Menstrual patterns in females after the Fontan repair

• Published in: The American journal of cardiology Vol. 66; no. 2; pp. 238 - 240
• Main Authors: Canobbio, Mary M., Mair, Douglas D., Rapkin, Andrea J., Perloff, Joseph K., George, Barbara L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 15.07.1990; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Cardiology. Vascular system; Child; Congenital heart diseases. Malformations of the aorta, pulmonary vessels and vena cava; Contraception; Female; Heart; Humans; Medical sciences; Menstrual Cycle; Menstruation Disturbances - etiology; Postoperative Complications; Pregnancy; Tricuspid Valve - abnormalities; Tricuspid Valve - surgery; Human; Postoperative; Menstruation disorders; Menstruation; Congenital; Menstrual cycle; Heart disease; Surgery; Cardiovascular disease; Woman; Cyanotic heart disease
• ISSN: 0002-9149; 1879-1913
• DOI: 10.1016/0002-9149(90)90600-6

Since the initial description by Fontan and Baudet 1 of a surgical procedure for tricuspid atresia, a number of modifications have evolved permitting application of this operative technique to a number of complex cyanotic congenital heart defects. 2 For the postoperative female patient, questions regarding fertility and pregnancy are being raised. Whether and how an atrial-dependent pulmonary circulation and the elevated systemic venous pressure commonly seen after Fontan might influence ovarian function and menstrual patterns has not been an area of inquiry. The specific aim of the study, therefore, was to characterize the menstrual patterns of females after Fontan or modified Fontan repair.