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Fürniss HE, Wülfers EM, Iaconianni P, Ravens U, Kroll J, Stiller B, Kohl P, Rog-Zielinska EA, Peyronnet R. Disease severity, arrhythmogenesis, and fibrosis are related to longer action potentials in tetralogy of Fallot. Clin Res Cardiol 2024; 113:716-727. [PMID: 37725108 PMCID: PMC11026253 DOI: 10.1007/s00392-023-02288-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arrhythmias may originate from surgically unaffected right ventricular (RV) regions in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). We aimed to investigate action potential (AP) remodelling and arrhythmia susceptibility in RV myocardium of patients with repaired and with unrepaired TOF, identify possible correlations with clinical phenotype and myocardial fibrosis, and compare findings with data from patients with atrial septal defect (ASD), a less severe congenital heart disease. METHODS Intracellular AP were recorded ex vivo in RV outflow tract samples from 22 TOF and three ASD patients. Arrhythmias were provoked by superfusion with solutions containing reduced potassium and barium chloride, or isoprenaline. Myocardial fibrosis was quantified histologically and associations between clinical phenotype, AP shape, tissue arrhythmia propensity, and fibrosis were examined. RESULTS Electrophysiological abnormalities (arrhythmias, AP duration [APD] alternans, impaired APD shortening at increased stimulation frequencies) were generally present in TOF tissue, even from infants, but rare or absent in ASD samples. More severely diseased and acyanotic patients, pronounced tissue susceptibility to arrhythmogenesis, and greater fibrosis extent were associated with longer APD. In contrast, APD was shorter in tissue from patients with pre-operative cyanosis. Increased fibrosis and repaired-TOF status were linked to tissue arrhythmia inducibility. CONCLUSIONS Functional and structural tissue remodelling may explain arrhythmic activity in TOF patients, even at a very young age. Surprisingly, clinical acyanosis appears to be associated with more severe arrhythmogenic remodelling. Further research into the clinical drivers of structural and electrical myocardial alterations, and the relation between them, is needed to identify predictive factors for patients at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E Fürniss
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Department of Congenital Heart Defects and Pediatric Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, University of Freiburg, Mathildenstr. 1, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Eike M Wülfers
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pia Iaconianni
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ursula Ravens
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Kroll
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Brigitte Stiller
- Department of Congenital Heart Defects and Pediatric Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, University of Freiburg, Mathildenstr. 1, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Kohl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signaling Research Centers BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva A Rog-Zielinska
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rémi Peyronnet
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Kotidis C, Nirmal N, Kantzis M. Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation in children and adults with an age and gender-specific analysis. Cardiol Young 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38185984 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951123004328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are limited studies with medium-term follow-up following percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation and no studies with a gender-specific analysis. AIMS To report clinical outcomes up to five years following percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation using the two most common balloon expandable valves in a mixed population of paediatric and adult patients with an age and gender-specific analysis. METHODS This was a single-centre retrospective observation study. Relevant data were obtained retrospectively from the case files. Age and gender- specific analysis was performed using SPSS. RESULTS Totally, 58 patients (13 children, 45 adults) underwent percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation. Statistically significant reduction in median right ventricular outflow tract flow velocity following valve implantation was maintained for the whole five years in adults but not in children. There were no gender-specific differences despite the study being adequately powered. Independent of valve type used, there was significant reduction of the right ventricular outflow tract flow velocity in the immediate post valve implantation period (Edwards P = 0.001, Melody P = 0.013). There was a significant negative correlation between implanted valve Z-score and subsequent right ventricular outflow tract gradient during the first two years following valve implantation. CONCLUSION Gender does not significantly affect valve function following percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation. It is important to consider patients' age and body surface area in relation to existing right ventricular outflow tract size during decisions for percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Neeraj Nirmal
- East Midlands Congenital Heart Centre, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - Marinos Kantzis
- East Midlands Congenital Heart Centre, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
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Latus H, Stammermann J, Voges I, Waschulzik B, Gutberlet M, Diller GP, Schranz D, Ewert P, Beerbaum P, Kühne T, Sarikouch S. Impact of Right Ventricular Pressure Load After Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot. J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e022694. [PMID: 35301850 PMCID: PMC9075442 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.121.022694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) stenosis after repair of tetralogy of Fallot has been linked with favorable right ventricular remodeling but adverse outcomes. The aim of our study was to assess the hemodynamic impact and prognostic relevance of right ventricular pressure load in this population. Methods and Results A total of 296 patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (mean age, 17.8±7.9 years) were included in a prospective cardiovascular magnetic resonance multicenter study. Myocardial strain was quantified by feature tracking technique at study entry. Follow-up, including the need for pulmonary valve replacement, was assessed. The combined end point consisted of ventricular tachycardia and cardiac death. A higher echocardiographic RVOT peak gradient was significantly associated with smaller right ventricular volumes and less pulmonary regurgitation, but lower biventricular longitudinal strain. During a follow-up of 10.1 (0.1-12.9) years, the primary end point was reached in 19 of 296 patients (cardiac death, n=6; sustained ventricular tachycardia, n=2; and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, n=11). A higher RVOT gradient was associated with the combined outcome (hazard ratio [HR], 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00-1.06; P=0.026), and a cutoff gradient of ≥25 mm Hg was predictive for cardiovascular events (HR, 3.69; 95% CI, 1.47-9.27; P=0.005). In patients with pulmonary regurgitation ≥25%, a mild residual RVOT gradient (15-30 mm Hg) was not associated with a lower risk for pulmonary valve replacement. Conclusions Higher RVOT gradients were associated with less pulmonary regurgitation and smaller right ventricular dimensions but were related to reduced biventricular strain and emerged as univariate predictors of adverse events. Mild residual pressure gradients did not protect from pulmonary valve replacement. These results may have implications for the indication for RVOT reintervention in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiner Latus
- Clinic for Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Disease German Heart Centre Munich Munich Germany
| | | | - Inga Voges
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology University Children's Hospital Kiel Kiel Germany
| | - Birgit Waschulzik
- Institute for AI and Informatics in MedicineTechnical University Munich Munich Germany
| | - Matthias Gutberlet
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Heart Centre Leipzig-University Leipzig Leipzig Germany
| | - Gerhard-Paul Diller
- Division of Adult Congenital and Valvular Heart Disease Department of Cardiovascular Medicine University Hospital of Muenster Muenster Germany
| | | | - Peter Ewert
- Clinic for Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Disease German Heart Centre Munich Munich Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research) Partner Site Munich Heart AllianceMunich Germany
| | - Philipp Beerbaum
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology Hannover Medical School Hannover Germany
| | - Titus Kühne
- Clinic for Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Disease German Heart Centre Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Samir Sarikouch
- Department of Heart, Thoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery Hannover Medical School Hannover Germany
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Wülfers EM, Greiner J, Giese M, Madl J, Kroll J, Stiller B, Kohl P, Rog-Zielinska EA, Fürniss HE. Quantitative collagen assessment in right ventricular myectomies from patients with tetralogy of Fallot. Europace 2021; 23:i38-i47. [PMID: 33404047 PMCID: PMC7943371 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euaa389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) are often affected by right ventricular fibrosis, which has been associated with arrhythmias. This study aimed to assess fibrosis distribution in right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) myocardium of TOF patients to evaluate the utility of single histology-section analyses, and to explore the possibility of fibrosis quantification in unlabelled tissue by second harmonic generation imaging (SHGI) as an alternative to conventional histology-based assays. Methods and results We quantified fibrosis in 11 TOF RVOT samples, using a tailor-made automated image analysis method on Picrosirius red-stained sections. In a subset of samples, histology- and SHGI-based fibrosis quantification approaches were compared. Fibrosis distribution was highly heterogeneous, with significant and comparable variability between and within samples. We found that, on average, 67.8 mm2 of 10 µm thick, histologically processed tissue per patient had to be analysed for accurate fibrosis quantification. SHGI provided data faster and on live tissue, additionally enabling quantification of collagen anisotropy. Conclusion Given the high intra-individual heterogeneity, fibrosis quantification should not be conducted on single sections of TOF RVOT myectomies. We provide an analysis algorithm for fibrosis quantification in histological images, which enables the required extended volume analyses in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eike M Wülfers
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center- University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Elsässer Straße 2Q, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.,Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg,Faculty of Medicine, Elsässer Straße 2Q, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Greiner
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center- University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Elsässer Straße 2Q, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.,Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg,Faculty of Medicine, Elsässer Straße 2Q, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Max Giese
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center- University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Elsässer Straße 2Q, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.,Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg,Faculty of Medicine, Elsässer Straße 2Q, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Josef Madl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center- University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Elsässer Straße 2Q, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.,Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg,Faculty of Medicine, Elsässer Straße 2Q, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Kroll
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center- University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Elsässer Straße 2Q, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.,Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg,Faculty of Medicine, Elsässer Straße 2Q, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Brigitte Stiller
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg,Faculty of Medicine, Elsässer Straße 2Q, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Paediatric Cardiology, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Kohl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg,Faculty of Medicine, Elsässer Straße 2Q, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva A Rog-Zielinska
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center- University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Elsässer Straße 2Q, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.,Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg,Faculty of Medicine, Elsässer Straße 2Q, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hannah E Fürniss
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center- University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Elsässer Straße 2Q, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.,Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg,Faculty of Medicine, Elsässer Straße 2Q, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
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Tominaga Y, Taira M, Kido T, Kanaya T, Araki K, Watanabe T, Sakaniwa R, Toda K, Kuratani T, Ueno T, Sawa Y. Persistent end-diastolic forward flow after pulmonary valve replacement in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2021; 60:516-523. [PMID: 33619521 DOI: 10.1093/ejcts/ezab098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The clinical significance of persistent end-diastolic forward flow (EDFF) after pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) remains unclear in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot. This study aimed to identify the characteristics of these patients and the impact of persistent EDFF on outcomes. METHODS Of 46 consecutive patients who underwent PVR for moderate to severe pulmonary regurgitation between 2003 and 2019, 23 (50%) did not show EDFF before PVR [group (-)]. In the remaining 23 patients with EDFF before PVR, EDFF was diminished after PVR in 13 (28%) [group (+, -)] and persisted in 10 (22%) [group (+, +)]. The following variables were compared between these 3 groups: (i) preoperative right ventricular (RV) and right atrial volumes measured by magnetic resonance imaging, haemodynamic parameters measured by cardiac catheterization and the degree of RV myocardial fibrosis measured by RV biopsy obtained at PVR and (ii) the post-PVR course, development of atrial arrhythmia and need for intervention. RESULTS A high RV end-diastolic pressure, a greater right atrial volume index and a greater RV end-systolic volume index before PVR and a high degree of RV fibrosis were significantly associated with persistent EDFF 1 year after PVR. Persistent EDFF was a significant risk factor for postoperative atrial tachyarrhythmia, and catheter ablation and pacemaker implantation were required more frequently in these patients. CONCLUSIONS Persistent EDFF after PVR could predict a worse prognosis, especially an increased risk of arrhythmia. Close follow-up is required in patients with persistent EDFF for early detection of arrhythmia and prompt reintervention if necessary. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Institutional review board of Osaka University Hospital, number 16105.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Tominaga
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaki Taira
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takashi Kido
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomomitsu Kanaya
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kanta Araki
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takuji Watanabe
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryoto Sakaniwa
- Department of Public Health, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koichi Toda
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toru Kuratani
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Ueno
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Sawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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Kido T, Ueno T, Taira M, Kanaya T, Okuda N, Toda K, Kuratani T, Sawa Y. Clinical significance of right atrial volume in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg 2020; 30:296-302. [PMID: 31638655 DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivz254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Atrial arrhythmia and right ventricular (RV) diastolic dysfunction are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). This study was performed to determine whether the preoperative right atrial (RA) volume can predict the development of atrial arrhythmia after pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) in patients with TOF. METHODS Forty-seven consecutive adult patients with repaired TOF underwent PVR from 2003 to 2018. Seventeen patients showed preoperative atrial arrhythmia and underwent the Maze procedure concomitantly. The preoperative RA volume was evaluated with computed tomography and image analysis software. RESULTS The median follow-up period after PVR was 6.8 years. Among 17 patients who underwent the Maze procedure, recurrent atrial arrhythmia developed in 8 patients. Among 30 patients without preoperative atrial arrhythmia, novel atrial arrhythmia developed in 2 patients. The RA volume index was a significant predictor according to the multivariate analysis (P = 0.003). The RA volume index showed a significant positive correlation with the RV end-diastolic pressure (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The RA volume predicts the development of atrial arrhythmia after PVR in patients with repaired TOF. RA volume measurement is strongly recommended in the management of this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Kido
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Ueno
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaki Taira
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomomitsu Kanaya
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoki Okuda
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koichi Toda
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toru Kuratani
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Sawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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Yamamura K, Yuen D, Hickey EJ, He X, Chaturvedi RR, Friedberg MK, Grosse-Wortmann L, Hanneman K, Billia F, Farkouh ME, Wald RM. Right ventricular fibrosis is associated with cardiac remodelling after pulmonary valve replacement. Heart 2018; 105:855-863. [DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2018-313961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveThe relationship between right ventricular (RV) fibrosis and right heart reverse remodelling following pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) has not been well studied in adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF). Our aims were to histologically quantify RV fibrosis and to explore the relationship between fibrosis severity and cardiac remodelling post-PVR.MethodsAdults with rTOF and pre-PVR cardiovascular (CMR) imaging were consented to procurement of RV muscle during PVR. Samples were stained with picrosirius red to quantify collagen volume fraction. Clinical data at baseline and at last follow-up were reviewed. Adverse cardiovascular outcomes included death, sustained arrhythmia and heart failure.ResultsFifty-three patients (male 58%, 38±11 years) were studied. Those with severe fibrosis (collagen volume fraction >11.0%, n=13) had longer aortic cross-clamp times at initial repair compared with the remainder of the population (50 vs 33 min, p=0.018) and increased RV mass:volume ratio pre-PVR (0.20 vs 0.18 g/mL, p=0.028). Post-PVR, the severe fibrosis group had increased indexed RV end-systolic volume index (RVESVi) (74 vs 66 mL/m2, p=0.044), decreased RVESVi change (Δ29 vs Δ45 mL/m2, p=0.005), increased RV mass (34 vs 25 g/m2, p=0.023) and larger right atrial (RA) area (21 vs 17 cm2, p=0.021). A trend towards increased heart failure events was observed in the severe fibrosis group (15% vs 0%, p=0.057).ConclusionsSevere RV fibrosis was associated with increased RVESVi, RV mass and RA area post-PVR in rTOF. Further study is required to define the impact of fibrosis and persistent right heart enlargement on clinical outcomes.
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