Intracardiac repair of tetralogy of fallot (TOF)can be performed with an acceptably low morbidity and mortality. However, the procedure may adversely affect myocardial function and compromise long-term results. Impairment of right ventricular function has been reported in patients with TOF after repair. Pulsed doppler tissue imaging(DTI) is an ultrasound tool that provides quantitative assessment of myocardial velocities by its high spatial and temporal resolution. It has been reported to be a valuable tool for the prediction of myocardial functional response to physical exercise. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in RV function in response to exercise using DTI and conventional Doppler echocardiography.
METHOD: We examined 20 patients(mean age 8.05±3.00 years), with a mean follow-up of 4.5±2.7 years after surgery. Two patients were excluded, one because of incooperation, the other because of viral illness. another one had to finish the test at the first minute because of viral illness. RESULTS: The test was noted as submaximal in 12 patients(% 66.6). The functional parameters of the test and RV echocardiographic pulse doppler and DTI parameters were not statistically significant. The total correction age was negatively significant with exercise time and METS index(p=0.015, p=0.010)
CONCLUSION: The exercise test should be performed in this group of patients to determine the maximal heart rate and maximal blood pressure