Trilogy of Fallot refers to a set of three congenital heart defects that are frequently found together in newborns. This condition is named after a French physician Étienne-Louis Arthur Fallot, who first described the defects in 1888. The trilogy of Fallot consists of three main abnormalities: ventricular septal defect (VSD), pulmonary stenosis, and right ventricular hypertrophy.
A ventricular septal defect is a hole in the wall dividing the two lower chambers of the heart, known as the ventricles. This causes oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood to mix, resulting in decreased oxygen levels in the body.
Pulmonary stenosis is a narrowing of the pulmonary valve or pulmonary artery, which obstructs the flow of blood from the heart to the lungs. This further leads to decreased oxygenation in the bloodstream.
Right ventricular hypertrophy refers to the abnormal enlargement and thickening of the muscular wall of the right ventricle due to increased workload caused by the other two defects.
The trilogy of Fallot typically presents with cyanosis, or bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, and nails, due to reduced oxygen levels in the blood. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue, and poor growth in infants. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through physical examination, electrocardiograms, chest X-rays, and echocardiograms.
Treatment for trilogy of Fallot usually involves surgical intervention to repair the ventricular septal defect and alleviate the pulmonary stenosis, allowing for improved blood flow. Without timely intervention, this condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life and may lead to severe complications.
