The Correct Spelling of Tetralogy of Fallot
The correct spelling is "Tetralogy of Fallot" with a capital "F" in Fallot, as it is named after the French physician Étienne-Louis Arthur Fallot who described this condition in 1888. 1
Definition and Components
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is defined as a group of cardiovascular malformations with biventricular atrioventricular alignments or connections characterized by:
- Anterosuperior deviation of the conal or outlet septum or its fibrous remnant 2
- Narrowing or atresia of the pulmonary outflow (pulmonary stenosis) 2
- A ventricular septal defect (VSD) of the malalignment type 2
- Biventricular origin of the aorta (aortic override) 2
- Right ventricular hypertrophy (as a consequence of the above) 2
Historical Context
- First partially described by Nicholas Steno in 1672 3
- Completely described and named after Étienne-Louis Arthur Fallot in 1888 1
- The eponym "Tetralogy of Fallot" is consistently capitalized with "F" in Fallot across all major medical guidelines and literature 2
Clinical Significance
- Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common cyanotic congenital heart defect 2
- It accounts for approximately 7-10% of all congenital cardiac malformations 4
- Incidence is approximately 3 in 10,000 live births 4
- Long-term survival rates for patients with repaired TOF exceed 85-90% 5
Documentation Standards
- In medical records and clinical data standards, "Tetralogy of Fallot" is the standard terminology used by major cardiovascular societies including:
Common Pitfalls in Spelling
- Incorrect: "tetralogy of fallot" (lowercase "f" in fallot)
- Incorrect: "Tetrology of Fallot" (using "logy" instead of "logy")
- Incorrect: "Tetralogy of Falot" (single "l" in Fallot)
The correct spelling honors the historical contribution of Dr. Fallot and maintains consistency with established medical nomenclature in cardiology literature and practice guidelines 1.