Volumetric and functional assessment using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in young children exposed to acute pulmonary regurgitation: is pulmonary regurgitation just a long-term matter?

BACKGROUND

The early effect of pulmonary regurgitation (PR) on both ventricular volume and function has not been well established in children. We evaluated the early effect of PR on both ventricular volume and function in young children.

METHODS

Among patients who underwent total repair of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect between January 2007 and December 2008, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) was performed in 12 patients at a median interval of 15.6 months (6-22 months). Valveless right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction was performed in five patients (valveless group) and RVOT reconstruction using valved conduit in seven patients (valve group). Age and weight at operation, and the interval between the operation and CMRI were not different between the groups.

RESULTS

We observed a higher pulmonary regurgitant fraction (p = 0.003), a higher right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVI) (p = 0.003), a higher right ventricular end-systolic volume index (p = 0.003), a higher left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (p = 0.010), a higher left ventricular end-systolic volume index (p = 0.018), and a lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; p = 0.048) in the valveless group. Right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) was not different between two groups. The RVEDVI was negatively correlated with RVEF (rho = -0.601, p = 0.039) and LVEF (rho = -0.580, p = 0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

Both ventricular volumes increased and left ventricular function was compromised, but right ventricular function was preserved early after the exposure to PR in children. Right ventricular volume was associated with both ventricular functions.