Evaluation of Pulmonary Regurgitation in Pediatric Patients with Operated Tetralogy of Fallot Using Automated Right Ventricle Software

Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate right ventricular (RV) functions using four-dimensional echocardiography and an automated RV software in patients with residual pulmonary regurgitation following surgical repair of Tetralogy of Fallot. Methods: We evaluated 18 patients with pulmonary regurgitation after Tetralogy of Fallot repair. The Tomtec V2.0 software program was used for automated right ventricle assessment. The results were compared with those of an 11-person control group. The measurements of both groups were analyzed. Results: The mean age of the patient group was 11.3 ± 3.4 years, while that of the control group was 11.3 ± 2.9 years (p > 0.05). RV end-diastolic volume (EDV) was found to be higher in the patient group compared to the controls (116.6 ± 47.3 vs. 54.3 ± 23.4 ml, p < 0.001). The rate of age-related increase in RV EDV was also higher in the patient group. A strong positive correlation was found between RV EDV and age (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The use of Tomtec V2.0 automatic contour detection is a practical method for assessing RV function in patients who have undergone surgical correction of Tetralogy of Fallot. It can also be employed to determine whether patients meet the criteria for pulmonary valve replacement. The degree and consequences of RV dilation depend on the patient’s age and may be influenced by other factors.