Karen Gomes Ordovas MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Mei-Han Wu MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Gautham Putta Reddy MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Charles Bernard Higgins MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

MRI has been used to evaluate the severity of pulmonary regurgitation after surgical correction of tetralogy of Fallot, as well as right ventricular function, crucial for determining the need for and timing of valve replacement. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between pulmonic regurgitation and right ventricular (RV) function using MRI volumetric and functional measurements and, as a secondary goal, the relationship between MRI volumetric parameters and RV function.

Twenty-seven patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary regurgitation were evaluated. Pulmonary regurgitant fraction (RF), RV end-diastolic volume index (EDVi), RV end-systolic volume index (ESVi), RV stroke volume (SV) and total RV ejection fraction (EF) were calculated. The use of ejection fraction to assess ventricular function is complicated by the regurgitant volume. As an alternative, we assessed the effective (forward) EF.

An inverse correlation between RF and effective EF (r = -0.53; p = 0.03) was detected, but no correlation was noted between RF and total EF (r = -0.25; p = 0.23). Also found was an inverse correlation between effective EF and EDVi (r = -0.5; p = 0.03) and between effective EF and ESVi (r = -0.68; p = 0.002). Only ESVi showed a correlation with total EF (r = 0.72;p = 0.001). RF, EDVi and ESVi were considered independent determinants of effective EF.

RF was inverselly correlated with RV function. Effective EF was a better parameter than total EF for evaluating RV function. RF and ESVi were the best independent predictors of decreased RV function.

C.B.H.: is a research consultant for GE Healthcare.

Ordovas, K, Wu, M, Reddy, G, Higgins, C, MRI Assessment of Pulmonary Regurgitation and Right Ventricular Function after Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot.  Radiological Society of North America 2005 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 27 - December 2, 2005 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2005/4419441.html