Evaluation of corrective surgery for tetralogy of Fallot from late results by multivariate statistical analysis

From 1966 to 1985, 469 pediatric patients with the tetralogy of Fallot (mean age, 4.9 years) were corrected (hospital mortality 11.9%). There were 9 late deaths (1.9%). In 186 patients, hemodynamic studies were performed 2-14 years postoperatively (mean age, 10.4 years). An increased cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) of 60% or more was found in 42 patients with impaired postoperative physical activity. The factors affecting the late results were investigated in relation to CTR by the quantification method of multivariate analysis. As for the enlarged CTR, pulmonary regurgitation was more of a contributing factor than pulmonary stenosis. In pulmonary regurgitation, the pulmonary artery area index (PAAI) and reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) were highly significant factors. For pressure gradient, the VSD site was the most significant factor. These analyses suggest that preservation and/or reconstruction of the pulmonary valve, or trans-annular patching with the necessary minimal area for the RVOT (PAAI) not to exceed 4 cm2/m2 at the time of operation is important for satisfactory late results.