title: QRS Complex Enlargement as a Predictor of Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients Affected by Surgically Treated Tetralogy of Fallot: A Comprehensive Literature Review and Historical Overview.
abstract: Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a congenital heart disease frequently treated by surgical repair to relieve symptoms and improve survival. However, despite the performing of an optimal surgical repair, TOF patients are at times characterized by a poor long-term survival rate, likely due to cardiac causes such as ventricular arrhythmias, with subsequent sudden death. In the 80s it was irrefutably demonstrated that QRS prolongation ≥180 msec at basal electrocardiogram is a strong predictor for refining risk stratification for ventricular tachycardia in these patients. The aim of this research was to undertake a review of all studies conducted to assess the impact of QRS duration on the development of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias in repaired TOF subjects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Sciences "M. Aresu", University of Cagliari, Policlinico Universitario, S.S. 554, bivio di Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: Pier Paolo
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Bassareo
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mercuro