Quality of Life in Operated Adult Patients With Tetralogy of Fallot and Correlation With Myocardial Strain Analysis by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Exercise Test

Title:

Functional Assessment and Arrhythmia Prediction in Adult Patients with Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot Using a Multimodality Approach

Background:

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common cyanotic congenital heart defect. Surgical repair has improved survival into adulthood, but long-term complications like arrhythmias and heart failure remain common. Assessing health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and cardiac function is essential.

Aim:

Assess functional status of adult patients with repaired TOF using a multimodal approach, including myocardial strain analysis via CMR.

Identify predictors of arrhythmia using strain and clinical parameters.

Methods:

Design: Prospective observational study over one year.

Population: Adults (≥18 years) with repaired TOF undergoing follow-up CMR.

Assessments:

Clinical evaluation (NYHA class)

Echocardiography (RV size, function, valve status)

Laboratory tests (BNP, NT-proBNP)

Exercise testing (METs, VO₂ max)

ECG & 24-hour Holter monitoring (QRS duration, arrhythmias)

CMR (volumes, flow, fibrosis, strain analysis of RA, RV, LV)

Outcomes:

Primary: Functional assessment of repaired TOF patients.

Secondary: Detection of arrhythmia and need for further interventions (e.g., ICD or ablation).

Statistical Analysis:

Comparison between arrhythmic and non-arrhythmic groups.

Logistic regression for predictors of arrhythmia.

ROC analysis to determine optimal strain cut-off values.

Ethical Considerations:

Ethics committee approval and informed consent.

Data confidentiality maintained.