Can children with Tetralogy of Fallot heal on their own?

Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
Updated on April 15, 2025
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Children with Tetralogy of Fallot cannot be cured, as this condition is a congenital disease, primarily involving vascular malformations, characterized by ventricular septal defects, overriding aorta, pulmonary hypertension, and right ventricular hypertrophy.

Due to pulmonary atresia or near-atresia, leading to numerous collateral vessels, it might only present with a ventricular septal defect with shunting or mild pulmonary valve stenosis. The effectiveness of surgery for this type of Tetralogy of Fallot may not be particularly good, and the chances of a cure are very low.

Therefore, for this category, early detection and surgical treatment are crucial, and it is important to enhance dietary nutrition and care in daily life, as it is prone to pulmonary infections, which can lead to serious conditions such as respiratory failure and heart failure.

Other Voices

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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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.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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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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Written by Chen Guang Yin
Cardiology
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Can Tetralogy of Fallot receive oxygen therapy?

Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that includes abnormalities such as ventricular septal defects, pulmonary valve stenosis, and stenosis of the right ventricular outflow tract. Due to these congenital defects, the ejection of blood from the heart is affected, which in turn impacts the blood supply to various systems and organs throughout the body. The patient may exhibit symptoms of cyanosis and hypoxia, especially after physical activity, hence the use of supplemental oxygen is advisable. While oxygen therapy can temporarily alleviate these hypoxic symptoms, it does not address the underlying issue. Surgery is necessary for a definitive resolution.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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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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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Can Tetralogy of Fallot be cured?

Tetralogy of Fallot is a type of congenital heart disease linked to family genetics and is considered quite severe among congenital heart conditions. Generally, within a few months after birth, children will exhibit cyanosis of the skin. It is crucial to perform surgery on the child promptly in such cases. Currently, the level of pediatric cardiothoracic surgery in our country has developed very rapidly. For typical cases of Tetralogy of Fallot, surgical treatment can be curative. Moreover, there are no specific requirements regarding weight and age for children undergoing heart surgery nowadays. Therefore, once Tetralogy of Fallot is diagnosed in young children, it is best to perform surgery as soon as possible. These children can then grow up, develop normally, and attend school like their peers.