What is Tetralogy of Fallot?
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a combination of four related heart differences occurring together: a hole between the ventricles, a narrowing on the way to the lungs, a thickened right ventricle, and the aorta positioned slightly differently than usual. Together, they mean some blood bypasses the lungs without picking up oxygen, which is what causes the blue-tinged skin many families are told to watch for.
It is one of the more common serious congenital heart defects, and while the diagnosis can sound frightening, it is also one of the most established and well-treated — most children go on to live active, full lives after surgery.
Signs that may point to it
How it is diagnosed and treated
Tetralogy of Fallot is often picked up on a fetal echocardiogram before birth, or on a newborn echo prompted by a murmur or blue colouring. The scan defines the exact anatomy, which shapes the surgical plan.
Treatment is surgical — usually in infancy, sometimes with a smaller interim procedure first if a baby needs more time to grow. After repair, children are followed long-term, since some need further attention to the pulmonary valve as they grow into adulthood. This is lifelong follow-up, not lifelong illness — most children thrive.