Which radiographic sign is associated with Tetralogy of Fallot?

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Multiple Choice

Which radiographic sign is associated with Tetralogy of Fallot?

Tetralogy of Fallot classically shows a boot-shaped heart on chest radiography. This appearance comes from right ventricular hypertrophy, which elevates and rounds the apex, combined with anterior displacement of the infundibulum due to obstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract. The pulmonary stenosis component also lowers pulmonary blood flow, so the lungs often have diminished markings, reinforcing the silhouette. This makes the boot-shaped heart the best clue for TOF. The other options describe signs tied to other conditions (for example, transposition of the great arteries can show an egg-on-a-string shape), while an enlarged aorta alone or a round heart with clear lungs do not reflect the TOF pattern.

Tetralogy of Fallot classically shows a boot-shaped heart on chest radiography. This appearance comes from right ventricular hypertrophy, which elevates and rounds the apex, combined with anterior displacement of the infundibulum due to obstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract. The pulmonary stenosis component also lowers pulmonary blood flow, so the lungs often have diminished markings, reinforcing the silhouette. This makes the boot-shaped heart the best clue for TOF. The other options describe signs tied to other conditions (for example, transposition of the great arteries can show an egg-on-a-string shape), while an enlarged aorta alone or a round heart with clear lungs do not reflect the TOF pattern.

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