Korean J Pediatr.  2013 Mar;56(3):101-106. 10.3345/kjp.2013.56.3.101.

Right ventricular failure in congenital heart disease

• Cho YK
• Ma JS

• KMID: 2284279
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2013.56.3.101

Abstract

Despite developments in surgical techniques and other interventions, right ventricular (RV) failure remains an important clinical problem in several congenital heart diseases (CHD). RV function is one of the most important predictors of mortality and morbidity in patients with CHD. RV failure is a progressive disorder that begins with myocardial injury or stress, neurohormonal activation, cytokine activation, altered gene expression, and ventricular remodeling. Pressure-overload RV failure caused by RV outflow tract obstruction after total correction of tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary stenosis, atrial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries, congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, and systemic RV failure after the Fontan operation. Volume-overload RV failure may be caused by atrial septal defect, pulmonary regurgitation, or tricuspid regurgitation. Although the measurement of RV function is difficult because of many reasons, the right ventricle can be evaluated using both imaging and functional modalities. In clinical practice, echocardiography is the primary mode for the evaluation of RV structure and function. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is increasingly used for evaluating RV structure and function. A comprehensive evaluation of RV function may lead to early and optimal management of RV failure in patients with CHD.

Keyword

Right-side heart failure; Right ventricle; Congenital heart disease

MeSH Terms

Arteries
Echocardiography
Fontan Procedure
Gene Expression
Heart
Heart Diseases
Heart Septal Defects, Atrial
Heart Ventricles
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Pulmonary Valve Insufficiency
Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
Tetralogy of Fallot
Transposition of Great Vessels
Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency
Ventricular Remodeling
Transposition of Great Vessels