Longitudinal changes in extent of late gadolinium enhancement in repaired Tetralogy of Fallot: a retrospective analysis of serial CMRs

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) occurs due to surgical scarring and RV remodeling, and has been shown to be associated with clinical outcomes in Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). However, it is not known if cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) LGE extent progresses over time, and therefore, it is not known if serial reassessment of LGE is necessary. We determined the rate of progression in the extent of RV LGE on serial CMR examinations in repaired TOF. METHODS: Retrospective review of 127 patients after TOF repair (49% male, median age at first CMR 18.9 years (Interquartile range (IQR) 13.3,27.0) who had at least two CMRs (median follow-up duration of 4.0 years (IQR 2.1,5.9)) was performed. 84/127 patients had no interventions between serial CMRs (Group 1) while 43/127 patients had transcatheter or surgical intervention between CMRs (Group 2). The extent of RV LGE was assessed using 2 methods: a semiquantitative RV LGE score and a quantitative RV LGE extent expressed as % of RV mass. Mixed effects linear regression modeling to estimate changes in LGE over time. RESULTS: RV LGE was present in all patients on the first CMR. % RV LGE extent and LGE score did not increase over time in either patient group. The mean 5 year rates of change were small and negative for both % RV LGE extent [− 2.3 (95% CI − 2.9, − 1.8, p < 0.001) in Group 1, and − 1.9 (95% CI − 3.2, − 0.7, p = 0.004) in Group 2], and RV LGE score [− 0.9 (95% CI − 1.1, − 0.6, p < 0.001) in Group 1, and − 0.5 (95% CI − 1.1, − 0.0, p = 0.047) in Group 2]. CONCLUSIONS: In this serial CMR evaluation of children and adults with repaired TOF, no significant progression in the extent of RV LGE was seen on intermediate term follow-up. Given recent concerns regarding the safety of gadolinium-based contrast agents, frequent assessment of LGE may not be necessary in follow-up.