Tetralogy of Fallot electrocardiogram manifestations

Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
Updated on October 27, 2024
00:00
00:00

Tetralogy of Fallot is a common type of cyanotic congenital heart disease, primarily composed of four structural components: first, a ventricular septal defect; second, an overriding aorta; third, hypertrophy of the right ventricle; and fourth, obstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract. When performing an electrocardiogram (ECG) on Tetralogy of Fallot, it often shows right ventricular hypertrophy, and can also display right atrial hypertrophy. Initially, there may be hypertrophy of both the left and right ventricles. As the child develops cyanosis, it progressively evolves into hypertrophy of the right ventricle. These are the typical ECG findings in Tetralogy of Fallot.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
37sec home-news-image

Tetralogy of Fallot in children who prefer squatting is because

Tetralogy of Fallot exhibits squatting symptoms because squatting involves flexing the lower limbs, which reduces the amount of venous return to the heart, thereby decreasing the cardiac workload. At the same time, the arteries of the lower limbs are compressed, increasing systemic vascular resistance, reducing right-to-left shunting, and temporarily alleviating hypoxia symptoms. Infants who cannot walk often prefer to be held with their thighs up, with both lower limbs bent; after they become able to walk, they frequently squat down momentarily during walking or playing.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
39sec home-news-image

Can Tetralogy of Fallot be cured?

With the continuous improvement of surgical techniques, the cure rate for total corrective surgery for Tetralogy of Fallot is increasing, and the mortality rate is continuously decreasing. Mild cases may have the opportunity to undergo a one-stage corrective surgery between the ages of five and nine. However, for patients with significant clinical symptoms, palliative surgery should be performed within six months after birth. Once the general condition improves and pulmonary vasculature develops, they can proceed with the corrective surgery. Overall, the cure rate for Tetralogy of Fallot is continuously improving.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
35sec home-news-image

Tetralogy of Fallot's composition and its causes of formation

Tetralogy of Fallot consists of four abnormalities. First, there is a narrowing at the right ventricular outflow, ranging from the entrance of the right ventricular infundibulum to the branches of the left and right pulmonary arteries. Second, there is a ventricular septal defect, characterized by a deficiency around the membranous part that extends towards the outflow. Third, the aorta overrides, where the base of the aorta is enlarged and rotates clockwise to the right, straddling the septal defect. Fourth, right ventricular hypertrophy, which is a secondary lesion.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
55sec home-news-image

Does Tetralogy of Fallot easily lead to heart failure?

Tetralogy of Fallot often leads to symptoms of heart failure because it is a severe congenital disease. Affected children tend to present with cyanosis of the lips, impaired growth and development, and a simple echocardiography can reveal specific indicators such as aorta overriding, pulmonary stenosis, right ventricular hypertrophy, and ventricular septal defect. These children have limited lung and heart function, making them prone to increased cardiac load and symptoms of heart failure following infections or physical activity. Therefore, early surgical treatment is necessary for these children to prevent recurrent infectious diseases and heart failure, which can affect their normal growth and development. Additionally, it is crucial to enhance nutrition and exercise in their daily lives to boost their immune system. For Tetralogy of Fallot, early detection and treatment are essential.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
41sec home-news-image

Can tetralogy of Fallot be detected by prenatal screening?

During prenatal check-ups for fetuses diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot, the condition can be detected. A four-dimensional color Doppler ultrasound can be performed in the mid-pregnancy stage, allowing observation of the fetus's development, such as the brain, kidneys, skeleton, and heart. Therefore, using four-dimensional color Doppler ultrasound checks can identify congenital heart diseases. When Tetralogy of Fallot is diagnosed, deciding whether to continue with the pregnancy or terminate it is a major concern for the pregnant woman. Cardiac malformations in the fetus can also be surgically treated after birth.