Oral Abstract Session 01: Early Career Awards 1: Clinical (2018)-Maldistribution of Pulmonary Blood Flow in Patients After the Fontan Operation Is Associated with Lower Exercise Capacity

Maldistribution of Pulmonary Blood Flow in Patients After the Fontan Operation Is Associated with Lower Exercise Capacity

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Video Summary

This retrospective single-center study examined Fontan patients using cardiac MRI and exercise testing to assess pulmonary blood flow maldistribution. Among 147 patients, 36% had more than a 20% difference in branch pulmonary artery flow. Maldistribution was associated with significantly lower exercise capacity (percent predicted VO2) and remained an independent predictor in multivariable analysis. It was not linked to mortality, transplantation, or other major clinical outcomes. The main anatomic factor associated with maldistribution was pulmonary artery compression by the ascending aorta or aortic root. The authors suggest improving flow distribution may help enhance exercise capacity in Fontan patients.

Keywords

Fontan patients

pulmonary blood flow maldistribution

cardiac MRI

exercise capacity

branch pulmonary artery flow