[Tetralogy of fallot with absent pulmonary valve].

Background: Absent pulmonary valve with ventricular septal defect is a rare cardiac malformation. The aim of our study is to specify the anatomic characteristics and the clinical and echocardiographic features of this cardiac malformation and to discuss its management.

Methods: We report 8 cases of absent pulmonary valve with ventricular septal defected collected over a period of 24 years. The diagnosis was made during the first year of life in all cases in the presence of respiratory symptoms and/or cyanosis. It was confirmed by cardiac catheterization in 4 cases and echocardiography in 4 cases.

Results: Pulmonary vascular obstructive disease, related to aortopulmonary collateral vessels, was noted in one patient who died at the age of 20 years. One patient was lost to follow up and 6 patients were operated. Closure of the ventricular septal defect, widening of the pulmonary tract and insertion of a pulmonary valve were performed in the 6 cases. Reduction procedure of the pulmonary arteries was performed in 3 cases. One death related to early postoperative infective endocarditis was noted. At a mean follow up of 2 years, the 5 survivors are going well with no significant pulmonary stenosis.

Conclusion: Although named "tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve", absent pulmonary valve with ventricular septal defect is different from tetralogy of Fallot by aneurysmal dilatation of the pulmonary arteries which may compress the bronchial tree and lead to respiratory symptoms that can be severe with respiratory distress. Pulmonary arterioplasty eliminate airways obstruction and its results are satisfactory. The need for insertion of a pulmonary valve is debatable.