Evaluation of Fontan Associated Liver Disease (FALD) with MRI: Does cardiac function play a role?

The Fontan procedure prolongs survival in patients with congenital heart disease with mono-ventricle physiology but is associated with multiple long-term complications, including Fontan associated liver disease (FALD). The pathophysiology of FALD is poorly understood. In this study, the relationship between ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and FALD was investigated through a retrospective review of 24 Fontan patients who underwent cardiac and liver MRI. No correlation was identified between systemic ventricular EF and liver stiffness. This demonstrates the need for further investigation into the pathophysiology of FALD. Potential exploration may include flow related differences, or variations in systemic venous pressures.