The American journal of cardiology
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Understanding of right ventricular (RV) remodeling is needed to elucidate the mechanism of RV dysfunction in the overloaded right ventricle, but is hampered by the chamber's complex shape. We imaged 15 patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and 8 normal subjects by magnetic resonance imaging in long- and short-axis views. We reconstructed the right ventricles in 3 dimensions using the piecewise smooth subdivision surface method. ⋯ This basal bulging was amplified by tilting of the tricuspid annulus (29 +/- 11 degrees vs 15 +/- 7 degrees , respectively, p <0.005). In conclusion, the right ventricle remodels in several directions rather than following a shape continuum. Characterization of RV remodeling from 3-dimensional reconstructions provides novel insights.