Tetralogy of Fallot

Tetralogy of Fallot



Tetralogy of Fallot is a type of congenital heart defect. Congenital means that it is present at birth.

Causes

Tetralogy of Fallot causes low oxygen levels in the blood. This leads to cyanosis (a bluish-purple color to the skin).

The classic form includes four defects of the heart and its major blood vessels:

[ ] Ventricular septal defect (hole between the right and left ventricles)

[ ] Narrowing of the pulmonary outflow tract (the valve and artery that connect the heart with the lungs)

[ ] Overriding aorta (the artery that carries oxygen-rich blood to the body) that is shifted over the right ventricle and ventricular septal defect, instead of coming out only from the left ventricle

[ ] Thickened wall of the right ventricle (right ventricular hypertrophy)

Tetralogy of Fallot is rare, but it is the most common form of cyanotic congenital heart disease. It occurs equally as often in males and females. People with tetralogy of Fallot are more likely to also have other congenital defects.

The cause of most congenital heart defects is unknown. Many factors seem to be involved.

Factors that increase the risk for this condition during pregnancy include:

[ ] Alcoholism in the mother

[ ] Diabetes

[ ] Mother who is over 40 years old

[ ] Poor nutrition during pregnancy

[ ] Rubella or other viral illnesses during pregnancy

Children with tetralogy of Fallot are more likely to have chromosome disorders, such as Down syndrome, Alagille syndrome, and DiGeorge syndrome (a condition that causes heart defects, low calcium levels, and poor immune function).

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Colon polyps

Image
A colon polyp is a small clump of cells that forms on the lining of the colon. Most colon polyps are harmless. But over time, some colon polyps can develop into colon cancer, which is often fatal when found in its later stages. There are two main categories of polyps, non-neoplastic and neoplastic. Non-neoplastic polyps include hyperplastic polyps, inflammatory polyps and hamartomatous polyps. These types of polyps typically do not become cancerous. Neoplastic polyps include adenomas and serrated types. In general, the larger a polyp, the greater the risk of cancer, especially with neoplastic polyps. Anyone can develop colon polyps. You're at higher risk if you're 50 or older, are overweight or a smoker, or have a personal or family history of colon polyps or colon cancer. Colon polyps often don't cause symptoms. It's important to have regular screening tests, such as a colonoscopy, because colon polyps found in the early stages can usually be removed safely a
Read more

Polyhydramnios

Image
Polyhydramnios  is the excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid — the fluid that surrounds the baby in the uterus during pregnancy. Polyhydramnios occurs in about 1 to 2 percent of pregnancies. Most cases of polyhydramnios are mild and result from a gradual buildup of amniotic fluid during the second half of pregnancy. Severe polyhydramnios may cause shortness of breath, preterm labor, Symptoms Polyhydramnios symptoms result from pressure being exerted within the uterus and on nearby organs. Mild polyhydramnios may cause few — if any — signs or symptoms. Severe polyhydramnios may cause: Shortness of breath or the inability to breathe Swelling in the lower extremities and abdominal wall Uterine discomfort or contractions Fetal malposition, such as breech presentation Your health care provider may also suspect polyhydramnios if your uterus is excessively enlarged and he or she has trouble feeling the baby. Causes Some of the known causes of polyhydramnios incl
Read more
Image
Nephrolithiasis • Calcium oxalate (and to some degree calcium phosphate) stones account for 80% of all kidney stones • Remaining stones are uric acid (10%), struvite (10-15%) and cystine (1%) stones • It is possible for patient to have multiple stones and for them to be more than one type of stone Risk Factors • Crystallization occurs when otherwise soluble solutes precipitate due to supersaturation or changes in urinary pH, protein content, or due to reaction with other solutes • Crystals cause epithelial injury, deposition of stone formation, bleeding, obstruction, and pain • Frequently identified risk factors include hypercalciuria, hyperoxaluria, hypocitraturia, decreased calcium intake, increased oxalate intake, increased animal protein intake, and decreased hydration • There is more than 2-fold increase in risk of kidney stones with positive family hx of kidney stones • Patients with history of kidney stones have a 10-30% 3-5 year recurrence rate • 25% of people with gout will ge
Read more