Fallotoccurs

Fallotoccurs is not a recognized medical term. It may be a misspelling or conflation of Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect described by Étienne-Louis Arthur Fallot. The name Fallot originates from this physician, but “Fallotoccurs” is not used in standard medical literature.

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is characterized by four heart abnormalities that affect blood flow from the heart to the lungs. These are a ventricular septal defect (a hole between the heart’s lower chambers), pulmonary stenosis (narrowing of the outflow tract to the lungs), right ventricular hypertrophy (thickening of the right heart muscle), and an overriding aorta that sits above the defect, allowing blood to mix between chambers. The combination reduces oxygen-rich blood reaching the body, which can cause cyanosis, especially during crying or feeding.

Causes are usually congenital and multifactorial, with genetic associations including DiGeorge syndrome and 22q11 deletions in some cases. TOF occurs sporadically in most individuals, with an incidence of about 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 3,000 live births.

Clinical presentation often includes cyanosis, heart murmurs, and signs of heart failure in severe cases. Diagnosis is made through physical examination and imaging, primarily echocardiography, supported by electrocardiography and chest X-ray. Prenatal ultrasound can detect TOF in some cases.

Treatment is typically surgical and performed in infancy. Repair involves closing the VSD and relieving the pulmonary obstruction, often with reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract. Long-term outcomes have improved considerably, with most patients leading active lives, though lifelong follow-up with a cardiologist is recommended to monitor for residual or late-onset issues.