Single-centre 20-year experience with repair of truncus arteriosus

We analysed a large series of truncus arteriosus repairs with a focus on early and late outcomes.

Ninety-seven consecutive patients who underwent truncus arteriosus repair (1997-2017) were included retrospectively. Univariable analysis for mortality and reintervention was performed.

The early mortality rate decreased from 45% (1997-2007; 14/31) to 4.5% (2008-2017; 3/66) (P = 0.001). Repair beyond the neonatal period (P = 0.03) and direct connection for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction (P = 0.001) were associated with early death by univariable analysis. Overall survival was 68 ± 6.0% at 15 years; a majority of the deaths (90%; 9/10) occurred within the first year after repair. Freedom from the first and second conduit reoperations at 10 years was 22.9% and 89%, respectively. Freedom from truncal valve (TrV) reoperation was 83.9% at 15 years. Initial TrV insufficiency ≥ moderate was associated with a TrV reoperation (P = 0.008) with freedom from TrV reoperation in this subgroup of 58.3% at 10 years. Freedom from TrV reoperation for quadricuspid and tricuspid TrVs was 66.8% and 93.8% at 10 years with 100% for bicuspid TrVs at 8 years. At the last follow-up, 98.5% (69/70) were in New York Heart Association functional class I-II.

In the current era, truncus arteriosus can be repaired with a low early mortality rate and a good long-term outcome. A significant reintervention burden still persists. Direct connection is associated with early mortality.