Predisposing factors of valve regurgitation in complete atrioventricular septal defect.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the intrinsic risk factors of valve regurgitation in complete atrioventricular septal defect.

BACKGROUND: Progression of regurgitation varies in each case, although the structure of the common atrioventricular valve itself is a predisposing factor.

METHODS: In 90 consecutive patients undergoing surgical repair, we evaluated the preoperative and postoperative regurgitation, valve morphology, age at surgery and associated anomalies. A regurgitation jet with a high velocity reaching the deep left atrial wall by echocardiography was estimated as marked regurgitation.

RESULTS: None of the 40 patients with Rastelli type C and an undivided inferior bridging leaflet had preoperative regurgitation in the first year of life, and 12% of them (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0% to 28%) showed regurgitation at the age of 2. Of the remaining 50 with Rastelli type A and/or a divided inferior leaflet, regurgitation was determined in 21% (95% CI: 6% to 35%) of those 1 year old and in 49% (95% CI: 29%7 to 69%) of those 2 years old (p < 0.01). All patients underwent corrective surgery using the double-patch technique, with the "cleft" being sutured adequately. Irrespective of the valve morphology, regurgitation remained in 52% (12 of 23) of those with preoperative regurgitation, whereas regurgitation developed postoperatively in 28% (16 of 58) of those without regurgitation (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Those with Rastelli type C and an undivided inferior leaflet had a lesser degree of progression of preoperative regurgitation. However, regurgitation was likely to exist even after adequate repair once regurgitation had already advanced. Therefore, early primary repair before progression of the regurgitation may be the key to maintaining better competence of the atrioventricular valve.