Prevalence of Arrhythmia in Adults after Fontan Operation

Abstract

Structural, hemodynamic, and morphological cardiac changes following Fontan operation (FO) can contribute to the development of arrhythmias and conduction disorders. Sinus node dysfunction, junction rhythms, tachyarrhythmias, and ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) are some of the commonly reported arrhythmias. Only a few studies have analyzed this condition in adults after FO. This study aimed to determine the type and prevalence of arrhythmias and conduction disorders among patients who underwent FO and were under the medical surveillance of the John Paul II Hospital in Krakow. Data for the study were obtained from 50 FO patients (mean age 24 ± 5.7 years; 28 men (56%)). The median follow-up time was 4 (2–9) years. Each patient received a physical examination, an echocardiographic assessment, and a 24 h electrocardiogram assessment. Bradyarrhythmia was diagnosed in 22 patients (44%), supraventricular tachyarrhythmias in 14 patients (28%), and VAs in 6 patients (12%). Six patients required pacemaker implantation, and three required radiofrequency catheter ablation (6%). Arrythmias is a widespread clinical problem in adults after FO. It can lead to serious haemodynamic impairment, and therefore requires early diagnosis and effective treatment with the use of modern approaches, including electrotherapy methods.