical treatment can generally lead to a good prognosis. Without surgery, most cases may develop severe infections and die from hypoxic attacks.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
42sec home-news-image

The most common complication of Tetralogy of Fallot

Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease, consisting of four abnormalities: ventricular septal defect, obstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract, overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy. Several complications are prone to occur in Tetralogy of Fallot: Firstly, due to the increase in red blood cells, embolism can occur, especially cerebral embolism is the most common. Children over two years old can also develop brain abscesses. Secondly, bacterial endocarditis often occurs at sites such as the right ventricular infundibulum, pulmonary valve, or aortic valve.