What are the characteristic features of tetralogy of Fallot?

Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that is defined by four specific anatomical features: ventricular septal defect (VSD), right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (which can be due to pulmonary stenosis), overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH). The presence of an overriding aorta and VSD is central to the diagnosis of this condition.

In this defect, the aorta is positioned directly over the ventricular septal defect and straddles both ventricles, thus compromising the normal distribution of blood flow and leading to mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. This causes cyanosis, which is a hallmark of the condition.

Other options provided do not align with the defining characteristics of tetralogy of Fallot. For instance, ventricular hypertrophy can occur in various heart conditions, but in tetralogy, it is specifically related to the outflow obstruction of the right ventricle. Coarctation of the aorta, while a serious condition, is not a feature of tetralogy of Fallot. Similarly, mitral valve prolapse and atrial septal defect (ASD) are not associated with tetralogy of Fallot. Finally, aortic regurgitation and