Long-Term Outcomes of Balloon Valvuloplasty for Isolated Pulmonary Valve Stenosis.

To evaluate the long-term cumulative incidence of ≥ moderate pulmonary regurgitation (PR) and re-intervention following balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV). While BPV for pulmonary valve stenosis (PS) relieves obstruction acutely, long-term outcomes are not well documented. Between 1982 and 2002, 211 patients had BPV for isolated PS. Follow-up data were available for 103 patients. Cumulative incidence of ≥ moderate PR and re-intervention was evaluated and risk factors for ≥ moderate PR assessed in univariate and multivariable analyses. Median age at BPV was 0.7 years (range 1 day-42.2 years); peak catheter gradient was 65 mmHg (range 31-169 mmHg); 23% had critical PS. Sixty-two patients had a recent echocardiogram with median follow-up 15.1 years (range 10.1-26.3 years); 60% had ≥ moderate PR. Three patients had pulmonary valve replacement following BPV due to symptomatic severe PR. In univariate analysis, critical PS, younger age, smaller BSA, and smaller pulmonary annulus at the time of BPV, as well as greater baseline PS gradient by catheterization, were associated with ≥ moderate PR (all p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, only BSA < 0.3 m2 was independently associated with ≥ moderate PR (adjusted odds ratio 6.4, 95% confidence interval 1.2-33.6). In the largest study to date of > 10-year outcomes following BPV, 60% of patients with available follow-up data developed ≥ moderate PR. Few patients had pulmonary valve replacement. Patients with lower BSA at the time of BPV were more likely to have greater PR at late follow-up.

Predictors of Change in Functional Health Status in Adults with Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot.

Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) and right ventricular (RV) ejection fraction by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) are associated with functional health status in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) in cross-sectional studies, but few longitudinal data are available. This study aimed to determine predictors of subsequent decrease in functional health status in midterm follow-up. Patients with repaired TOF who had previously completed CMR and assessment with the Short Form 36 version 2 (SF-36) were recruited for repeat CMR, SF-36, and exercise test, if they had not had interval pulmonary valve replacement (PVR). Patients from the same cohort who had undergone PVR were recruited for repeat SF-36. A total of 19 patients (median 33.5 years old, interquartile range [IQR] 26-42 years, 53 % male) had not undergone PVR and were enrolled at a median of 5.0 years (IQR 4.8-5.3) since prior CMR and SF-36. LVEF and RVEF did not change from baseline, while RV end-diastolic volume increased (138 ± 34 vs. 126 ± 31 ml/m(2), p = 0.02). In the overall cohort, SF-36 scores remained stable. However, higher baseline RV end-systolic volume and pulmonary regurgitant fraction correlated with subsequent decreases in SF-36 scores. In 9 patients post-PVR (median 35.9 years old, IQR 24-43), physical functioning increased compared to those without PVR (change in z-score +0.59 ± 0.59 vs. -0.26 ± 0.72, p = 0.005). In adults with repaired TOF who do not undergo PVR, LVEF, RVEF, and functional health status remain stable in midterm follow-up. However, baseline RV end-systolic volume correlates with subsequent change in functional health status, underscoring its importance in prognostication and timing of intervention in this population.