There are four defects that characterize Tetralogy: 1. Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) 2. Aortic Overriding (the opening of the aorta is directly over the defect in the ventricular septum) 3. Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction (obstruction to blood flow out of the right ventricle) 4. Right Ventricular Hypertrophy (abnormal enlargement of the muscular walls of the right ventricle).
It is hard to believe that these four defects can occur together so consistently. Surprisingly, all four defects are the result of one developmental inconsistency; the septum (wall) that divided the right and left ventricles is misaligned.
Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common congenital heart defect in children that causes cyanosis (blueness) of the skin. It comprises approximately 9 percent of all congenital heart defects today.
Congenital Heart Defects
It is estimated that one and every one hundred babies born today has a congenital heart defect. About one-third of these children are considered to be in critical condition. A large number of these very sick, "critical" babies used to die before they reached the age of one. Today however, 60 percent of the critical children live well past their first year, and some will even go on to lead healthy lives.
No comments:
Post a Comment