Following up adult patients with tetralogy of fallot: The role of echocardiography

J Clin Ultrasound. 2017 Feb;45(2):79-95. doi: 10.1002/jcu.22411. Epub 2016 Nov 10.

Abstract

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is one of the most common cyanotic congenital heart diseases. With surgical repair and the advances in postoperative care, contemporary mortality has dramatically improved and an increasing number of patients survive into adulthood, leading to a growing number of adult TOF. However, residual anatomic and hemodynamic abnormalities are encountered in nearly all patients, making follow-up mandatory. Furthermore, mortality starts to increase 25 years after surgery, emphasizing that, in adult TOF, closer monitoring is necessary. We review here the role of echocardiography in the follow-up of the TOF patients, emphasizing the role of multiple echocardiographic techniques. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:79-95, 2017.

Keywords: adult; echocardiography; follow-up; pulmonary valve; tetralogy of Fallot.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aftercare / methods*
  • Echocardiography / methods*
  • Heart Ventricles / abnormalities
  • Heart Ventricles / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Ventricles / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Pulmonary Valve Insufficiency / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Valve Insufficiency / etiology
  • Tetralogy of Fallot / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tetralogy of Fallot / physiopathology
  • Tetralogy of Fallot / surgery
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color