What condition is suggested if a 2-month-old boy exhibits cyanosis and fussiness while feeding?

The presentation of cyanosis and fussiness during feeding in a 2-month-old boy is suggestive of Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect. This condition typically involves a combination of four cardiac anomalies: ventricular septal defect, pulmonary outflow tract stenosis, right ventricular hypertrophy, and an aorta that overrides the ventricular septal defect.

In infants, especially during feeding or exertion, the combination of increased oxygen demand and the presence of these anatomical issues can lead to decreased oxygenated blood flow and resulting cyanosis. The fussiness during feeding can occur due to difficulty in breathing or discomfort as the baby tries to manage their oxygen levels while eating, which can cause evident distress and behavior changes.

Recognizing this specific symptomatology can help differentiate Tetralogy of Fallot from other congenital heart conditions, where the clinical presentation may manifest differently. For example, while pulmonary stenosis might also lead to cyanosis, it is less likely to evolve into fussiness during feeding in the same manner without additional signs or more severe obstruction. Atrial septal defect tends to produce a left-to-right shunt that typically does not manifest with significant cyanosis in the early months, making it less likely to present in this way.