Repair Of Tetralogy Research Articles

Usefulness of Prolonged PR Interval to Predict Atrial Tachyarrhythmia Development Following Surgical Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot

Atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATAs), which may occur after tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) surgery, can cause sudden cardiac death. However, ATAs may also develop in response to electrical substrates. This study aims to examine the predictive factors for ATAs by identifying electrical substrates in the atrium obtained from 12-lead electrocardiogram in patients who underwent TOF repair. A total of 144 patients aged >15 years (median, 31.6 years) who underwent TOF repair at Hokkaido University were enrolled. We investigated the correlation between the development of ATAs with age, time interval after initial corrective surgery, brain natriuretic peptide levels, cardiac magnetic resonance parameters (right ventricular end-diastolic volume index, right ventricular end-systolic volume index, right ventricular ejection fraction, right atrial volume index, left ventricular end-diastolic volume index, left ventricular ejection fraction), and 12-lead electrocardiogram parameters (P wave maximum voltage, PR interval, QRS width, number of fragmented QRS). Of the 144 patients, 44 patients (30.6%) developed ATAs. Multivariate analysis revealed time interval after initial corrective surgery (odds ratio 6.7, 95% confidence interval 1.78 to 12.6) and PR interval (odds ratio 2.7, 95% confidence interval: 1.17 to 4.20) as independent risk factors for the development of ATAs. The receiver operating characteristic curve revealed a PR interval cut-off value of >200 milliseconds as predictive of the development of ATAs in patients more than 15 years after initial corrective surgery (area under the curve, 0.658; sensitivity, 71.4%; specificity, 66.4%). The present study demonstrated that a prolonged PR interval is a simple and convenient predictor for the development of ATAs in patients who underwent TOF repair.

Role of great artery annulus ratio to predict transannular patch enlargement in repair of tetralogy of Fallot

BackgroundTraditionally, the pulmonary valve annulus (PVA) z-score is used to predict the requirement of transannular patch enlargement (TAPE) of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and main pulmonary artery (MPA) in repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). PVA z-score is highly variable and many other parameters are being reported to be accurate in predicting need of TAPE. In this study, we analyze the role of great artery annulus ratio (pulmonary valve annulus to aortic valve annulus ratio, PVA/AVA) to be used as a predictor for TAPE.MethodsWe analyzed 90 patients of TOF retrospectively who underwent repair between January 2021 and December 2021. The patients were divided as TAPE group who required TAPE of RVOT and MPA and non-TAPE group who did not have TAPE. Their baseline parameters, PVA Z-score, and cut-off great artery annulus ratio were compared.ResultsTotal 44 (48.9%) patients had transannular patch (TAPE) repair and 46 (51.1%) patients had non-transannular patch repair. The great artery annulus ratio and PVA z-score was lower in case of TAPE group with statistical significance. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed great artery annulus ratio as more accurate predictor of TAPE.ConclusionGreat artery annulus ratio can be used as a simple and accurate predictor for transannular patch enlargement along with PVA z-score during repair of TOF.

Anterior and Posterior Pulmonary Cusp Augmentation in the Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot.

In this retrospective study, we compared the results from 2 pulmonary valve augmentation techniques in patients undergoing surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot. Between 2015 and 2018, 18 patients had anterior pulmonary valve repair at our institution, and 26 patients had both anterior and posterior pulmonary valve repair. Patients ranged from 6 months to 30 years of age. The median follow-up period was 8 months in the anterior augmentation group and 5 months in the anterior and posterior augmentation group. Postoperative echocardiograms indicated that only 2 patients (11%) in the anterior augmentation group had moderate or severe pulmonary insufficiency, compared with no patients in the anterior and posterior augmentation group. At follow-up, pulmonary insufficiency was seen in 3 patients (17%) in the anterior augmentation group and no patients in the anterior and posterior augmentation group. Reconstruction of the native pulmonary valve accompanied by pulmonary cusp augmentation can decrease or even circumvent postoperative pulmonary insufficiency. Both anterior augmentation and anterior and posterior augmentation techniques are easily applied; however, we believe that the anterior and posterior augmentation technique is superior in terms of early postoperative and follow-up pulmonary insufficiency outcomes.

Outcome of humanitarian patients with late complete repair of tetralogy of Fallot: A 13-year long single-center experience

BackgroundSurgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot is usually performed between 3 and 6 months of age with pulmonary valve-sparing repair promoted for the best long-term result. Through a humanitarian program from developing countries, late complete surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot has been performed at our institution for many years. MethodsRetrospective analysis of pre- and perioperative data, as well as 30-days outcome of patients older than one year with a confirmed diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot who had a complete surgical repair between 2005 and 2018 at our institution. ResultsOne hundred sixty-five patients were included with a median age of 4.5 years [3.0–6.3], median weight of 13.5 kg [10.9 to 16.5], median transcutaneous oximetry of 78% [70 to 85] and median pulmonary valve annulus Z-score of −1.8 [-3.4 to −0.8]. There was no early surgical mortality. By multivariate analysis, only severe right ventricular hypertrophy, severe right ventricle outflow tract obstruction, and hypoplasia of the main pulmonary artery were independent predictors of failure to preserve the pulmonary annulus at surgical repair. ConclusionsLate complete surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot has low mortality and morbidity even when pulmonary valve-sparing repair cannot be successfully performed. The preservation of the pulmonary valve function is significantly associated with shorter ventilation time, ICU and hospital lengths of stay. In the analyzed group of patients, a pulmonary valve-sparing repair cannot be predicted exclusively based on the dimension of the pulmonary valve annulus.

Letter to the editor regarding article by Dehghan et al.: "Biventricular strain and strain rate impairment shortly after surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot in children: A case-control study".

Letter to the editor regarding article by Dehghan et al.: "Biventricular strain and strain rate impairment shortly after surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot in children: A case-control study".

Long-term outcomes of staged repair of tetralogy of Fallot

BackgroundThe optimal management strategy for symptomatic young infants with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is yet to be determined. We aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of a staged approach with initial shunt palliation followed by complete repair. MethodsBetween January 1993 and July 2021, 160 children with TOF underwent a systemic-to-pulmonary shunt at our institution, including 65 neonates (41%). The mean duration of follow-up was 12.3 ± 8.1 years. ResultsHospital mortality was 3% (4 of 160), all occurring in patients with a shunt size-to-weight ratio ≥1.2 mm/kg. Composite morbidity—defined as cardiac arrest, postoperative mechanical circulatory support, or unplanned reoperation—occurred in 21% (33 of 160). On multivariable analysis, a shunt size-to-weight ratio ≥1.2 mm/kg and prematurity were independent predictors of composite morbidity. Interstage mortality was 3% (4 of 156). A limited transannular patch was used in 75% (113 of 150) of TOF repairs. Actuarial survival at 20 years after shunt was 90% (95% confidence interval [CI], 79%-95%). Actuarial freedom from reinterventions at 20 years after TOF repair was 40% (95% CI, 28%-52%). Neonates had comparable composite morbidity, mortality, and late risk of reinterventions to older children. ConclusionsStaged repair of TOF in symptomatic young infants results in low mortality but high rates of reinterventions at long-term follow-up. A shunt size-to-weight ratio ≥1.2 mm/kg is a significant risk factor for mortality and morbidity prior to complete repair. Neonates undergoing shunt insertion have comparable outcomes to older children.

How to Manage the Pulmonary Valve During Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot

Evolution of Pulmonary Valve Management During Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot: A 14-year ExperienceThe Annals of Thoracic SurgeryPreviewThe optimal repair strategy for tetralogy of Fallot remains controversial. This report presents a 14-year evolution of management of the pulmonary valve (PV) from transannular patch to valve-sparing repair to neovalve creation using living right atrial appendage tissue. Full-Text PDF

Evaluation of Aortic Root Dilation in Adult Patients after Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot

Background and Aim: Aortic root dilation is one of the common complications in patients with a history of tetralogy of Fallot total correction (TFTC). We evaluate the frequency of aortic root dilation in adult TFTC patients and analyze probable risk factors related to the dilated aortic root. Materials and Methods and Results: We reviewed echocardiography images of 146 adult TFTC patients who admitted at Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center from 1383 to 1399 in an observational retrospective cohort study. Sinus of Valsalva (SOV) was measured in parasternal long-axis view. Aortic root dilation was determined by two definitions. When we adjusted SOV diameter for body surface area and sex, the frequency of aortic root dilation was 68%, with a mean SOV diameter of 3.5 ± 0.7 cm and when we used absolute diameter ≥4 cm for dilated SOV, 22% showed aortic root dilation. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, male sex (odds ratio (OR) = 3.47, P = 0.003), age at the time of TFTC (OR = 1.06, P = 0.009), and aortic regurgitation (OR = 3.97, P = 0.003) were associated with increased adds of dilated aortic root. Three patients underwent aortic surgery, including one case of type A aortic dissection. Conclusion: Although aortic root dilation was common, aneurysmal dilation and adverse events were not so frequent. Serial evaluation of all segments of the ascending aorta, including the aortic root, is important but not more frequent than previously suggested.

Evolution of Pulmonary Valve Management During Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot: A 14-year Experience

BackgroundThe optimal repair strategy for tetralogy of Fallot remains controversial. This report presents a 14-year evolution of management of the pulmonary valve (PV) from transannular patch to valve-sparing repair to neovalve creation using living right atrial appendage tissue. MethodsA retrospective review of 172 consecutive patients undergoing complete repair for TOF between January 2007 and June 2021 was performed. Clinical and follow-up data were analyzed by repair group. Neopulmonary valve (NPV) creation using right atrial appendage tissue was introduced in 2019. Failure of valve-sparing repair was defined as needing reintervention for recurrent right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO). ResultsMedian age and weight at repair were 4.9 months and 6 kg, respectively. Median preoperative PV size and z-score were 6.4 mm (5.2-8.3 mm) and −3.2 (−4.1 to −2.1), respectively. Patients who underwent valve-sparing repair had larger PV size and z-score compared with patients who underwent transannular patch procedures (8 mm vs 5.6 mm; −2.1 vs −3.2; both P < .001). There were no hospital mortalities. Overall follow-up was 44 months. At last follow-up, 10% of patients who underwent valve-sparing repair had repeat intervention for recurrent RVOTO. Patients who had failed valve-sparing repair had significantly lower PV z-scores (−2.6 vs −1.9; P = .01). An NPV was used in 8 patients with a median PV z-score of −4 (−4.7 to −3.9). At 6 months, 6 patients (75%) had mild or trivial pulmonary insufficiency after NPV placement. ConclusionsRepair of tetralogy of Fallot is a safe operation with excellent outcomes. Valve-sparing repair avoids right ventricular dilation but may fail for RVOTO at a PV z-score <−2. NPV creation offers an alternative option in patients with a small PV.

Hybrid approach for management of end-stage heart failure in complex congenital heart disease.

Management of end-stage heart failure (ESHF) in children with congenital heart disease is challenging. We report a step-by-step hybrid procedure (transcatheter pulmonary valve and left mechanical assist device implantations) in a child with ESHF after repair of tetralogy of Fallot, as an effective bridge to transplant strategy.

Impact of Management Strategy on Feeding and Somatic Growth in Neonates with Symptomatic Tetralogy of Fallot: Results from the Congenital Cardiac Research Collaborative

To evaluate early growth following primary or staged repair of neonatal symptomatic tetralogy of Fallot (sTOF). We performed a retrospective, multicenter cohort study of consecutive infants with sTOF who underwent initial intervention at age ≤30days, from 2005 to 2017. Management strategies were either primary repair or staged repair (ie, initial palliation followed by complete repair). The primary outcome was change in weight-for-age z-score (ΔWAZ) from the initial intervention to age 6±2months. Secondary outcomes included method and mode of feeding, feeding-related medications, and feeding-related readmissions. Propensity score adjustment was used to account for baseline differences between groups. A secondary analysis was performed comparing patients stratified by the presence of adequate growth (6-month ΔWAZ>-0.5) or inadequate growth (6-month ΔWAZ≤-0.5), independent of treatment strategy. The study cohort included 143 primary repair subjects and 240 staged repair subjects. Prematurity was more common in the staged repair group. After adjustment, median ΔWAZ did not differ between treatment groups over the first 6months of life (primary: -0.43 [IQR, -1.17 to 0.50]; staged: -0.31 [IQR, -1.31 to 0.71]; P=.55). For the entire cohort, ΔWAZ was negative (-0.36; IQR, -1.21 to 0.63). There were no between-group differences in the secondary outcomes. Secondary analysis revealed that the subjects with adequate growth were more likely to be orally fed at initial hospital discharge (P=.04). In neonates with sTOF, growth trajectory over the first 6months of life was substandard, irrespective of treatment strategy. Those patients with adequate growth were more likely to be discharged from the index procedure on oral feeds.

Technique for Neo-Pulmonary Valve Creation With Living Tissue for Repair of Atrioventricular Septal Defect and Tetralogy of Fallot.

Long-standing effects of pulmonary regurgitation after transannular patch repair in Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) can be especially deleterious in the setting of combined ToF and complete atrioventricular septal defect (CAVSD). We present a technique for a complete repair of combined ToF/CAVSD using right atrial appendage tissue to create a competent neo-pulmonary valve. This technique provides advantages of right heart protection via pulmonary valve competence and the use of living tissue capable of growth with the patient, potentially obviating the need for repeat interventions.

Long-Term Results after Fallot Repair.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome and freedom from pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) after initial repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). The cohort of 306 patients treated between 1980 and 2017 was divided into anatomical subgroups according to the diagnosis of TOF-pulmonary stenosis, TOF-pulmonary atresia and TOF-double outlet right ventricle. Patients were treated with transannular patch (TAP), valve sparing repair (VSR), or conduits from the right ventricle to the pulmonary arteries (RVPA conduits). There were 21 deaths (6.9%), 14 being hospital deaths (4.6%) after primary correction and four deaths (1.3%) occurred after PVR. One patient died after a non-cardiac operation (0.3%). There were two late deaths (0.7%). During the past 12 years no early mortality has been observed. Ninety-one patients (30.4%) received PVR after a median of 12.1 ± 7.0 years with an early mortality of 4.4% (n = 4) and no late mortality. A significant difference in freedom from reoperation after TAP, VSR, and RVPA-conduits could be identified. Multivariate analysis displayed transannular repair (p = 0.016), primary palliation (p <0.001), the presence of major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCA; p = 0.023), and pulmonary valve Z-scores < - 4.0 (p = 0.040) as significant risk factors for PVR. TOF repair has a beneficial long-term prognosis with low morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary valve Z-scores < - 4.0, transannular repair, and presence of MAPCAs are associated with earlier PVR. Non-VSRs and TOF-pulmonary atresia lead to earlier reoperation but have no negative impact on survival.

Association of Right Ventricular–to–Left Ventricular Diameter Ratio at End-Systole With Outcomes in Children Who Underwent Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot

RATIONALE: Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a right-sided dominant cardiac lesion with a stenotic right ventricular (RV) outflow tract and hypertrophied RV, which could result in septal shift and RV dilation. This study evaluated the RV/left ventricular (LV) diameter ratio at end-systole in association with clinical outcomes in children who underwent repair of TOF. The main aim of this study was to determine the association of RV/LV diameter ratio at end-systole with the outcomes of TOF repair. The specific objectives were to determine whether the preoperative (demographic and echocardiographic data) parameters were associated with the clinical outcomes of TOF repair and to determine whether the intraoperative (cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic cross-clamp time) parameters were associated with the clinical outcomes of TOF repair. METHODOLOGY: This prospective cohort single-center study enrolled 112 TOF patients aged 1 to 18 years admitted for surgical repair. The RV/LV ratio was measured using echocardiography preoperatively, indexed to patient’s weight and body surface area, and associated with its postoperative cardiac complications using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Cumulative incidence of cardiopulmonary complications was at 28.7% (32 of 112). Reperfusion lung injury had the most cases (11.6%), followed by low cardiac output syndrome (9.8%) and postpericardiotomy syndrome (5.4%). Both RV and LV diameters, indexed to patient’s weight and body surface area, (P = 0.0051, P &lt; 0.001), RV/LV ratio (P &lt; 0.001), and LV end diastolic size with z scores (P &lt; 0.001), showed statistically significant results. Increase in RV/LV ratio is associated with adverse postoperative clinical outcomes in pediatric patients who underwent repair of TOF (P &lt; 0.001). Significant preoperative parameter showed that stunting is associated with complications postoperatively (P = 0.017), whereas for the intraoperative parameters, prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic cross-clamp time were also associated with postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: The increased value of RV/LV end-systolic diameter ratio at 1.63 (±0.256), which incorporates both pathologic septal shift and RV dilation, is associated with higher incidence of postoperative cardiac complications among patients with tetralogy of Fallot.

Vortex formation time as an index of left ventricular filling efficiency: comparison between children volunteers and patients with tetralogy of Fallot.

BackgroundVortex formation time (VFT) had been considered a useful marker for assessing diastolic performance. the VFT assessment of diastolic function using four-dimensional (4D) flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has not been used in repair of tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) patient. The aims of this study were as follows: (I) establish reference ranges for VFT measurements in healthy children and adolescents using 4D flow CMR imaging; and (II) analyze VFT parameters to assess diastole dysfunction in rTOF patients group.MethodsWe acquired the CMR data was of 62 healthy participants (aged 6–18 years; male: 40, female: 22) and 20 patients with rTOF (aged 10–13 years; male: 15, female: 5) using 4D flow and cine sequence in routine chamber view. The VFT was calculated based on comparison of different algorithms from cine measurements (VFTvolume) and 4D flow measurements (VFTblood). Then, VFT measurements were compared to subject peak filling rate (PFR), age, and cardiac mass using simple linear regression and multiple regression analyses. Data were also categorized according to age for VFT and cardiac functional assessment comparisons between 3 age groups (Group 1: 6–9 years; Group 2: 10–13 years; Group 3: 14–18 years). The correlation of VFT and cardiac function parameters were analyzed in the rTOF group.ResultsNormal mean value of VFTvolume and VFTblood were 4.25±0.92 and 3.77±1.11 in healthy children participants. The VFTvolume was correlated with VFTblood (r=0.61, P<0.001). There was a moderately significant correlation between VFTvolume and PFR (r=0.46, P<0.001) and between VFTblood and PFR (r=0.47, P<0.001), age (r=0.41, P=0.002) and left ventricular (LV) mass (r=0.48, P<0.001). Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that VFTvolume was independently associated with PFR (T=2.239; P<0.05) and VFTblood (T=4.361; P<0.001). There was a significant difference in VFTvolume between healthy controls and rTOF patients (5.44±1.93 vs. 4.27±0.88, P=0.018).ConclusionsThe VFT measurements showed that the LV that had appropriate space to form the optimal vortex ring in normal children and adolescents aged 6–18 years old. The VFTvolume could potentially be helpful in improving our understanding of LV diastolic dysfunction in rTOF patients.

Endotracheal bleed after intra cardiac repair in tetralogy of fallot patients: a diagnostic challenge

Background: Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common congenital cyanotic heart disease (CCHD) in children. With the development and advancement of paediatric cardiac surgery and intensive care units, a large number of TOF are presenting for cardiac surgery. Operated TOF may suffer from endotracheal (ET) bleeding in postoperative period which results in delayed extubation of patients. ET bleeding is multifactorial with MAPCAs, coagulopathy residual VSD, and high LA pressure being usual causes. The objective of this study was to evaluate those children of TOF who suffered from ET bleeding, their causes and management after intracardiac repair.Methods: This was a single center retrospective study that included patients with a diagnosis of TOF. Total of 27 patients were operated at GB Pant Hospital, Department of CTVS from February 2021 to November 2021. After taking ethical approval we conducted a retrospective study to analyse the cause of endotracheal bleed. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA software version (16.0). Continuous variables were presented as mean±standard deviation (SD) or median (interquartile range [IQR]. Inclusion criteria was- all diagnosed case of tetralogy of fallot patient with age –1.5-8 years, both male and female. Exclusion criteria was- patients having co-morbidities, like juvenile diabetes, hypothyroidism, syndromic patients.Results: Endotracheal bleed noted in majority of patient in those MAPCAs were not coiled, not able to be ligated intaoperatively, they bleed in postoperative period which further delayed extubation of patients. Of the patients with Endotracheal bleed none had a residual cardiac defect. Post-operative mortality was 1/27.Conclusions: We hereby conclude that cause of endotracheal bleed after intracardiac repair of tetralogy of fallot patients can be due to left uncoiled, non- ligated major aorto-pulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs).

Predictors of short versus prolonged PCICU stay after primary repair of tetralogy of Fallot at a tertiary care unit, Karachi: A single-center study

BackgroundPediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Units (PCICU) stays have been associated with adverse outcomes as documented in the literature. However, data remain scarce on the factors which influence the length of such stays in the developing world. ObjectiveTo find out predictors of short versus prolonged PCICU stay after primary repair of tetralogy of Fallot (ToF). MethodsA prospective study was conducted at the Department of Pediatric Cardiology, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Karachi, Pakistan, from March 2021 to August 2021. A total of 93 patients of any age undergoing primary ToF repair were included. Patients having a PCICU stay <48 h were labeled as short PCICU stay, while those with a PCICU stay ≥48 h were termed as prolonged PCICU stay. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors predicting prolonged PCICU stay. ResultsOverall, the mean age was noted to be 10.75 ± 4.54 years. The mean duration of PCICU was calculated to be 74.1 ± 50.2 h (Range: 24–340 h). There were 57 (61.3%) patients with prolonged PCICU, while 36 (38.7%) had a short duration of PCICU stay. In multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, significantly low SpO2 at the time of presentation, intraoperative tricuspid regurgitation, high postoperative inotropic score, postoperative pulmonary embolism, and postoperative bleeding from a wound were found to be significant predictors of prolonged PCICU stay after primary repair of ToF. ConclusionsThe findings of this study are paramount given the identification of factors associated with the prolonged stay, which will help in the future prediction of the prognosis of treated patients.

Long-term Outcomes of Transatrial-Transpulmonary Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot With Anomalous Coronary Arteries

Repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) can be complicated by the presence of an anomalous coronary artery (ACA) crossing the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). This study sought to evaluate the late outcomes of a policy of transatrial-transpulmonary repair for this condition. The transatrial-transpulmonary approach was used in 864 consecutive TOF repairs between 1993 and 2018 at a single institution, of which 55 (6%) patients had an ACA. Nineteen (35%,19/55) patients underwent prior palliation. Late survival and freedom from reoperations were compared with the general cohort of 809 patients who underwent complete repair during the same period. Early mortality was 2% (1/55). Median follow-up was 15.6 years. Late mortality was 6% (3/54). Absence of a preoperative diagnosis of ACA was not a risk factor for worse outcomes in terms of late re-interventions, acute coronary syndrome, residual RVOT gradient, and late mortality. Survival was 91% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 77-96%) at 20 years and was comparable to the general TOF cohort (95%, 95% CI: 90-98%, P = 0.12). Actuarial freedom from any re-intervention was 46% (95% CI: 27-62%) at 20 years, which was also comparable to the general cohort (31%, 95% CI: 20-42%, P = 0.19). The presence of an ACA does not appear to affect late survival or re-intervention rates in patients undergoing transatrial-transpulmonary repair of TOF.

Biventricular strain and strain rate impairment shortly after surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot in children: A case-control study.

BackgroundEarly biventricular dysfunction in repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) children may lead to poor clinical outcomes. We aimed to assess biventricular function in TOF children before and after surgery by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and compare them with the controls.MethodsTwenty repaired TOF children and 20 normal children as controls were assessed by STE. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), biventricular strain, and strain rate were compared before and after surgery and between TOF children and controls.ResultsPostoperative LVEF (p = 0.001), strain (p = 0.001), and strain rate (p = 0.001) for left ventricle improved significantly compared to preoperative phase. However, postoperative left ventricular strain (p = 0.05) and strain rate (p = 0.01) in TOF children were significantly impaired compared to controls. Postoperative LVEF was correlated inversely with postoperative strain rate (r = −0.40, p = 0.04). Postoperative TAPSE (p = 0.001), strain (p = 0.001), and strain rate (p = 0.001) for right ventricle significantly worsened when compared with the preoperative phase. Moreover, postoperative TAPSE (p = 0.001), strain (p = 0.001), and strain rate (p = 0.01) were significantly impaired compared to controls. Postoperative right ventricular strain rate was correlated significantly with the weight of children (r = 0.48, p = 0.02), and postoperative left ventricular strain showed significant correlations with aortic clamp time (r = 0.44, p = 0.04) and with ICU stay (r = −0.46, p = 0.04).ConclusionDespite normal LVEF, TOF children exhibit impaired left ventricular strain and strain rate after surgery. TAPSE, strain, and strain rate for the right ventricle worsen after surgical repair. STE‐driven strain can be used to detect early ventricular dysfunction and the associated prognostic implications.

Predictive Value of Right Ventricular Pressure Measurement for Residual Pulmonary Stenosis in Tetralogy Repair

Objective: The long-term outcome of tetralogy of Fallot repair depends on an adequate relief of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction and preservation of the pulmonary valve function. Since intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography is not routinely performed in small patients, we postulated that the post-bypass right ventricular pressure measured intraoperatively could predict residual pulmonary stenosis when evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography.Materials and Methods: Of the 187 patients who underwent tetralogy repair between 2012 and 2019 at Siriraj Hospital, Thailand, 95 with right ventricular pressure measurements and pre-discharge echocardiography were included in the study. Their intraoperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. The tolerable pressure cutoff was determined.Results: The median patient age was 3.9 years old (interquartile range 2.75–6). Fifty-three patients (54.6%) required the use of the transannular patch. Ten patients (10.3%) had significant residual pulmonary stenosis with a mean right ventricular systolic pressure of 64.0±10.6 mmHg compared with 48.7±14.4 mmHg for the other patients. There was an association between the pressure figure and the degree of residual pulmonary stenosis (rho=0.391, p=0.01). A systolic pressure above 49 mmHg predicted pulmonary stenosis with a likelihood ratio of 2.18 (1.94-2.80, 95%CI). The likelihood rose to 2.93 (2.44-4.01, 95%CI) if the pressure resulted in a right to left ventricular pressure ratio above 0.62. The patients whose figures did not exceed 49 mmHg experienced no significant residual obstruction, regardless of the pressure ratio.Conclusion: Intraoperative measurement of the right ventricular pressure can predict residual pulmonary stenosis after tetralogy repair with a reassuring cutoff of 49 mmHg