Patterns of Aortic Dilation in Tetralogy of Fallot: An Analysis of 100 Fetal Echocardiograms Compared With Matched Controls

• DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.030083
• Publication Date: 2023-11-06T11:29:15Z
• Authors: Minnie N. Dasgupta; Michelle A. Kapli...; Charitha D. Reddy; R. Thomas Collins
• Keywords: Interquartile range; Pulmonary atresia; Fetal echocardiography; Truncus arteriosus

Background Although aortic dilation is common in tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), its progression and risk dissection are not well understood. The mechanism primarily attributed to increased flow utero; an alternative unequal septation the truncus arteriosus resulting a larger aorta inherently hypoplastic pulmonary artery (PA). If latter true, we hypothesize PA ratio TOF stable throughout gestation, sums great dimensions similar controls. Methods Results We performed single-center retrospective study fetuses with (2014-2020) matched compared diameters, circumferences, cross-sectional areas evaluated across gestation 2 subtypes: stenosis atresia (TOF-PA). There were 100 echocardiograms (36% TOF-PA) median gestational age 31 weeks (interquartile range 26.5-34.4) maternal 34 years 30-37). no differences between TOF-pulmonary In TOF-PA, significantly lower than controls (P values <0.01). was (Pearson's r=0.08 [95% CI, -0.12 0.27], -0.06 -0.25 0.14]). Conclusions fetal large but grows proportionally TOF-PA appears distinct from (with smaller sums), warranting further investigation. conclusion, our findings suggest intrinsic developmental contributes TOF.