Hemodynamics and intracardiac conduction after operative repair of tetralogy of Fallot

Abstract

Electrophysiologic studies were performed in 47 children aged 3 to 18 years, 15 of whom had cardiac arrhythmias 1 to 15 years after repair of tetralogy of Fallot. Six exhibited sinus or atrioventricular nodal dysfunction, 8 had ventricular extrasystoles, and 1 had supraventricular tachycardia. Hemodynamic and electrophysiologic data were obtained at postoperative catheterization. Although electrophysiologic responses were abnormal in a proportion of both the children with and those without arrhythmia, hemodynamic values were similar. Three of 6 children with impaired sinus impulse generation or atrioventricular nodal conduction had a prolonged A-H interval, and in 3 Wenckebach heart block developed at low pacing rates. Ventricular ectopic rhythm was not associated with any particular abnormality of basic intracardiac conduction intervals. Thus, arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities are not consistently related to residual right ventricular hypertension. Abnormalities in electrophysiologic function are common after repair of tetralogy of Fallot in patients with sinus rhythm and may have prognostic implications for these patients.