Transthoracic echocardiography in children and young adults with congenital heart disease

Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE) for the Assessment of Right Ventricular Function in Adult and Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: Modified Two-dimensional and M-mode TAPSE by Transesophageal Echocardiography Compared to M-mode TAPSE by Transthoracic Echocardiography

OBJECTIVES

To compare transesophageal echocardiography-guided 2-dimensional and M-mode tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) to transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)-guided M-mode TAPSE in terms of accuracy, interobserver, and intra-observer variability.

DESIGN

A prospective, observational study.

SETTING

Adult and pediatric operating rooms.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult and pediatric patients (42 each) undergoing cardiac surgeries.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Modified midesophageal (Mod-ME), deep transgastric, and transgastric TAPSEs were analyzed for reliability and were compared to TTE TAPSE in both adult and pediatric groups. Modified ME TAPSE showed good method agreement with TTE TAPSE (bias = -0.97, p = 0.08 (adult); bias = 0.17, p = 0.71 [pediatric]), and showed a moderate correlation with right ventricular (RV) fractional area change (FAC) (r = 0.41, p = 0.006, [adult]; r = 0.57, p < 0.001, [pediatric]), with acceptable interobserver variability (percentage error =10.56 [adult]; 4.42 [pediatric]) and intraobserver variability (percentage error = 13.1 [adults]; 12.24 [pediatric]). Transgastric TAPSE poorly agreed with TTE TAPSE and had higher interobserver and intraobserver variability. Deep transgastric TAPSE had good method agreement with TTE TAPSE and had acceptable interobserver and intra-observer variability.

CONCLUSIONS

Modified ME TAPSE is a reliable and reproducible measure of RV function before pericardiotomy in both adult and pediatric cardiac surgery. Right ventricular FAC values reflected the RV systolic function better than TAPSE after pericardiotomy. Deep transgastric TAPSE is reliable and reproducible but is less accurate than Mod-ME TAPSE.

Levosimendan or Milrinone for Ventricular Septal Defect Repair With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

OBJECTIVE

Both milrinone and levosimendan have been used in patients undergoing surgical closure of ventricular septal defects (VSD) with pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH); however, the evidence base for their use is limited. In the present study, the authors sought to compare the role of levosimendan and milrinone in the prevention of low-cardiac-output syndrome in the early postoperative period.

DESIGN

A prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

SETTING

At a tertiary-care center.

PARTICIPANTS

Children between 1 month and 12 years presenting with VSD and PAH between 2018 and 2020.

INTERVENTIONS

A total of 132 patients were randomized into the following 2 groups: Group L (levosimendan group) and Group M (milrinone group).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

In addition to conventional hemodynamic parameters, the authors also included a myocardial performance index assessment to compare the groups. The levosimendan group had significantly lower mean arterial pressure while coming off cardiopulmonary bypass, after shifting to intensive therapy unit, as well as at 3 and 6 hours postoperatively. The duration of ventilation (29.6 ± 13.9 hours v 23.2 ± 13.3 hours; p = 0.012), as well as postoperative intensive care unit stay, were significantly prolonged in the levosimendan group (5.48 ± 1.2 v 4.7 ± 1.3 days, p = 0.003). There were 2 (1.6%) in-hospital deaths in the entire cohort, 1 in each arm. There was no difference in the myocardial performance index of the left or right ventricle.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing surgical repair for VSD with PAH, levosimendan does not confer any additional benefit compared to milrinone. Both milrinone and levosimendan appear to be safe in this cohort.

Systemic ventricular function in Fontan patients at rest and after exercise at altitude

OBJECTIVE

Physical activity at high altitude is expected to pose risks for patients with Fontan circulation and to impair systemic ventricular function. This study aims to determine the effect of high-altitude hypoxia on ventricular function in Fontan patients at rest and after exercise. We hypothesize that systemic ventricular function deteriorates under hypoxic conditions in Fontan patients.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 21 Fontan patients (NYHA class I-II) and 21 age-, gender- and body mass index-matched healthy controls were enrolled (median age 17.9 and 16.9 years). Transthoracic echocardiography was performed at rest, after peak (PE) and after continuous exercise (CE) in normoxia and hypoxia at simulated altitude (2,500 m above sea level). The effect of hypoxia on echocardiographic parameters was quantified by linear mixed-effects models and the difference between normoxia and hypoxia (Δ= hypoxia-normoxia).

RESULTS

At rest, cardiac output (CO) estimated by outflow tract velocity time integral × heart rate and annular plane systolic excursion (APSE) were lower in hypoxia compared to normoxia in Fontan patients (CO: Δ = -12.0%, n.s.; APSE: Δ = -9.6%, p < 0.001), an increase was observed in controls (CO: Δ = 8.5%, n.s.; APSE: Δ = 2.5%, n.s.). Other parameters of systolic and diastolic function did not show relevant changes. After exercise under hypoxic conditions, Fontan patients did not show relevant deterioration of systolic function compared to normoxia. Late, active diastolic filling reflected by A-wave velocity remained unchanged in Fontan patients, but increased in controls. Under hypoxic conditions, CO and workload were higher after CE than PE in Fontan patients (CO: PE Δ = 1,530 vs. CE 1630), whereas controls showed higher work load and CO estimates after PE than CE as expected (CO: PE Δ = 2,302 vs. CE 2149).

CONCLUSION

Fontan patients clinically tolerated short-term altitude exposure up to two hours and exercise and showed no consistent deterioration of systolic systemic ventricular function, but parameters of myocardial contractility, heart rate and cardiac output did not increase as observed in controls. This is likely to be multifactorial and may include intrinsic cardiac dysfunction as well as preload inadequacy and the lack of augmented atrial contraction. CE may be better tolerated than PE.

Comparison of preoperative trans-thoracic echocardiography with intraoperative findings in patients with congenital heart disease undergoing surgery: a prospective observational study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the diagnostic accuracy and safety of trans-thoracic echocardiography alone for indicating surgery by correlating preoperative trans-thoracic echocardiography with intra-operative findings in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) in a low resource, low volume center.

METHODOLOGY

The pre-operative trans-thoracic echocardiography and intra-operative findings of two hundred and fifty patients with CHD, undergoing surgery at the National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCTC), Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, from 2012 to 2017 were prospectively compared. Included in this prospective study, were all patients with CHD who had trans-thoracic echocardiography alone at the NCTC. Excluded were patients who were operated at the NCTC based on echocardiography done elsewhere, those who had echocardiography at the NCTC but were operated elsewhere, as well as those whose operative decision were based on cardiac catheterization or CT angiography and patients with acquired heart defects. The analysis included profiling of patients on different demographic and clinical parameters. SPSS software was used for analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 250 patients ages ranged from 2 months to 60 years. The mean was 4 years 95 days, median 1 year 180 days. The female sex accounted for 152 (60.6%). The preoperative trans-thoracic echocardiography correlated with intra-operative findings completely in 228 (91.2%) of patients, affirming the accuracy of this imaging modality. There were however, 19 (7.6%) false negatives and 3 (1.2%) false positive. Neither the false positive nor false negative errors resulted in complications or adversely affected the surgical outcome.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of this study, preoperative transthoracic echocardiography done by cardiologists at the National Cardiothoracic Center, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Accra, demonstrated a high correlation with intraoperative findings. Echocardiography also proved to be sensitive, accurate and safe for indicating surgery in patients with congenital heart disease.

Hemodynamic monitoring and management of pediatric septic shock

Sepsis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children worldwide. Furthermore, refractory septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome are the most critical groups which account for a high mortality rate in pediatric sepsis, and their clinical course often deteriorates rapidly. Resuscitation based on hemodynamics can provide objective values for identifying the severity of sepsis and monitoring the treatment response. Hemodynamics in sepsis can be divided into two groups: basic and advanced hemodynamic parameters. Previous therapeutic guidance of early-goal directed therapy (EGDT), which resuscitated based on the basic hemodynamics (central venous pressure and central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2)) has lost its advantage compared with “usual care”. Optimization of advanced hemodynamics, such as cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance, has now been endorsed as better therapeutic guidance for sepsis. Despite this, there are still some important hemodynamics associated with prognosis. In this article, we summarize the common techniques for hemodynamic monitoring, list important hemodynamic parameters related to outcomes, and update evidence-based therapeutic recommendations for optimizing resuscitation in pediatric septic shock.

Echocardiography for the Assessment of Pulmonary Hypertension and Congenital Heart Disease in the Young

While invasive assessment of hemodynamics and testing of acute vasoreactivity in the catheterization laboratory is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension (PH) and pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) in children, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) serves as the initial diagnostic tool. International guidelines suggest several key echocardiographic variables and indices for the screening studies when PH is suspected. However, due to the complex anatomy and special physiological considerations, these may not apply to patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Misinterpretation of TTE variables can lead to delayed diagnosis and therapy, with fatal consequences, or–on the other hand-unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures that have relevant risks, especially in the pediatric age group. We herein provide an overview of the echocardiographic workup of children and adolescents with PH with a special focus on children with CHD, such as ventricular/atrial septal defects, tetralogy of Fallot or univentricular physiology. In addition, we address the use of echocardiography as a tool to assess eligibility for exercise and sports, a major determinant of quality of life and outcome in patients with PH associated with CHD.

"Echo pause" for postoperative transthoracic echocardiographic surveillance

BACKGROUND

No guidelines exist for inpatient postoperative transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) surveillance in congenital heart disease. We prospectively evaluated indications for postoperative TTEs in patients with congenital heart disease to identify areas to improve upon (Phase 1) and then assessed the impact of a simple pilot intervention (Phase 2).

METHODS

We included patients with RACHS-1 (Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery) scores of 2 and 3 to keep the cohort homogenous. During Phase 1, we collected data prospectively to identify postoperative TTEs for which there were no new findings and no associated clinical management decisions ("potentially redundant" TTEs). During Phase 2, prior to placement of a TTE order, an "Echo Pause" was performed during rounds to prompt review of prior TTE results and indication for the current order. The number of "potentially redundant" TTEs during Phase 1 vs. Phase 2 was compared.

RESULTS

During Phase 1, 98 postoperative TTEs were performed on 51 patients. Potentially "redundant" TTEs were identified in two main areas: (a) TTEs ordered to evaluate pericardial effusion and (b) TTEs ordered with the indication of "postoperative," "follow-up," or "discharge" in the setting of a prior complete postoperative TTE and no apparent change in clinical status. During Phase 2, 101 TTEs were performed on 63 patients. The number of "potentially redundant" TTEs decreased from 14/98 (14%) to 5/101 (5%) (P = .026).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the number of "potentially redundant" TTEs during inpatient postoperative surveillance of patients with congenital heart disease can be decreased by a simple intervention during rounds such as an "Echo Pause."

Targeted next‑generation sequencing for research and diagnostics in congenital heart disease, and cleft lip and/or palate

Congenital heart disease (CHD), and cleft lip and palate (CLP) are currently the most common types of structural malformation in infants. Various methods have been used to identify the disease‑associated genes. However, targeted next‑generation sequencing (NGS) is not yet considered an option for routine use. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of using targeted NGS in patients with CHD concomitant with CLP. Between November 2015 and May 2017, a total of 17 patients with CHD concomitant with CLP, who were excluded from a diagnosis of trisomy syndrome, were selected at The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University (Changsha, China). Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of the patients. The copy number variants (CNVs) were determined by conducting a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array with Illumina HumanOmni1‑Quad Beadchip, while information on other gene mutations was obtained from targeted sequencing. The functions of gene mutations were then predicted using the PolyPhen‑2, SIFT and Mutation Taster tools. Finally, Sanger sequencing was used to verify the mutations. The results identified no pathogenic mutations in CNVs analyzed by high‑throughput SNP sequencing. Targeted NGS results demonstrated that 10 patients (58.8%) carried gene mutations, including 4 (23.5%) genetically diagnosed cases and 6 (35.3%) cases with unknown etiology. The 4 known diseases were Opitz G/BBB syndrome caused by MID1 gene mutation, Loeys‑Dietz syndrome caused by TGFBR1 gene mutation, Ritscher‑Schinzel/3C syndrome caused by KIAA0196 gene mutation and CHARGE syndrome caused by CHD7 gene mutation. The remaining 6 cases were not genetically diagnosed, although they carried candidate genes. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that targeted NGS was an effective and accurate candidate gene detection method in patients with CHD concomitant with CLP.

Assessment of strain and dyssynchrony in normal fetuses using speckle tracking echocardiography - comparison of three different ultrasound probes

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate segmental left (LV-S) and right (RV-S) ventricular strain as well as longitudinal mechanical myocardial dyssynchrony as a time difference between peaks in strain of both ventricles in fetuses (two-chamber-dyssynchrony, 2C-DYS) using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of data acquisition on the results of STE measurement using different ultrasound probes.

METHODS

We prospectively recorded cardiac cycles of four-chamber views of 56 normal fetuses with three different ultrasound probes and analyzed them offline with speckle tracking imaging software. Furthermore, we looked at a possible influence of heartbeat variability (beat-to-beat variability).

RESULTS

The evaluation of the parameters was feasible with all three probes in 53 cases. There was no influence of heartbeat variability and no noticeable differences in 2C-DYS, LV-S and RV-S in all cases and for all three probes determined.

CONCLUSION

Assessment of strain and dyssynchrony using STE with three different probes is comparable. Further research is needed to validate dyssynchrony as a predictor for fetal outcome.

Copenhagen Baby Heart Study: a population study of newborns with prenatal inclusion

Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are reported in 0.8% of newborns. Numerous factors influence cardiovascular development and CHD prevalence, and possibly also development of cardiovascular disease later in life. However, known factors explain the probable etiology in only a fraction of patients. Past large-scale population-based studies have made invaluable contributions to the understanding of cardiac disease, but none recruited participants prenatally and focused on the neonatal period. The Copenhagen Baby Heart Study (CBHS) is a population-based study of the prevalence, spectrum, and prognosis of structural and functional cardiac abnormalities. The CBHS will also establish normal values for neonatal cardiac parameters and biomarkers, and study prenatal and early childhood factors potentially affecting later cardiovascular disease risk. The CBHS is an ongoing multicenter, prospective study recruiting from second trimester pregnancy (gestational weeks 18-20) (expected n = 25,000). Information on parents, pregnancy, and delivery are collected. After birth, umbilical cord blood is collected for biochemical analysis, DNA purification, and biobank storage. An echocardiographic examination, electrocardiography, and post-ductal pulse oximetry are performed shortly after birth. Infants diagnosed with significant CHD are referred to a specialist or admitted to hospital, depending on CHD severity. CBHS participants will be followed prospectively as part of specific research projects or regular clinical follow-up for CHD. CBHS design and methodology are described. The CBHS aims to identify new mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease development and new targets for prevention, early detection, and management of CHD and other cardiac diseases presenting at birth or developing later in life.

Comparison of two-dimensional and three-dimensional echocardiographic strain in children with CHD

BACKGROUND

In CHD, three-dimensional strain analysis may overcome limitations of Doppler and two-dimensional strain of the left ventricle. The aims of this study were to evaluate feasibility and reproducibility of three-dimensional longitudinal, circumferential, and radial systolic strain by three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography compared with two-dimensional echocardiography.

METHODS

Patients with CHD, biventricular circulation with a systemic left ventricle, and who had two- and three-dimensional imaging performed on the same day from 2010 to 2014 were included. Quantitative two- and three-dimensional strain analyses were performed (two-dimensional cardiac performance analysis version 1.2 and four-dimensional left ventricular analysis version 3.1). Intra- and inter-observer variabilities were calculated on 25 studies.

RESULTS

A total of 30 patients, including 19 (61%) males, with a median age of 3.6 years (0.1-22 years) were included. The mean fractional shortening was 34.6±5.3%, and the mean ejection fraction was 62.0±6.4%. Measurement of two- and three-dimensional strain was feasible in >95% of segments. Good correlation was observed between longitudinal and circumferential strain (r=0.92, p⩽0.001 and r=0.87, p⩽0.001), but not radial strain (r=0.29, p=0.2). Intra- and inter-observer agreements were better for three-dimensional compared with two-dimensional strain, and better for both two- and three-dimensional longitudinal and circumferential strains compared with radial strain.

CONCLUSION

Left ventricular three-dimensional strain analysis is feasible in children with CHD. The reproducibility of longitudinal and circumferential strain by three-dimensional analyses is better. Further longitudinal studies are warranted for the potential clinical application of this new technology.

Decline of Systolic and Diastolic 2D Strain Rate During Follow-Up of HLHS Patients After Fontan Palliation

Accurate assessment of ventricular function is particularly important in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) after completion of the total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC). For this purpose, two-dimensional speckle tracking (2DST) is a promising technique as it does not depend on the angle of insonation or the geometry of the ventricle. The objective of this study was to assess changes in systolic and diastolic right ventricular (RV) function within a 5-year follow-up period of HLHS patients after TCPC using conventional and 2DST echocardiography. RV fractional area change (RVFAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), E/A, E/e' and 2DST parameters [global longitudinal peak systolic strain (GS) and strain rate (GSRs), global strain rate in early (GSRe) and late (GSRa) diastole] of 40 HLHS patients were compared at 1.6 and at 5.1 years after TCPC. RVFAC, E/A, E/e' and GS did not change, whereas TAPSE (13.7 ± 3.2 vs. 10.5 ± 2.4 mm/m(2), p < 0.001), GSRs (-1.56 ± 0.28 vs. -1.35 ± 0.31 1/s, p < 0.001), GSRe (2.22 ± 0.49 vs. 1.96 ± 0.44 1/s, p = 0.004) and GSRa (1.19 ± 0.39 vs. 0.92 ± 0.39 1/s, p < 0.001) decreased significantly. Systolic and diastolic RV function parameters of HLHS patients decreased from 1.6 to 5.1 years after TCPC in our patients. Changes in global strain rate parameters may be signaling early RV dysfunction that is not detectable by traditional echocardiography. Further study is needed to verify this and to determine whether these changes are clinically relevant.

Echocardiographic Evaluation of the Right Heart

The appropriate use of echocardiography may reduce the need for invasive diagnostic cardiac procedures. The right side of the heart has recently gained interest among cardiologists as it became clear that abnormalities of the right heart morphology and function are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Echocardiography is easy to perform, relatively cheap, readily available and do not pose the risk of ionizing radiation. Conventional 2D and, more recently, 3D echocardiography provides pertinent anatomic and physiologic information about the right side of the heart. Because of the advantages and simplicity of echocardiography it continues to be an excellent tool for evaluating the structure and function of the right side of the heart. This review outlines the uses of echocardiography in evaluating the right heart structure and function.

Frame rate required for speckle tracking echocardiography: A quantitative clinical study with open-source, vendor-independent software

OBJECTIVES

To determine the optimal frame rate at which reliable heart walls velocities can be assessed by speckle tracking.

BACKGROUND

Assessing left ventricular function with speckle tracking is useful in patient diagnosis but requires a temporal resolution that can follow myocardial motion. In this study we investigated the effect of different frame rates on the accuracy of speckle tracking results, highlighting the temporal resolution where reliable results can be obtained.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

27 patients were scanned at two different frame rates at their resting heart rate. From all acquired loops, lower temporal resolution image sequences were generated by dropping frames, decreasing the frame rate by up to 10-fold.

RESULTS

Tissue velocities were estimated by automated speckle tracking. Above 40 frames/s the peak velocity was reliably measured. When frame rate was lower, the inter-frame interval containing the instant of highest velocity also contained lower velocities, and therefore the average velocity in that interval was an underestimate of the clinically desired instantaneous maximum velocity.

CONCLUSIONS

The higher the frame rate, the more accurately maximum velocities are identified by speckle tracking, until the frame rate drops below 40 frames/s, beyond which there is little increase in peak velocity. We provide in an online supplement the vendor-independent software we used for automatic speckle-tracked velocity assessment to help others working in this field.

Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion does not correlate with right ventricular ejection fraction in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome after Fontan palliation

Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) reflects longitudinal myocardial shortening, the main component of right ventricular (RV) contraction in normal hearts. To date, TAPSE has not been extensively studied in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and systemic RVs after Fontan palliation. This retrospective study investigated HLHS patients after Fontan with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) performed between 1 January 2010 and 1 August 2012 and transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) performed within 6 months of CMR. The maximal apical displacement of the lateral tricuspid valve annulus was measured on CMR (using four-chamber cine images) and on TTE (using two-dimensional apical views). To create TTE-TAPSE z-scores, published reference data were used. Intra- and interobserver variability was tested with analysis of variance. Inter-technique agreement of TTE and CMR was tested with Bland-Altman analysis. In this study, 30 CMRs and TTEs from 29 patients were analyzed. The age at CMR was 14.1 ± 7.1 years, performed 11.9 ± 7.8 years after Fontan. For CMR-TAPSE, the intraclass correlation coefficients for inter- and intraobserver variability were 0.89 and 0.91, respectively. The TAPSE measurements were 0.57 ± 0.2 cm on CMR and 0.70 ± 0.2 cm on TTE (TTE-TAPSE z score, -8.7 ± 1.0). The mean difference in TAPSE between CMR and TTE was -0.13 cm [95 % confidence interval (CI) -0.21 to -0.05], with 95 % limits of agreement (-0.55 to 0.29 cm). The study showed no association between CMR-TAPSE and RVEF (R = 0.08; p = 0.67). In patients with HLHS after Fontan, TAPSE is reproducible on CMR and TTE, with good agreement between the two imaging methods. Diminished TAPSE suggests impaired longitudinal shortening in the systemic RV. However, TAPSE is not a surrogate for RVEF in this study population.

Effects of frame rate on two-dimensional speckle tracking-derived measurements of myocardial deformation in premature infants

BACKGROUND

Frame rate (FR) of image acquisition is an important determinant of the reliability of 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE)-derived myocardial strain. Premature infants have relatively high heart rates (HR). The aim was to analyze the effects of varying FR on the reproducibility of 2DSTE-derived right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle (LV) longitudinal strain (LS) and strain rate (LSR) in premature infants.

METHODS

RV and LV LS and LSR were measured by 2DSTE in the apical four-chamber view in 20 premature infants (26 ± 1 weeks) with HR 163 ± 13 bpm. For each subject, 4 sets of cine loops were acquired at FR of <90, 90-110, 110-130, and >130 frames/sec. Two observers measured LS and LSR. Inter- and intra-observer reproducibility was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis, coefficient of variation, and linear regression.

RESULTS

Intra-observer reproducibility for RV and LV LS was higher at FR >110 frames/sec, and optimum at FR >130 frames/sec. The highest inter-observer reproducibility for RV and LV LS were at FR >130 and >110 frames/s, respectively. The highest reproducibility for RV and LV systolic and early diastolic LSR was at FR >110 frames/sec. FR/HR ratio >0.7 frames/sec per bpm yielded optimum reproducibility for RV and LV deformation imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

The reliability of 2DSTE-derived RV and LV deformation imaging in premature infants is affected by the FR of image acquisition. Reproducibility is most robust when cine loops are obtained with FR/HR ratio between 0.7 and 0.9 frames/sec per bpm, which likely results from optimal myocardial speckle tracking and mechanical event timing.

Different prognostic value of functional right ventricular parameters in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia

BACKGROUND

The value of standard 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiographic parameters for risk stratification in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D) is controversial.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We investigated the impact of RV fractional area change (FAC) and tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) for the prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as the occurrence of cardiac death, heart transplantation, survived sudden cardiac death, ventricular fibrillation, sustained ventricular tachycardia, or arrhythmogenic syncope. Among 70 patients who fulfilled the 2010 ARVC/D Revised Task Force Criteria and underwent baseline transthoracic echocardiography, 37 (53%) patients experienced MACE during a median follow-up period of 5.3 (interquartile range, 1.8-9.8) years. Average values for FAC, TAPSE, and TAPSE indexed to body surface area (BSA) decreased over time (P=0.03 for FAC, P=0.03 for TAPSE, and P=0.01 for TAPSE/BSA, each versus baseline). In contrast, median RV end-diastolic area increased (P=0.001 versus baseline). Based on the results of Kaplan-Meier estimates, the time between baseline transthoracic echocardiography and experiencing MACE was significantly shorter for patients with FAC <23% (P<0.001), TAPSE <17 mm (P=0.02), or right atrial short axis/BSA ≥25 mm/m(2) (P=0.04) at baseline. A reduced FAC constituted the strongest predictor of MACE (hazard ratio, 1.08 per 1% decrease; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.12; P<0.001) on bivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

This long-term observational study indicates that TAPSE and dilation of right-sided cardiac chambers are associated with an increased risk for MACE in patients with ARVC/D with advanced disease and a high risk for adverse events. However, FAC is the strongest echocardiographic predictor of adverse outcome in these patients. Our data advocate a role for transthoracic echocardiography in risk stratification in patients with ARVC/D, although our results may not be generalizable to lower-risk ARVC/D cohorts.

Longitudinal assessment of atrioventricular annulus excursion by grey-scale m-mode and colour tissue Doppler imaging in premature infants

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of standardized echocardiographic parameters to quantify ventricular function in newborn infants. Long-axis systolic ventricular shortening is a useful parameter of global ventricular function.

AIMS

Serial assessment of long-axis systolic atrioventricular annulus excursion in premature infants.

METHODS

Two-centre, prospective observational study. Fifty-seven premature infants (26 girls), median (range) gestational age 33(+5) (31(0)-34(+6)) weeks(+days), birth weight 1925 (1127-2836) grams were included. Echocardiographic examinations were performed at the first three days of life and at expected term.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Systolic annulus excursion by grey-scale m-mode and colour tissue Doppler imaging (cTDI).

RESULTS

A consistent longitudinal pattern was found for annulus excursion by grey-scale m-mode and cTDI. All parameters showed a pronounced increase at expected term (p < 0.001). After normalizing for ventricular size the increase at term was less pronounced. Results were lower by cTDI than by grey-scale m-mode for the left and right ventricular walls (p < 0.001). Intraobserver variability (range 1.5-9.8%) was lower than interobserver variability (5.5-18%).

CONCLUSIONS

Serial assessment of longitudinal ventricular shortening in premature infants by grey-scale m-mode and cTDI was feasible and the measurements displayed a consistent pattern. cTDI excursion measurements were lower and more dependent on image quality than m-mode measurements. Lower intraobserver variability suggests that repeated measurements should preferably be performed by the same observer. Annulus excursion varies with ventricular size and we suggest normalizing measurements by ventricular size.

Feasibility and reproducibility of systolic right ventricular strain measurement by speckle-tracking echocardiography in premature infants

BACKGROUND

Right ventricular (RV) systolic function is an important prognostic determinant of cardiopulmonary pathologies in premature infants. Measurements of dominant RV longitudinal deformation are likely to provide a sensitive measure of RV function. An approach for image acquisition and postacquisition processing is needed for reliable and reproducible measurements of myocardial deformation by two-dimensional (2D) speckle-tracking echocardiography. The aims of this study were to determine the feasibility and reproducibility of 2D speckle-tracking echocardiographic measurement of RV peak global longitudinal strain (pGLS) and peak global longitudinal strain rate in premature infants and to establish methods for acquiring and analyzing strain.

METHODS

The study was designed in two phases: (1) a training phase to develop methods of image acquisition and postprocessing in a cohort of 30 premature infants (born at 28 ± 1 weeks) and (2) a study phase to prospectively test in a separate cohort of 50 premature infants (born at 27 ± 1 weeks) if the methods improved the feasibility and reproducibility of RV pGLS and peak global longitudinal strain rate measurements to a clinically significant level, assessed using Bland-Altman analysis (bias, limits of agreement, coefficient of variation, and intraclass correlation coefficient).

RESULTS

Strain imaging was feasible from 84% of the acquisitions using the methods developed for optimal speckle brightness and frame rate for RV-focused image acquisition. There was high intraobserver (bias, 3%; 95% limits of agreement, -1.6 to +1.6; coefficient of variation, 2.7%; intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.97; P = .02) and interobserver (bias, 7%; 95% limits of agreement, -4.8 to +4.73; coefficient of variation, 3.9%; intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.93; P < .05) reproducibility, with excellent linear correlation between the two pGLS measurements (r = 0.97 [P < .01] and r = 0.93 [P < .05], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates high clinical feasibility and reproducibility of RV pGLS and RV peak global longitudinal strain rate measurements by 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography in premature infants and offers methods for image acquisition and data analysis for systolic strain imaging that can provide a reliable assessment of global RV function.

Growth-differentiation factor-15 and tissue doppler ımaging in detection of asymptomatic anthracycline cardiomyopathy in childhood cancer survivors

OBJECTIVES

Anthracyclines have led to an increased risk of cardiac morbidity and mortality. Late cardiac complications in cancer survivors may develop from subclinical myocardial damage. Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) also has potential as a clinically useful technique for the assessment of myocardial function. Biochemical markers may be used to detect cardiac damage growth-differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and are emerging as a biomarker of cardiac dysfunction. The aim of this study is to assess the value of the plasma levels of GDF-15 and TDI in detecting late myocardial dysfunction in childhood cancer survivors (CCS) who were treated with anthracyclines.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Thirty-eight CCS who had completed chemotherapy treatment with anthracyclines were included in this study. Control group consisted of 32 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers. All children underwent a detailed echocardiography, which contained an M-mode, pulse Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging. However, GDF-15 and cardiac troponin-I (cTnI) were measured.

RESULTS

Although, systolic function of the left ventricular was similar in all groups, there were significant differences between parameters of diastolic function of the heart. The mitral valve E wave, E/A ratio, left ventricular E'm wave, and E'm/A'm ratio were different in the patients than in the controls (p = 0.049, p = 0.037, p < 0.0001, p = 0.001, respectively). The tricuspid valve E/A ratio, right ventricular E't wave, and E't/A't ratio in the patients were also different from those of the controls (p = 0.031, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively). Mean plasma GDF-15 was significantly higher in patients than healthy controls (p = 0.027). There were no significant differences in cTnI between both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Growth-differentiation factor-15 level may be used as a biomarker of anthracycline-induced cardiovascular disease severity in the CCS.

Pediatric postoperative cardiac care

Postoperative care of cardiac patients requires a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to critically ill patients with cardiac disease whose care requires a clear understanding of cardiovascular physiology. When a patient fails to progress along the projected course or decompensates acutely, prompt evaluation with bedside assessment, laboratory evaluation, and echocardiography is essential. When things do not add up, cardiac catheterization must be seriously considered. With continued advancements in the field of neonatal and pediatric postoperative cardiac care, continued improvements in overall outcomes for this specialized population are anticipated.

Pulmonary Regurgitation after Tetralogy of Fallot Repair: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary regurgitation is the key hemodynamically significant lesion in repaired tetralogy of Fallot contributing to progressive right ventricular (RV) dilatation and biventricular dysfunction. The timing for pulmonary valve replacement remains a controversial topic, and the decision to intervene depends on assessment of RV size and RV function.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to discuss the echocardiographic techniques that can be used to assess patients with pulmonary regurgitation after the repair of tetralogy of Fallot defect. While cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is the clinical reference method, there is an important role of echocardiography in identifying patients with significant pulmonary regurgitation and assessing the RV size and function. The different echocardiographic techniques that can be used in this context are discussed. Newer techniques for assessing RV size and function include three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography, tissue Doppler and strain imaging. 3D RV volumetric reconstruction based on two-dimensional imaging is a promising new technique that could potentially replace CMR for RV volumetric assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

Developments in echocardiographic techniques provide new insights into the impact of pulmonary regurgitation on RV structure and function. Echocardiography and CMR are complementary modalities and further research is required to define the optimal use of both techniques for this indication.