ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data regarding late-onset pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with transposition of the great arteries and atrial switch surgery. METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 140 adults with transposition of the great arteries and atrial switch surgery, age 37.3±7.8, 37.1% female, in order to assess the prevalence and characteristics of late-onset PH and explore associated factors. Patients were followed for a median of 32.3 years after atrial switch surgery and 10.0 years after their first referral visit. PH was detected in 18 of 33 (54.5%) patients who had invasive hemodynamic studies. Average age at diagnosis of PH was 33.9±8.1 years. PH was postcapillary in all, with a mean pulmonary artery pressure of 36±12 mm Hg and mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure of 28±8 mm Hg. PH was diagnosed in 13 of 17 (76.5%) patients who had cardiac catheterization for heart failure or decreased exercise tolerance. In multivariable analyses, systemic hypertension (odds ratio 9.4, 95% confidence interval 2.2-39.4, P=0.002) and heart failure or New York Heart Association class III or IV symptoms (odds ratio 49.8, 95% confidence interval 8.6-289.0, P<0.001) were independently associated with PH. Patients with PH were more likely to develop cardiovascular comorbidities including atrial (P=0.001) and ventricular (P=0.008) arrhythmias, require hospitalizations for heart failure (P<0.001), and undergo tricuspid valve surgery (P<0.001). Mortality was significantly higher in patients with PH (hazard ratio 9.4, 95% confidence interval 2.1-43.0], P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Late-onset postcapillary PH is highly prevalent in adults with transposition of the great arteries and atrial switch surgery and is associated with an adverse prognosis.