Left ventricular systolic function by echocardiography in the cases with tetralogy of Fallot

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential risk factors for left ventricular dysfunction in patients with Fallot's tetralogy. Twelve patients who had palliative surgery and 24 patients who had corrective surgery were included in the study. In addition, 30 patients who had corrective surgery 4.3 years before the study period were also included. An equal number of healthy subjects comprised the control groups. Echocardiographic studies were performed before and after the operation. Pre and postoperative echocardiographic data were compared with each other and with the control group. In the patients with tetralogy of Fallot preoperative, left ventricular diameters were lower than that of the control subjects. In patients who underwent correction, left ventricular diameters increased significantly after the operation, however, the left ventricular systolic function indices were significantly lower according to the control group. In the patients who were operated above the age of four years, left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly lower than the patients who were operated before the age of four years. Similarly, the left ventricular ejection fraction was lower in the patients who had hypoxic spells preoperatively. One or two-stage correction did not affect the systolic function. It may be proposed that the chronic hypoxemia in patients with tetralogy of Fallot might result in left ventricular dysfunction and the definitive surgery as early as possible will prevent myocardial damage secondary to chronic hypoxemia.