Hearts late after fontan operation have normal mass, normal volume, and reduced systolic function: A magnetic resonance imaging study

Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess ventricular mass, volume, and systolic function in patients late after Fontan operation by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Background An assessment of determinants for ventricular function in post-Fontan patients was intended. Methods Twenty-three unselected patients (9 female, 14 male) at a median age of 19.4 years (range, 7.8 to 31.3 years), at a median time of 10.5 years (range, 4.1 to 18 years) after Fontan operation were studied. A standard 1.5-T scanner was used, and analysis was performed using dedicated software. Ten healthy volunteers (median age 26.4, range 18 to 39.3 years) served as the control group. Results Median end-systolic mass index was 72.2 g/m2 (range, 43 to 138 g/m2) and 86.6 g/m2 (range, 52 to 123 g/m2) in the control group (p = NS). Median end-diastolic ventricular volume was 64 ml/m2 (range, 32 to 117 ml/m2) compared with 67.7 ml/m2 (range, 59 to 75 ml/m2) in the control group (p = NS). Median ejection fraction was 49.3% (range, 20% to 63%) compared with 64.8% (range, 57% to 79%) in normals (p = 0.00001). Conclusions We conclude that long-term survivors of a Fontan operation have normal ventricular mass, normal volume, but reduced systolic ventricular function