Fontan Circulation and Cardiopulmonary Function: Prognostic Factors, Hemodynamics and Long-term Effects

Fontan Circulation and Cardiopulmonary Function: Prognostic Factors, Hemodynamics and Long-term Effects

Cross-sectional study of a national cohort of adolescents with univentricular congenital heart defects and Fontan type palliation.

A study group of 40-50 individuals will be investigated by non-invasive and invasive methods, including echocardiography at rest and during exercise, heart catheterization with advanced hemodynamic studies, cardiac and abdominal MRI, abdominal ultrasound and transient elastography, quality of life assessment and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. A selection of tests will be performed in a healthy control group as well.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age, heart defect, heart surgery and type of palliation/correction, informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• non-consenting, contraindications or increased risk to perform study tests (i.e. metal parts prohibiting MRI, motoric impairment prohibiting CPET)