Altered Aortic Upper Wall TDI Velocity Is Inversely Related with Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Operated Tetralogy of Fallot

Abstract

Aortic elastic properties can be directly assessed using TDI to measure AWEDV. Aortic elasticity is significantly lower in postoperative TOF patients, exerting a negative effect also on LV diastolic function, with a potential long-term influence on clinical status.

Re: Impaired ascending aortic elasticity in fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot

“…Previous histological studies in cases of ToF revealed a non‐inflammatory loss of smooth muscle cells, mucoid degeneration and fragmentation of the elastic fibers within the tunica media, implying a lack of preservation of the elastic properties of the arterial wall 2 . From a practical point of view, impaired proximal aortic distensibility influences adversely left ventricular diastolic function in adulthood 3 . This in turn is responsible for the subnormal peak oxygen consumption observed on cardiopulmonary exercise testing in adults with ToF, which is an important risk predictor for the onset of heart failure in these patients 4 .…”

Magnitude and significance of interarm blood pressure differences in children and adolescents

“…This is even more evident in ToF patients requiring a two-step surgery, the first step being represented by a systemic-to-pulmonary shunt. In post-surgical ToF patients, the aorta is usually dilated, sometimes complicated by aortic valve incompetence [2].…”