Echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular volume in repaired tetralogy of Fallot: a novel approach to an older technique

Background In repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF), right ventricular (RV) enlargement leads to poor outcomes. However, evaluating the RV has limitations; cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and 3D echocardiography have barriers including cost and accessibility. Traditional echocardiography is limited given the complex geometry and anterior location of the RV. We propose a novel echocardiographic evaluation of RV volume using 2 separate views. Methods This is a retrospective study of rTOF patients with echocardiogram, CMR, and exercise tests. By echocardiogram, we collected RV length in parasternal long axis (PLAX), area in 4-chamber (4C) view, and measurements per standard guidelines. RV end-diastolic and end-systolic volume (RVEDV and RVESV) were calculated as 5/9 (4C area * PLAX length). Results Forty-five patients with 66 sets of CMR, echocardiogram, and exercise tests were included (mean age 13.3 ± 3.2 years). The echocardiographic RVEDV and RVESV showed strong correlation with CMR parameters ( r = 0.81 and 0.72; p ≤ 0.0001), and moderate correlation with peak oxygen pulse (0.63 and 0.49; p ≤0.0001). Guideline measurements had no significant correlation. Echocardiographic RVEDV and RVESV were higher in those requiring subsequent pulmonary valve replacement. Indexed echocardiographic RVEDV of 93 ml/m 2 had 92% sensitivity and 50% specificity (area under curve 0.75 ( p = 0.001)) in predicting CMR RV/LV EDV ratio > 2, which is an early indicator for pulmonary valve replacement. Conclusions This novel technique correlates strongly with CMR, better than traditional parameters. While echocardiogram will not replace CMR, this method would be useful in predicting the RV volume, progression of dilation, and timing of CMR.