Aortic valve replacement has been recommended in patients who have severe symptoms, in patients with extreme left ventricle (LV) dilatation (end diastolic dimension >4 SD above normal) or LV ejection fraction <50%. However, the occurrence of advanced symptoms or severe LV dilatation raises concern about irreversible LV dysfunction. This study sought to determine the influence of preoperative symptoms, LV size and function on mortality, and postoperative LV performance in children and adolescence after valve replacement for aortic regurgitation (AR). A total of 49 patients 18 years old or younger (mean, 13.9 +/- 3) who underwent valve replacement for chronic AR between 1991 and 2001 were followed up for 1-10 years (mean, 3.3 +/- 2.1). Baseline and postoperative characteristics were compared between 13 patients (group 1) with extreme LV dilatation and 34 patients (group 2) with a lesser degree of LV enlargement. Preoperative low ejection fraction (p < 0.008), extreme LV dilatation (p < 0.05), and LV end systolic dimension >4 SD above normal (p < 0.05) were predictors of persistent LV dysfunction. Extreme LV dilatation (p < 0.0003), LV end systolic dimension (p < 0.0007), and reduced LV ejection fraction (p < 0.01) predicted persistent LV dilatation. In the setting of chronic AR, preoperative symptoms, LV systolic function, and LV internal dimensions are the main predictors for persistent LV dysfunction and dilatation. Surgical correction should be performed before LV systolic dysfunction and/or extreme LV enlargement occurs.

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