Tetralogy of Fallot care in Denver and the Rocky Mountain Region
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF or TET) is a congenital abnormality of the heart that develops in the first eight weeks of pregnancy. At Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children (RMHC), our pediatric cardiac team in Denver has the tools and expertise to diagnose and provide prompt treatment after birth.
To find a RMHC pediatric heart surgeon specialized in TOF, please call (877) 752-2737.
Tetralogy of Fallot refers to four coexisting heart abnormalities:
- Ventricular septal defect (VSD): An opening in the dividing wall (ventricular septum) between the right and left ventricles of the heart
- Pulmonary obstruction: An obstruction in the right ventricle below the pulmonary valve, which reduces blood flow
- Overriding aorta: The aorta (largest artery) sits over the ventricular septal defect
- Enlarged right ventricle: The right ventricle becomes enlarged due to attempting to pump blood through the obstruction to the pulmonary artery
Blood flow within the heart varies from baby to baby, depending on the severity of the septal defect. It is estimated that five in 10,000 live births are affected by TOF.
Diagnosing tetralogy of Fallot
Your doctor may suspect your baby has a heart abnormality after birth if he or she has a heart murmur or greyish-blue skin. To confirm the type of abnormality, we will use diagnostic imaging tests, such as an echocardiogram or cardiac catheterization, to get a clear picture of your baby’s heart and inside the blood vessels.