Correlation between QRS Duration, Pulmonary Insufficiency and Right Ventricle Performance in Totally Corrected Tetralogy of Fallot

OBJECTIVE Despite progresses in surgical correction of Tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary insufficiency and progressive dysfunction of the right ventricle impress its long-term prognosis. In this study we examined the correlations between QRS duration, pulmonary insufficiency and right ventricular performance index. METHODS We enrolled 57 repaired Tetralogy of Fallot patients. QRS duration on electrocardiogram, pulmonary regurgitation index (regurgitation time to diastolic time ratio), and right ventricular myocardial performance index were measured. FINDINGS There was a strong inverse correlation between QRS duration and pulmonary regurgitation index. However, significant correlation did not exist between QRS duration and right ventricular myocardial performance index. QRS duration ≥160 ms predicted severe pulmonary regurgitation with 100% sensitivity and 87% specificity. CONCLUSION Increased QRS duration can predict severity of pulmonary regurgitation.