What are the components of tetralogy of Fallot?
Sarah Oconnor
Updated on May 01, 2026
Tetralogy of Fallot is a combination of four congenital heart defects. The four defects are a ventricular septal defect (VSD), pulmonary stenosis, a misplaced aorta and a thickened right ventricular wall (right ventricular hypertrophy). They usually result in a lack of oxygen-rich blood reaching the body.
What type of VSD is in TOF?
The ventricular septal defect (VSD) in tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a perimembranous defect with extension into the subpulmonary region. Additional muscular VSDs may be present. Right ventricular (RV) outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO) is present in the majority of cases of TOF, but it may be variable in severity.
At what age should Tetralogy of Fallot be corrected?
The best survival and physiological outcomes were achieved with primary repair in children aged 3 to 11 months. Conclusions—On the basis of mortality and physiological outcomes, the optimal age for elective repair of tetralogy of Fallot is 3 to 11 months of age.
What is pulmonary stenosis in tetralogy of Fallot?
The VSD in children with TOF is usually large. Pulmonary stenosis, a narrowing or thickening of the valve that connects the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery, the blood vessel that carries low-oxygen blood from the heart to the lungs.
What is the difference between tetralogy of Fallot and VSD?
Tetralogy of Fallot consists of the combination of four different heart defects: a ventricular septal defect (VSD); obstructed outflow of blood from the right ventricle to the lungs (pulmonary stenosis); a displaced aorta, which causes blood to flow into the aorta from both the right and left ventricles (dextroposition …
Is tetralogy of Fallot life threatening?
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a congenital heart defect that can be fatal if it’s left untreated. It’s also known as “tet.” The “tetra” in the name of the condition comes from the four problems associated with it. The condition is named after Dr. Etienne Fallot.
Can tetralogy of Fallot be cured?
Tetralogy of Fallot can cause problems if the heart is not fixed, however, corrective surgery performed in childhood for tetralogy of Fallot does not cure the condition. A surgical procedure called pulmonary valve replacement is usually performed, typically while under cardiopulmonary bypass.