American heart journal
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American heart journal · Apr 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialVentricular geometric characteristics and functional benefit of mild right ventricular outflow tract obstruction in patients with significant pulmonary regurgitation after repair of tetralogy of Fallot.
Right ventricular (RV) outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO) might protect the RV from adverse remodeling caused by significant pulmonary regurgitation (PR) in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF), but the underlying mechanisms and influences on exercise tolerance remain unclear. This study sought to investigate the impacts from mild RVOTO on ventricular remodeling and exercise capacity in rTOF. ⋯ Patients with combined PR and mild RVOTO had better RV remodeling and exercise capacity compared to those with isolated PR. Our findings confirm the benefits from mild residual RVOTO support a policy of conservative RVOTO relief at repair.