Mitral annulus is enlarged and functionally impaired in adult patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot as assessed by three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography—results from the CSONGRAD Registry and MAGYAR-Path Study

Introduction

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD) consisting of ventricular septal defect, overriding aorta, pulmonary stenosis, and right ventricular hypertrophy (1,2). Due to the opportunity of early total reconstruction, there is an increasing number of patients with repaired TOF in the adult clinical practice (1). Several echocardiographic methods can be used for their assessment including three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE), which is a novel echocardiographic modality with capability of 3D volumetric and functional assessment of heart chambers (3-7).

Fibrous mitral annulus (MA) is an important part of the mitral valve having a role in forwarding blood from the left atrium (LA) to the left ventricle (LV) and can be assessed respecting the cardiac cycle by 3DSTE (8). The present study was designed to test whether repaired TOF is associated with morphological and functional alterations of the MA as compared to that of age- and gender matched healthy controls. The role of the type of treatment (early total reconstruction vs. early palliation, late correction) was also assessed.

Methods

Patient population

More than 3,000 patients with CHD have been involved into the Registry of C(S)ONGenital caRdiAc Disease patients at the University of Szeged (CSONGRAD Registry), who have been treated and/or operated on since 1961 at the Department of Pediatrics, Department of Cardiac Surgery, and 2nd Department of Medicine and Cardiology Center were collected (“Csongrád” is the name of one of the 19 Hungarian counties where the city of Szeged is placed) (9). From this patient population, 29 consecutive adults repaired TOF patients (mean age: 35.4±15.5 years, 18 men) were recruited, from which 13 patients underwent early total reconstruction (etrTOF), while 16 patients were firstly palliated and later corrected (pcTOF). Early total reconstruction was performed at the age of 5.3±3.2 years in etrTOF patients (mean follow-up period: 29.0±12.0 years). Blalock-Taussig operation (n=15), Brock surgery (n=2), Brock surgery and Blalock-Taussig operation (n=1) were performed as a palliation in pcTOF patients at the age of 4.4±4.2 years. Late correction was performed in pcTOF patients at the age of 12.6±13.1 years (mean follow-up period was 33.7±14.2 years; from early palliation to late correction it proved to be 25.0±11.6 years). Their data were compared to that of 76 age- and gender-matched adult healthy controls (mean age: 35.9±7.6 years, 33 men). All repaired TOF patients and controls were in sinus rhythm and assessed by two-dimensional (2D) Doppler echocardiography and 3DSTE. A special study was organized at the Cardiology Center of the University of Szeged to assess diagnostic and prognostic significance of 3DSTE-derived parameters named MAGYAR-Path Study (Motion Analysis of the heart and Great vessels bY three-dimensionAl speckle-tRacking echocardiography in Pathological cases). All repaired TOF patients and control subjects gave informed consent. The institutional human research committee approved the study which complied with the 1975 Declaration of Helsinki.

2D Doppler and tissue Doppler echocardiography

Toshiba Artida™ echocardiographic device (Toshiba Medical Systems, Tokyo, Japan) with a PST-30SBP phased-array transducer was used for routine 2D Doppler and tissue Doppler echocardiography in all patients. LA and LV dimensions and ejection fraction were assessed according to the guidelines. Doppler echocardiography was used to exclude valvular regurgitations and stenoses as well as for the measurement of early and late diastolic mitral inflow velocities and their ratio.

3D speckle-tracking echocardiography

For 3DSTE-derived data acquisitions, the same Toshiba Artida™ echocardiography machine (Toshiba Medical Systems, Tokyo, Japan) using a PST-25SX matrix-array transducer from apical window was used (10). A full-volume pyramid-shaped 3D dataset was created by the software from separately acquired six wedge-shaped subvolumes during a single breath-hold and constant RR interval on ECG. 3D analysis was performed by 3D Wall Motion Tracking software version 2.7 (Toshiba Medical Systems, Tokyo, Japan). For analysis of MA, a virtual 3D model of the LV was generated by the help of automatically selected apical two- (AP2CH) and four-chamber (AP4CH) views and 3 short-axis views at basal, midventricular and apical LV levels at end-diastole. Following optimization of image planes on the endpoints of the MA on AP2CH and AP4CH views, several measurements were performed on the C7 short-axis view (Figure 1) (8):

Figure 1 Images from a 3D full-volume dataset presenting the MA in a patient with repaired TOF: (A) Apical four-chamber view; (B) apical two-chamber view and a cross sectional view at the level of the MA (C7) optimized on apical four- and two-chamber views. The yellow arrow represents the mitral annular plane on the long- (A,B) and short-axis (C7) images. MA, mitral annulus; TOF, tetralogy of Fallot; LA, left atrium; LV, left ventricle; RA, right atrium; RV, right ventricle.

• For morphological assessment of MA, its diameter (MAD), area (MAA) and perimeter (MAP) were measured both at end-diastole and end-systole. MAD was defined as the perpendicular line drawn from the peak of MA curvature to the middle of the straight MA border. MAA and MAP were assessed by planimetry;
• For functional assessment of MA, several functional properties were calculated using MAD and MAA data: MA fractional shortening (MAFS) = (end-diastolic MAD − end-systolic MAD)/end-diastolic MAD × 100 and MA fractional area change (MAFAC) = (end-diastolic MAA − end-systolic MAA)/end-diastolic MAA × 100.

Statistical analysis

Two-tailed statistical tests were used in all comparisons and a statistical significance was defined with a P value <0.05. Continuous data were presented as mean values ± standard deviation, while categorical data were summarized as a count and percentage. For categorical variables, Fisher’s exact test was used. For continuous variables, Shapiro-Wilk test was used to test the normal distribution and if it was confirmed, Student t-test was used. If not normally, normally distributed datasets were compared, Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test was used. Correlations were assessed by calculating Pearson’s correlation coefficients. Data were analysed using Medcalc software (MedCalc, Mariakerke, Belgium).

Results

Demographic and 2D echocardiographic data

Enlarged left atrial diameter and normal LV dimensions and volumes with preserved LV ejection fraction were found in repaired TOF patients regardless of the type of correction as compared to controls (Table 1). Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (18.4±4.8 vs. 16.7±3.5 mm, P=ns) and right ventricular fractional area change (37.1%±21.7% vs. 43.4%±10.6%, P=ns) did not differ between etrTOF and pcTOF patients. Valvular regurgitations and the ratio of their grades are presented in Table 1.

Table 1 Baseline demographic and 2D Doppler echocardiographic data in patients with repaired TOF and controls
Full table

3D speckle-tracking echocardiography

Dilated end-systolic and end-diastolic MAD, MAA and MAP could be demonstrated in repaired TOF patients as compared to controls (Table 2). MAFAC and MAFS were reduced regardless of the type of treatment. Both BSA-indexed and non-indexed end-systolic MAD, MAA, and MAP were significantly increased in etrTOF patients as compared to that of healthy controls. Almost all BSA-indexed and non-indexed MA parameters were enlarged in pcTOF patients as compared to controls. Increased BSA-indexed end-diastolic and end-systolic MAD and MAP could be demonstrated in pcTOF patients as compared to that of etrTOF cases.

Table 2 Comparison of 3D speckle-tracking echocardiography-derived mitral annular morphological and functional parameters between patients with repaired TOF and controls
Full table

Correlations

MA functional properties (MAFAC, MAFS) did not correlate with 3DSTE-derived LV-EF neither in controls, nor in repaired TOF patients. MAA-S and MAP-S showed correlations with age at the time of the total reconstruction in etrTOF patients (r=0.57, P=0.04 and r=0.57, P=0.04, respectively). The other MA parameters did not show correlations with ages. Similar relationships between ages at the time of early palliation, late correction or difference between these ages and MA dimensions and functional properties could not be confirmed in pcTOF patients.

Discussion

According to recent findings from imaging studies, significant alterations could be detected in the left heart including LV and LA morphology and function in addition to right heart abnormalities in adults with repaired TOF (3,4,11-13). Most repaired TOF patients show a normal LV twisting pattern, but with a significantly lower LV twist mainly due to decreased apical rotation (11). Almost one-third of the subjects had an abnormal twist pattern due to both abnormal apical and/or basal LV rotations. Over a quarter of the patients had abnormal apical rotation that was associated with larger LV dimensions and decreased biventricular systolic function. Regarding to LV global longitudinal function in repaired TOF, LV global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) was found to be reduced mainly due to the interventricular septum probably by mechanical coupling of the ventricles (12). In recent 3DSTE-derived atrial studies, both RA and LA volumes seemed to be increased in adult patients with repaired TOF with almost similar deformational abnormalities of RA and LA (3,4).

Mitral valve and its annulus play an important role in regulating blood flow between LV and LA. According to the above-mentioned alterations it could be theorized, that MA could show significant remodelling in repaired TOF. 3DSTE was found to be a valuable tool not only for volumetric and functional assessment of different cardiac chambers (3,4,10), but also for the evaluation of MA dimensions and functional properties respecting the cardiac cycle (8). Although 3DSTE-derived methodology does not assess the 3D spatial saddle shape of MA directly, but only its projection to the chosen 2D plane, dilation of MA dimensions and MA functional impairment could be demonstrated in adult repaired TOF patients, regardless of the type of correction. Moreover, patients who were treated with the two-step way (early palliation, late correction) showed worse results suggesting clinical benefits of early total reconstruction on late MA morphology and function. Moreover, correlation between the age of early total reconstruction and MA systolic dimensions could confirm these findings. However, further studies are warranted to confirm our findings in a larger patient population evaluating their prognostic significance, as well.

Several important limitations have arisen during the assessments:

• A relatively small number of patients from a single center by a single observer (DP) were examined. However, it should be considered that repaired TOF is a relatively rare disease;
• Moreover, adult patients with some risk factors were assessed, therefore their effects could also be taken into considerations when interpreting results;
• The current image quality of 3DSTE is inferior to that of 2D echocardiography due to poor temporal and spatial image resolutions;
• During the present study, ventricular and atrial volumetric and functional characterization was not aimed to be performed.

Conclusions

MA enlargement and functional impairment could be detected in adult patients with repaired TOF regardless of the type of correction. However, pcTOF patients have worse results.

Acknowledgments

None.

Footnote

Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Ethical Statement: The authors are accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved. All repaired TOF patients and control subjects gave informed consent. The institutional human research committee approved the study which complied with the 1975 Declaration of Helsinki.

References

1. Swamy P, Bharadwaj A, Varadarajan P, et al. Echocardiographic evaluation of tetralogy of Fallot. Echocardiography 2015;32 Suppl 2:S148-56. [Crossref] [PubMed]
2. Bedair R, Iriart X. Educational series in congenital heart disease: Tetralogy of Fallot: diagnosis to long-term follow-up. Echo Res Pract 2019;6:R9-23. [Crossref] [PubMed]
3. Nemes A, Havasi K, Domsik P, et al. Evaluation of right atrial dysfunction in patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot using 3D speckle-tracking echocardiography. Insights from the CSONGRAD Registry and MAGYAR-Path Study. Herz 2015;40:980-8. [Crossref] [PubMed]
4. Havasi K, Domsik P, Kalapos A, et al. Left Atrial Deformation Analysis in Patients with Corrected Tetralogy of Fallot by 3D Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography (from the MAGYAR-Path Study). Arq Bras Cardiol 2017;108:129-34. [PubMed]
5. Nesser HJ, Mor-Avi V, Gorissen W, et al. Quantification of left ventricular volumes using three-dimensional echocardiographic speckle tracking: Comparison with MRI. Eur Heart J 2009;30:1565-73. [Crossref] [PubMed]
6. Saito K, Okura H, Watanabe N, et al. Comprehensive evaluation of left ventricular strain using speckle tracking echocardiography in normal adults: Comparison of three-dimensional and two-dimensional approaches. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2009;22:1025-30. [Crossref] [PubMed]
7. Yu HK, Li SJ, Ip JJ, et al. Right ventricular mechanics in adults after surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot: insights from three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2014;27:423-9. [Crossref] [PubMed]
8. Nemes A, Földeák D, Kormányos Á, et al. Cardiac Amyloidosis Associated with Enlargement and Functional Impairment of the Mitral Annulus: Insights from the Three-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiographic MAGYAR-Path Study. J Heart Valve Dis 2017;26:304-8. [PubMed]
9. Havasi K, Kalapos A, Berek K, et al. More than 50 years’ experience in the treatment of patients with congenital heart disease at a Hungarian university hospital. The basics of the CSONGRAD Registry. Orv Hetil 2015;156:794-800. [Crossref] [PubMed]
10. Nemes A, Kalapos A, Domsik P, et al. Three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography – a further step in non-invasive three-dimensional cardiac imaging. Orv Hetil 2012;153:1570-7. [Crossref] [PubMed]
11. Menting ME, Eindhoven JA, van den Bosch AE, et al. Abnormal left ventricular rotation and twist in adult patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2014;15:566-74. [Crossref] [PubMed]
12. Menting ME, van den Bosch AE, McGhie JS, et al. Assessment of ventricular function in adults with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot using myocardial deformation imaging. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2015;16:1347-57. [PubMed]
13. Timóteo AT, Branco LM, Rosa SA, et al. Usefulness of right ventricular and right atrial two-dimensional speckle tracking strain to predict late arrhythmic events in adult patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot. Rev Port Cardiol 2017;36:21-9. [Crossref] [PubMed]