Can tetralogy of Fallot be detected by prenatal screening?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on May 04, 2025
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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.

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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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Is tetralogy of Fallot a chromosomal problem?

Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease in childhood, consisting of four defects: ventricular septal defect, obstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract, overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy. It is a type of congenital heart disease, which generally stems from abnormal cardiovascular development during fetal life, resulting in cardiovascular malformations not controlled by chromosomes. The malformation of the cardiovascular system is mainly caused by genetic factors, environmental factors, and their interactions. The exact cause of this congenital heart disease has not been fully identified yet, indicating that it is not a chromosomal disease but a result of cardiovascular developmental abnormalities during fetal life.

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Tetralogy of Fallot shadow on the radiograph

Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common cyanotic heart disease in children over the age of one, accounting for about 10 percent of all congenital heart diseases. Tetralogy of Fallot includes four anatomical abnormalities: a ventricular septal defect, right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, an overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy. In patients diagnosed through X-ray, the heart size is often within normal limits, typically appearing boot-shaped, with markedly reduced pulmonary vascular markings. The aortic arch may be located on the right side, and the ascending aorta is usually dilated. Patients with rich collateral circulation display prominent pulmonary markings.

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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.

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What position should be adopted when Tetralogy of Fallot is hypoxic?

Treatment of hypoxic episodes in Tetralogy of Fallot: For mild cases, assuming the knee-chest position can alleviate symptoms. Severe cases require immediate oxygen administration and relevant drug therapy. Routinely, it is important to actively eliminate factors that trigger hypoxic episodes, such as anemia and infections, and maintain the child's tranquility. If the above treatments do not effectively control the episodes, emergency surgical intervention for repair or definitive treatment should be considered.