Serial follow-up of biventricular function, exercise capacity and NT-proBNP measurements in repaired tetralogy of Fallot: is there a role for MR stress imaging?

Results Median time between baseline and follow-up studies was 5.1 yrs (4.1 7.4 yrs). In subgroup II, RV volumes and PR increased significantly over time (RVEDV from 163 ± 25 ml/m to 183 ± 29 ml/m); these parameters did not change in subgroup I. Biventricular function remained stable during follow-up in all subgroups. Biventricular contractile reserve was preserved in all patients. VO2 max. decreased during follow-up, particularly in subgroup II, but this was not statistically significant. After PVR, RV volumes and PR decreased significantly; RVEF and LV contractile reserve increased. A lower RV contractile reserve at baseline correlated with a larger RVEDV at follow-up and with an interstudy decrease in VO2 max. NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher than in healthy controls (at follow-up 13 ± 10 pmol/l (patients) vs. 4 ± 2 pmol/l (controls)) but did not change over time and were not different between the subgroups.