Abnormal aortic kinetic energy and viscous energy loss in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot

We aim to evaluate aortic kinetic energy (KE) and viscous energy loss (EL) in repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) patients with different degrees of aortic regurgitation fraction (RF). The rTOF1 group (RF<2%) demonstrated decreased systolic KE in arch and descending aorta, suggesting the mild altered aortic flow. The rTOF2 group (RF≧2%) presented significantly elevated RF in arch and descending aorta, increased systolic KE from distal ascending aorta to proximal descending aorta, and decreased systolic EL in ascending aorta and distal arch. In conclusion, the systolic KE may provide earlier evidence of abnormal aortic flow before serious aortic regurgitation.