Journal article
Sildenafil improves exercise hemodynamics in fontan patients
A Van De Bruaene, A La Gerche, G Claessen, P De Meester, S Devroe, H Gillijns, J Bogaert, P Claus, H Heidbuchel, M Gewillig, W Budts
Circulation Cardiovascular Imaging | Published : 2014
Abstract
Background-Patients with Fontan circulation have reduced exercise capacity. The absence of a presystemic pump may limit flow through the pulmonary circulation, restricting ventricular filling and cardiac output. We evaluated exercise hemodynamics and the effect of sildenafil on exercise hemodynamics in Fontan patients. Methods and Results-Ten Fontan patients (6 men, 20±4 years) underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at rest and during supine bicycle exercise before and after sildenafil. Systemic ventricular volumes were obtained at rest and during low-(34±15 W), moderate-(69±29 W), and high-intensity (97±36 W) exercise using an ungated, free-breathing cardiac magnetic resonance sequenc..
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Funding Acknowledgements
We thank the Rotary Club of Tienen, Sporta monVentoux, and Eddy Merckx research grant for donating toward the cost of the CMR-compatible ergometer. A. Van De Bruaene received a research grant from Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek Vlaanderen. A. La Gerche was supported by a grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia.