Document Detail


Right ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary valve replacement after correction of tetralogy of Fallot.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  12078771     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: Correction of tetralogy of Fallot often leads to pulmonary regurgitation, sometimes warranting pulmonary valve replacement, for which indications and timing to achieve optimal results are not yet clear. This retrospective study describes follow-up and reinterventions in our tetralogy of Fallot population. METHODS: Review of all consecutive patients operated on for tetralogy of Fallot between 1977 and 2000 was conducted. Included are date and type of repair, Doppler echocardiography (two-dimensional echocardiography), electrocardiographs, reoperations, and physical condition. RESULTS: Total repair was performed in 171 patients at a mean age 1.9 +/- 2.5 years, follow-up time counted 9.6 +/- 7.0 years. Right ventriculotomy was used in 92%, and transatrial ventricular septal defect closure was used in 8%; 74% received a transannular outflow patch. Twenty-year survival was 91%. Last follow-up electrocardiographs showed right bundle branch block in 67% and serious arrhythmias in 11%. Two-dimensional echocardiography demonstrated severe pulmonary insufficiency and dilated right ventricle in 31% and 38%, respectively, increasing with postrepair age (p < 0.001). Poor clinical condition (New York Heart Association class II+) and echocardiographic proof of right atrial dilatation (p = 0.012) and arrhythmias (p = 0.03) were significantly associated. Furthermore, the influence of residual hemodynamic lesions, such as a remaining ventricular septal defect or pulmonary stenosis, or right ventricular dilatation was important (p = 0.04). Reintervention was necessary in 32 patients (19%; 10-year freedom, 83%), including angioplasty for residual stenosis and pulmonary valve replacement. At a mean age of 9.2 years after correction, 14 patients received a homograft, and 2 patients received a heterograft. In 7 patients the right ventricle returned to normal dimensions and symptoms disappeared. The incidence of right ventricular dilatation was considerably higher (p = 0.020) in patients with a transannular patch; the transatrial approach showed the opposite (p = 0.03), and patients presented with lower QRS duration (p = 0.007), although no difference could be found between survival after both surgical techniques. Effects of early timing (correction < 6 months) on right ventricular dysfunction could not be established. CONCLUSIONS: Severe right ventricular dilatation and pulmonary regurgitation secondary to outflow tract repair in tetralogy of Fallot are frequently occurring sequelae developing slowly over time. Indications for pulmonary valve replacement remain controversial because echocardiographic findings or arrhythmias are not always accompanied by deterioration of clinical condition. However, right atrial dilatation and additional hemodynamic lesions demand increased vigilance. Transatrial repair is associated with a favorable outcome.
Authors:
Frank T H de Ruijter; Ineke Weenink; Francois J Hitchcock; Erik J Meijboom; Ger B W E Bennink
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  The Annals of thoracic surgery     Volume:  73     ISSN:  0003-4975     ISO Abbreviation:  Ann. Thorac. Surg.     Publication Date:  2002 Jun 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2002-06-24     Completed Date:  2002-08-26     Revised Date:  2004-11-17    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  15030100R     Medline TA:  Ann Thorac Surg     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  1794-800; discussion 1800     Citation Subset:  AIM; IM    
Affiliation:
Children's Heart Center, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adolescent
Adult
Child
Child, Preschool
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Infant
Male
Postoperative Complications / surgery*
Pulmonary Valve Insufficiency / etiology,  surgery*
Retrospective Studies
Tetralogy of Fallot / surgery*
Ventricular Dysfunction, Right / etiology,  surgery*

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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