LV twist predicts prognosis in children and adolescents with non-compaction cardiomyopathy

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) is associated with poor clinical outcome in childhood, with heart failure, arrhythmias, and embolic events as main clinical manifestations. LV twist has recently been demonstrated having good predictive value in diagnosing LVNC in young patients. However, how LV twist may influence long-term clinical outcome of LVNC children and adolescents is still unknown.

The aim of this study was to analyse a set of echocardiographic parameters to find imaging predictors of worse clinical outcomes in a long-term follow-up of LVNC children and young patients.

Methods

Children and adolescents, followed from May 2012 to June 2020, were enrolled in a retrospective study. All patients underwent 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (1.5 Tesla) at our Institution’s first evaluation.

Death, heart failure hospitalization, aborted sudden cardiac death, ventricular arrhythmias (sustained and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia), and embolisms (i.e. stroke, peripheral arterial embolism and/or pulmonary thromboembolism) were registered and referred to as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs).

Results

Recruited for the study were 47 children (mean age: 11.1± 5; age range: 0–18 years). Twenty-three patients fulfilled the cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging diagnostic criteria for LVNC (LVNC group), while the remaining 24 did not and were included in the LV hypertrabeculation group (LVHT).

They were followed for 4.9 ± 1.0 years, and MACEs were registered. Thirteen children (56% of LVNC, 28% of total) had at least one MACE. Global longitudinal, circumferential and radial strains (GLS, GCS, GRS), LV twist and LVEF resulted being significantly reduced in children with MACEs at follow-up. A multivariable analysis was performed by combining four parameters: LV ejection fraction, GLS, GCS, LV twist. These independent variables were chosen according to univariable analyses and clinical relevance. The results from the analysis demonstrated that LV twist was the only independent predictor (P = 0.033, coeff. B 0.726) of worse clinical outcomes in young patients with LVNC.

Conclusions

LV twist is a promising tool to stratify and predict prognosis in LVNC young patients. Our findings show the importance of LV twist assessment to detect the severity of LVNC and to plan for early clinical intervention.

Non-invasive myocardial work normal reference ranges in healthy children

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

BACKGROUND

Myocardial work (MW) estimation by pressure-strain loops (PSL) allows a non-invasive evaluation of myocardial performance, as recently demonstrated in adult patients.

Aim of this study is to provide the reference values for global myocardial work index (MWI), constructive work (MCW), wasted work (MWW), and work efficiency (MWE) in a group of healthy children.

METHODS

Assessment of MW was performed using a commercially available software package (Echopac, GE). MW was measured from PSLs areas, derived from non-invasive LVP curves combined with strain acquired speckle tracking echocardiography (STE).

After calculating GLS, values of brachial blood pressure were inserted and the time of valvular events by echocardiography were indicated, then the software was able to measure non-invasive PSLs.

RESULTS

Two-dimensional (2D) standard and speckle-tracking echocardiography were performed in 90 healthy children (mean age 9.9 ±4.9 [1-17] years, females: 57%) together with the assessment of MW by means of PSLs.

Mean ± standard deviation, 5° and 95° percentile values for global MWI, MCW, MWW, and MWE in the whole population were 1769 ± 254 mm Hg, (1354-2193); 2201 ± 290 mm Hg, (1657-2658); 78 ± 47 (29-163) mm Hg%; 96 ± 1.8 (92-99)%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The assessment of MW is feasible in healthy children. This study provides useful 2-dimensional echocardiographic reference ranges for novel indices of non-invasive MW.

Right ventricle function longitudinal evaluation after norwood procedure: comparison between right ventricle-pulmonary artery shunt and blalock-taussing shunt

Background

Norwood procedure represents the first of three surgical steps toward Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) complete palliation. Two are the main surgical techniques allowing the reconstruction of Norwood circulation: the right ventricle-pulmonary artery shunt (RVPAS) and the modified Blalock-Taussing shunt (mBTS). However, still little is known about the impact on right ventricle (RV) function of the required ventriculotomy for the RVPAS.

Purpose

The aim of the study was to investigate the changes in RV function in HLHS patients after RVPAS vs mBTS.

Methods

The cohort included 27 consecutive HLHS patients (10 in the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt group and 17 in the RVPAS group) who successfully underwent Norwood procedure in a single tertiary paediatric cardiology centre. Longitudinal strain (LS) and strain rate (LSR), tricuspid annulus peak systolic excursion (TAPSE) and fractional area change (FAC) were evaluated in all patients before Norwood and in three different breakpoints in the steady state after Norwood procedure (30 days after Norwood, 90 days after Norwood, 140 days after Norwood).

Results

Ventricular loading conditions (diuretic treatment, blood pressure and tricuspid regurgitation) were similar in both groups. No significant differences were found at different time points between RVPAS and mBTS group in terms of LS, LSR, TAPSE and FAC. However, when we compared RV function before and after Norwood procedure, 90 days after the procedure, patients who did not undergo RV ventriculotomy (mBTS group) showed significant improvement in LS compared to pre-surgical assessment (mBTS: +27.35±43.47% vs RVPAS: −8,20±25.25%, p=0,03). This finding was consistent but no longer statistically significant at 140 days after Norwood (mBTS: +13.81±21.99% vs RVPAS: −4.90±27.97%, p=0,12).

Conclusion

After Norwood procedure mBTS patients showed a significant increase in LS when compared with patients who underwent RVPAS. This finding was consistent but no longer significant at 140 days after Norwood probably because the number of patients was too small to reach a significant level. These data support the use of LS in HLHS patient's evaluation and may be of value to find a patient-tailored timing for the second surgical stage.

TAPSE, FAC, LS and LSR trends

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance in children with repaired tetralogy of fallot and their correlations with exercise capacity

Background

Severe pulmonary regurgitation (PR) and progressive right ventricular (RV) dilation and disfunction are common in patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (r-TOF) and should be carefully monitored during the follow up of these patients. In this contest, Echocardiography and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) have a complementary diagnostic role.

Purpose

To correlate Echo and CMR parameters in children (<18 years) with r-TOF with at least moderate PR assessed by Echocardiography and to analyse which parameter was associated with peak oxygen consumption (Vo2).

Methods

Paediatric patients with r- TOF with at least moderate PR at the echo evaluation who underwent a CMR study within six months were included by using hospital databases. All patients underwent standard echo-Doppler study including RV end-diastolic area (RVEDA), end-systolic area (RVESA), fractional area change (FAC) and TAPSE; PR was assessed by Color Doppler, continuous-wave (CW) Doppler and derived parameters such as pressure half time (PHT), PR index, ratio of diastolic and systolic time-velocity integrals (DSTVI) of the main pulmonary artery. By speckle tracking we measured also RV global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) and right atrial strain (RAS). All the patients underwent CMR to assess PR and right ventricular volumes and ejection fraction (EF). Of these, 36 patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET).

Results

Fourty-six children (aged 13.7±3.0 years) were included. Echo derived RV areas correlated significantly with CMR RV volumes (r=0.72, p<0.0001). RVEDA >21.9 cm2/m2 had a good sensitivity (83.3%) and specificity (73.5%) to identify a RV end-diastolic volume (RVEDV) ≥150 ml/m2. No correlation was found among TAPSE, FAC, RVGLS and RVEF calculated by CMR nor between PHT, PR index and DSTVI and PR-RF. Only A' wave velocity showed a significant but modest correlation with CMR RF (r=0.57, p<0.0001). Flow reversal in pulmonary branches showed a sensitivity of 95.8% and a specificity of 59.1% to identify PR RF ≥35%. RVEF by CMR was preserved in all patients, while TAPSE was reduced in 78.2% and RVGLS in 60.8%. None of the CMR parameters correlated with peak Vo2. At the multivariate analysis RAS was the best independent predictor of peak Vo2 (p<0.0001).

Conclusion

In children, flow reversal in pulmonary branches identifies hemodynamically significant PR at CMR. RV area by echocardiogram is a valid first-line parameter to screen RV dilation. Our study suggests that, also for the RV, there is longitudinal systolic dysfunction in presence of preserved RV EF. RAS is the best predictor of peak Vo2 and should be added in the follow up of these patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Non-invasive myocardial work reference ranges in healthy children

Background

Myocardial work (MW) estimation by pressure-strain loops (PSL) allows a non-invasive assessment of myocardial performance, as recently demonstrated in adult patients.

Aim

Aim of this study is to provide the reference values for global myocardial work index (MWI), constructive work (MCW), wasted work (MWW), and work efficiency (MWE) in a group of healthy children.

Methods

Assessment of MW was performed using a commercially available software package. MW was measured from PSLs areas, derived from non-invasive LVP curves combined with strain acquired speckle tracking echocardiography (STE).

After calculating GLS, values of brachial blood pressure were inserted and the time of valvular events by echocardiography were indicated, then the software was able to measure non-invasive PSLs.

Results

Two-dimensional (2D) standard and speckle-tracking echocardiography were performed in 90 healthy children (mean age 9.9±4.9 [1–17] years, females: 57%) together with the assessment of MW by means of PSLs.

Mean ± standard deviation, 5° and 95° percentile values for global MWI, MCW, MWW, and MWE in the whole population were 1769±254 mm Hg, (1354–2193); 2201±290 mm Hg, (1657–2658); 78±47 (29–163) mm Hg%; 96±1.8 (92–99)%, respectively.

Conclusions

The assessment of MW is feasible in healthy children. This study provides useful 2-dimensional echocardiographic reference ranges for novel indices of non-invasive MW.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): ESC Training Grant 2019

1160 Which parameters do correlate better with functional exercise capacity in children with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot? An echo and CMR study

Background

Severe pulmonary regurgitation (PR) and progressive right ventricular (RV) disfunction are common in patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (r-TOF), and CMR has become the gold standard for PR and RV volumes assessment. However, in paediatric patients CMR use can be limited by the need for general anaesthesia.

Purpose

The aim of our study was to analyse a paediatric population (<18 years) of r-TOF with at least moderate PR (regurgitant fraction (RF) >20%), assessed by CMR and to assess which Echo or CMR parameter is associated with functional capacity evaluated by cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET).

Methods

Consecutive r-TOF patients regularly followed at our Institution, with at least moderate PR (RF >20% by CMR), were included in the study. Echocardiographic and CMR studies were performed within six months. Echo study: PR was assessed by Color Doppler, continuous-wave (CW) Doppler and derived parameters such as pressure half time (PHT), PR index, ratio of diastolic and systolic time-velocity integrals (DSTVI) of the main pulmonary artery. RV end-diastolic area (RVEDA), end-systolic area (RVESA), right ventricle outflow tract (RVOT) end-diastolic area, fractional area change (FAC) and TAPSE were calculated. By speckle tracking analysis we measured also RV global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) and right atrial strain (RAS). CMR study: we evaluated PR as RF, end-diastolic and systolic volumes (RVEDV, RVESV) and right ventricle ejection fraction (RVEF). In addition, patients underwent CPET within one month from CMR and peak oxygen consumption (Vo2) values were measured.

Results

We studied 53 r-TOF patients (aged 13.8 ± 2.5 years, ranged between 7.1 and 17.6 years, male 57%, surgical repair at a mean age of 1.1 ± 0.75 years). Based on CMR data, 38 out of 53 had free PR (RF >35%) and nobody had > mild tricuspid regurgitation. We found a good correlation between RVEDA and CMR RVEDV (p <0.0001, r =0.73), which slightly improved adding RVOT area (p < 0.0001, r =0.75). RVEDA indexed (RVEDAi) > 21.3 cm2/mq was found to have a good sensitivity (83.3%, specificity 64.9%, AUC0.74) for RVEDV indexed (RVEDVi) >150 ml/mq. No correlation was found between TAPSE, FAC, RVGLS measured by echo and RVEF calculated by CMR. No correlation was found between echo Doppler parameters used to assess PR severity and PR RF measured by CMR. None of the CMR studied parameters (RV volumes, RVEF, RF) correlated with peak Vo2. Among the Echo parameters only RAS demonstrated a good correlation (p <0.0001, r =0.70) with peak Vo2. At the multivariate analysis including RAS, TAPSE, FAC, RVGLS, RVEF and RVEDV, RAS was the best independent predictor of peak Vo2 (p <0.0001).

Conclusion

Echo parameters studied to assess PR are unsatisfactory and showed no correlation with PR RF by CMR. RVEDAi is well correlated with CMR volumes. Right atrial strain is the best predictor of peak Vo2 in young patients with r-TOF and should be included in their follow up.

Abstract 1160 Figure.

1233 Can speckle tracking echocardiography predict outcome in hypoplastic left heart syndrome patients?

Funding Acknowledgements

EACVI Training Grant

Introduction

Children with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) have a high mortality (up to 95%) and morbidity. Systemic right ventricle (RV) dysfunction plays a key-role in their outcome.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of speckle-tracking echocardiographic (STE) assessment of RV deformation and 2D standard echo parameters in predicting death and need for heart transplantation (HT) in HLHS patients.

Methods

31 patients with diagnosis of HLHS successfully completed Norwood (n = 29) or comprehensive Norwood stage II (n = 2) at our Institution between 2015 and 2019. Survival at 6 months was 90.32%, survival at 18 months was 85.72%. We studied 29 HLHS patients (17 male). Patients with HLHS variant (n = 2) were excluded. All the studied patients underwent in-hospital interstage stay. Serial echocardiographic assessment was performed in all the included patients (baseline, one month after Norwood, three months after Norwood, one week before bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis [BCPA] and two months after BCPA). From the apical view we measured: tricuspid annulus peak systolic excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change (FAC), longitudinal strain (LS) and strain rate (LSR).

Results

After a mean follow-up of 1.83 ± 1.16 years, 8 out of 29 of the included patients met the composite endpoint of death/HT. At pre-Norwood assessment, there was no statistical difference in echo measurements between survivors and patients who reached the endpoint. In death/HT group TAPSE and LS declined already at one-month after Norwood procedure evaluation. At one-month evaluation, a TAPSE ≤ 5 mm had a good sensitivity for death/HT (85.71%) and a moderate specificity (66.67%), with an area under the curve of 0.789. Always at one-month evaluation, a Δ LS ([{baseline LS – one-month post Norwood LS}/ baseline LS] *100) of 8.7% showed a 100% sensitivity and good specificity (80.95%) for death/HT, with an area under the curve of 0.888. Multivariate analysis showed that one-month-after-Norwood Δ LS was the best predictor of worse outcome (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

HLHS patients with Δ LS of > 8.7% at one-month after Norwood procedure had a high likelihood of death or HT. These data encourage the routine use of LS to monitor cardiac function in HLHS patients.

Abstract 1233 Figure. HLHS LS and trend of TAPSE and LS.

P316 A feasible and accurate method for the assessment of early ventricular dysfunction in children with kawasaki disease: result from the MyoWoRK (myocardial work related to kawasaki disease) study

Funding Acknowledgements

EACVI Training Grant

Introduction

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute vasculitis of unknown etiology. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality due to the development of coronary artery aneurysms and myocardial dysfunction.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate sensitivity and specificity of left ventricular (LV) pressure–strain loop (PSL) area, which reflects regional myocardial work and metabolic demand, in predicting subtle myocardial abnormalities in KD patients with coronaries aneurisms.

Methods

A total of 88 patients (59 male, age 8.95 ± 4.95 years) were included in our study. Among the children admitted in our institution with a diagnosis of KD during the study time frame, 42 patients (KDg) (29 male) with coronary artery dilatation (Z-score >2.5) were selected. These cases were compared with 46 (30 male) age-matched controls (CTRg). Classical echocardiographic parameters of LV systolic function were normal in both groups, while global longitudinal strain (GLS) was decreased in 6 KD patients. Global work index (GWI) was calculated as the area of the LV PSL. From GWI, it was estimated also Global Constructive Work (GCW), Global Wasted Work (GWW) and Global Work Efficiency (GWE). We also made a subgroup analysis between KD patients with normal GLS (> -19 %) and control patients.

Results

Despite normal LV systolic function by routine echocardiography, compared to controls, KD patients had lower GWI (1448 ± 382 mmHg% in KDg vs 1751 ± 263] mmHg% in CTRg, p = 0.00003), GCW (1904 ± 390 mmHg% in KDg vs 2174 ± 292 mmHg% in CTRg, p= 0.0004) and GWE (94 ± 5 % in KDg vs 96 ± 2 % in CTRg, p= 0.01). There was not significant difference in GWW between the KDg and CTRg. When KD patients with normal GLS were analysed separately, they preserved a significant difference in GWI, GCW and GWE in comparison with controls (GWI: 1490 ± 347 mmHg% in KDg vs 1751 ± 263 mmHg% in CTRg, p = 0.0002; GCW: 1972 ± 321 mmHg% in KDg vs 2174 ± 292 mmHg% in CTRg, p = 0.004; GWE: 95 ± 3 in KDg vs 96 ± 2 % in CTRg, p= 0.04). No association was found between GWI, GCW, GWW, GWE and number or dimension of the involved aneurysmatic coronaries.

Conclusions

The estimation of myocardial work by PSL is a novel tool for the evaluation of patients with KD. GWI, GCW and GWE were significantly reduced in KD patients with dilated coronaries. In KD patients with normal GLS, estimation of GWI, GCW and GWE may be a sensitive indicator of myocardial dysfunction and an adjuvant criterion to avoid delayed diagnosis of KD.

Abstract P316 Figure. Myocardial work in KD and CTR.

P1747 Left atrial strain identifies diastolic dysfunction in children with cardiomyopathies and correlates with invasive LV end-diastolic pressure

Background

2-dimensional (2-D) left atrial (LA) strain accurately categorizes DD in adults but its diagnostic performance in children is unknown.

Aim of this study is to investigate whether LA strain and strain rate are able to diagnose and classify DD in children with dilated (CMD), hypertrophic (HCM) and restrictive (RCM) cardiomyopathies (CM).

Methods

The study includes 136 children (aged 8.8 ± 6 years): 44 with DCM, 40 with HCM, 7 with RCM and 45 healthy controls (CTRL). They underwent standard echocardiography and 2-D speckle-tracking analyses (LV longitudinal peak systolic strain (LS), LA peak systolic strain and strain rate). Cardiac catheterization was performed within 24 hours after the echocardiographic study in 9 children (mean age 9 ± 7 years) with clinical indication and the LV end-diastolic pressure was measured.

Results

No significant differences in mitral E/A, E/E’, pulmonary S/D ratios and indexed left atrial volumes were observed among the 3 CM groups.

LA peak systolic strain and strain rate values showed a steady and significant decrease with worsening of DD. ROC curves showed area under the curve of 0.976 (p < 0.001) for LA strain and 0.946 (p < 0.001) for LA strain rate, to distinguish CTRL from CMs.

Moreover, univariate regression analysis demonstrated that peak LA strain had a strong significant inverse correlation with invasive LV end-diastolic pressure (r -0.892, p < 0.001). On the other hand, invasive LV end-diastolic pressure had non-significant correlations with E’ avg (r -0.139, p = 0.721), E/E’ avg (r 0.238, p = 0.537), MV DT (r 0.485, p = 0.186) and LAVi (r 0.514, p = 0.157).

Conclusions

LA strain is able to recognize and classify DD in children with cardiomyopathies and accurately correlates with invasive LV end-diastolic pressures.

Abstract P1747 Figure.

P2734Aortic regurgitation in paediatric patients: new echo parameter strongly correlates with CMR

Background

Aortic regurgitation (AR) continues to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in paediatric patients. In the paediatric population the prevalence of AR has increased, also due to expanded use of new surgical and hemodynamic procedures. While echocardiographic parameters are well established for the adults, there are no clear cut-off values to assess AR severity in children. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is widely used to assess diagnostic and prognostic information and is considered a “gold standard” for a quantitative evaluation of the aortic regurgitation.

Purpose

The aim of the study is to assess which echo parameters can accurately define AR severity as assessed by CMR in paediatric patients.

Methods

A total of 36 paediatric patients (12±3,2 years of age, age range 6–18) with different degree of AR underwent echocardiographic assessment within an average of 25 days from CMR (no therapeutic changes were made in this period). Heart rate and arterial blood pressure were comparable during echo and CMR. CMR included phase-contrast velocity-encoded imaging for the measurement of regurgitant fraction (RF) at the sinotubular junction. Severe AR was defined as RF>33%. Echocardiographic evaluation included vena contracta (VC), pressure half time (PHT), the ratio between the AR jet and the LVOT diameter (jet/LVOT), presence of holodiastolic reversal flow in abdominal aorta (abdAo), the ratio between the velocity-time integral of the reversal flow over the forward flow in descending aorta (dAo-ratio).

Results

Among the echo parameters studied, the strongest predictor of severe aortic regurgitation, as assessed by CMR with RF, was dAo-ratio. ROC curve showed, for a cut-off >0.38: AUC 0.882, p<0.0001, sensitivity 71.4%, specificity 96.6%. Correlation coefficient between dAo-ratio and RF was R=0.9183 with a p<0.0001.

ROC curves were performed for all the echo parameters. PHT <410 ms: AUC 0,800, p=0,0001, sensitivity 100%, specificity 62,1%; VC >4 mm: AUC 0.783, p=0.0004, sensitivity 71.4%, specificity 72.4%; jet/LVOT >0.35: AUC 0.813, p=0,0002, sensitivity 71,4%, specificity 86,2%; abdAo =1: AUC 0,734, p 0,026, sensitivity 57,1%, specificity 89,7%.

dAo-ratio: measurement and statistics

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that dAo-ratio is a strong marker of severe aortic regurgitation in the paediatric population. This parameter should be routinely added in the standard echo evaluation of paediatric patients with aortic regurgitation.

P2739Can cardiac mechanics predict outcome in hypoplastic left heart syndrome patients? A speckle tracking echocardiography study

Introduction

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) still carries a high morbidity and mortality. Right ventricle (RV) dysfunction is one of the most important responsible of a worse outcome. Unfortunately, RV assessment is a challenge. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) demonstrated an excellent ability in the estimation of RV function.

Purpose

The aim of our study is to evaluate the ability of STE and standard 2D echo parameters in predicting death and need for heart transplantation (HT) in HLHS patients.

Methods

31 patients with diagnosis of HLHS successfully completed Norwood (n=29) or comprehensive Norwood stage II at our Institution between 2016 and 2018. Survival at 6 months was 93.3%, survival at 18 months was 81.1%. We present our preliminary data on 23 HLHS patients (13 male).

All the studied patients underwent in-hospital interstage stay. Serial echocardiographic assessments were performed in all the included patients (baseline, one month after Norwood, three months after Norwood, one week before bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis [BCPA] and two months after BCPA).

From apical view we measured: tricuspid annulus peak systolic excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change (FAC), longitudinal strain (LS) and strain rate (LSR).

Results

After a median follow-up of 2.2 years (1.7–2.6 years), 6 out of 23 patients met the composite endpoint of death/HT.

At pre-Norwood assessment, there was no statistical difference between survivor and death/HT patients.

In death/HT group TAPSE declined at one-month after Norwood procedure. LS decreased significantly at three-months after Norwood. After BCPA, death/HT patients had much lower FAC, TAPSE, LS and LSR than survived patients.

At one-month evaluation, TAPSE ≤5 mm had a good specificity for death/HT (80%) and a moderate sensitivity (70.6%) with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.80. Still at one-month evaluation, Δ LS ([{baseline LS – one-month post Norwood LS}/ baseline LS] *100) >7.7% showed a 100% sensibility and moderate specificity (76.5%) for death/HT (AUC 0.841).

LS in HLHS patient and LS ROC curve.

Conclusions

HLHS patients with TAPSE ≤5 mm and Δ LS of >7.7% one-month after Norwood had a high likelihood of death or HT. These preliminary data encourage the routine use of TAPSE and LS to monitor cardiac function in HLHS patients and to identify subgroup patients at high risk.

Can atrioventricular septal defects exist with intact septal structures?

The hallmark of an atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) is a common atrioventricular junction, giving rise to a trileaflet left atrioventricular valve. AVSDs have the potential for interatrial shunting alone, interventricular shunting alone, or both. AVSDs without interatrial or interventricular communications have been identified at postmortem examination, but there are no reports of AVSDs with intact septal structures diagnosed in life. Six patients are described with AVSD and intact atrial and ventricular septa diagnosed echocardiographically. This report shows that AVSDs can exist without interatrial or interventricular communications and that the characteristic feature of this condition, the common atrioventricular junction with a trileaflet left atrioventricular valve, can be diagnosed in life by using cross sectional echocardiography. AVSDs with intact septal structures may be more common than previously described.

Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect preserves right ventricular function

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of atrial septal defects (ASD) and their closure on systolic and diastolic right and left ventricular function; and by comparing surgical closure with transcatheter device closure, to establish differences attributable to cardiopulmonary bypass.

DESIGN

Cross sectionally guided M mode echocardiographic ventricular long axis function was measured prospectively before and within one week after ASD closure by device in 17 patients and by surgery in 12 patients, and compared with 18 normal subjects.

RESULTS

All indices of right ventricular function were impaired after surgery: mean total excursion, -1.89 cm (95% confidence interval (CI), -2.18 to -1.59); peak shortening rate, -9.09 cm/s (-10.82 to -7.35); peak lengthening rate, -9.26 cm/s (-11.09 to -7.43). Total excursion and peak lengthening rate were preserved after device closure, at -0.12 cm (-0.28 to 0.05) and 0.01 cm/s (-2.29 to 2.31), respectively. Left ventricular free wall function was unchanged after closure by either method, while all septal measurements were reduced after closure by either method (changes ranging from -3.51 to -0.32; 95% CI ranging from -4.90 to -0.13).

CONCLUSIONS

Left ventricular free wall function is unaffected by ASD closure, whereas septal function is impaired, irrespective of the method of closure. Right ventricular function, both systolic and diastolic, is impaired by cardiopulmonary bypass but preserved after device closure. These findings support the transcatheter approach to ASD closure in anatomically suitable defects.

Abnormalities of right ventricular long axis function after atrial repair of transposition of the great arteries

BACKGROUND

While volume derived global indices of right ventricle (RV) function are frequently abnormal after the Mustard procedure, the mechanism for these abnormalities is poorly understood. RV muscle fibres are predominantly arranged longitudinally and thus indices derived in the long axis may better describe RV function.

METHODS

20 survivors of the Mustard operation were studied (age 7.8–37.3 years, median 14.2 years). Long axis recordings from the apical four chamber view were obtained with the M mode cursor positioned through the lateral angle of the tricuspid valve annulus. M mode traces were recorded on paper and later digitised to derive total atrioventricular ring excursion, peak lengthening rate, and peak shortening rate. These data were averaged and compared with control data for the normal RV and left ventricle (LV).

RESULTS

RV total atrioventricular ring excursion was lower than that for the RV (p < 0.0001) or LV (p < 0.005) of controls. Peak lengthening rate was lower than the normal RV (p < 0.0001) and LV (p < 0.0001) rates. Furthermore, peak shortening rate was less than that of normal RV (p < 0.0001) and normal LV (p < 0.005) controls.

CONCLUSION

Systemic RV long axis function is notably reduced compared with that of either the normal subpulmonary RV or the systemic LV. This presumably reflects the response of the predominantly longitudinally arranged myocardial fibres to increased afterload. However, such measurements may provide a more sensitive marker for progressive changes in global function during long term follow up.

Abnormalities of right ventricular long axis function after atrial repair of transposition of the great arteries

BACKGROUND

While volume derived global indices of right ventricle (RV) function are frequently abnormal after the Mustard procedure, the mechanism for these abnormalities is poorly understood. RV muscle fibres are predominantly arranged longitudinally and thus indices derived in the long axis may better describe RV function.

METHODS

20 survivors of the Mustard operation were studied (age 7.8-37.3 years, median 14.2 years). Long axis recordings from the apical four chamber view were obtained with the M mode cursor positioned through the lateral angle of the tricuspid valve annulus. M mode traces were recorded on paper and later digitised to derive total atrioventricular ring excursion, peak lengthening rate, and peak shortening rate. These data were averaged and compared with control data for the normal RV and left ventricle (LV).

RESULTS

RV total atrioventricular ring excursion was lower than that for the RV (p < 0.0001) or LV (p < 0.005) of controls. Peak lengthening rate was lower than the normal RV (p < 0.0001) and LV (p < 0.0001) rates. Furthermore, peak shortening rate was less than that of normal RV (p < 0.0001) and normal LV (p < 0.005) controls.

CONCLUSION

Systemic RV long axis function is notably reduced compared with that of either the normal subpulmonary RV or the systemic LV. This presumably reflects the response of the predominantly longitudinally arranged myocardial fibres to increased afterload. However, such measurements may provide a more sensitive marker for progressive changes in global function during long term follow up.

Echocardiographic and morphological correlations in tetralogy of Fallot

AIMS

Our aim was to clarify the location and structure of the outlet septum relative to the free-standing subpulmonary infundibulum in the setting of tetralogy of Fallot and to examine its relationship to the other components of the subpulmonary outflow tract, determining their potential influence on clinical outcome.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied prospectively 41 patients with tetralogy of Fallot (mean age 14 +/- 10.9 months) prior to surgical repair, and compared them with 15 patients undergoing closure of a ventricular septal defect associated with malalignment of the outlet septum but no subpulmonary infundibular stenosis (Eisenmenger ventricular septal defect), and 20 healthy controls. We also examined available autopsied hearts from cases with uncorrected tetralogy of Fallot (8) and Eisenmenger ventricular septal defect (13). Data were indexed for body surface area, and diameter of the tricuspid valve, respectively. The overall length of the subpulmonary infundibulum, including the extent of the muscular outlet septum, was significantly greater for patients with tetralogy of Fallot compared to normals (2.34 +/- 0.6 vs 1.46 +/- 0.34 cm/BSA0.5, P<0.001), whereas the difference between those with tetralogy of Fallot and an Eisenmenger ventricular septal defect was confined to the degree of narrowing of the subpulmonary outlet (0.43 +/- 0.22 vs 2.17 +/- 0.64 cm/BSA0.5, P<0.001). Within the tetralogy of Fallot group, there were linear relationships between deviation of the outlet septum (r= -0.61, P<0.005) and the diameter of the pulmonary valvar orifice (r=0.75, P<0.001), suggesting that growth of the pulmonary arteries may be related to this feature. When patients requiring a transannular patch as part of their surgical repair were compared with those not needing this procedure, differences were found in the diameter of the pulmonary valvar orifice and the pulmonary trunk, but not in the dimensions of the outlet septum.

CONCLUSION

The position of the outlet septum in relationship to the remainder of the muscular subpulmonary infundibulum represents a hallmark of tetralogy of Fallot, permitting its differentiation from Eisenmenger ventricular septal defects and normal hearts.

Does restrictive right ventricular physiology in the early postoperative period predict subsequent right ventricular restriction after repair of tetralogy of Fallot?

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relation between immediate postoperative right ventricular (RV) diastolic physiology and subsequent diastolic function in patients after repair of tetralogy of Fallot.

DESIGN

Serial prospective echocardiographic study early after surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot and at mid-term follow up.

SETTING

Tertiary referral centre.

PATIENTS

34 patients who had repair of tetralogy of Fallot between 1992 and 1995 were studied.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Restrictive RV physiology defined as antegrade flow in the pulmonary artery in late diastole throughout the respiratory cycle.

RESULTS

Sixteen of the 34 patients had early restrictive RV physiology. The need for transannular patch repair was an independent variable predictive of early restriction (odds ratio 4.3 (1.1-47), p < 0.05). Nine of 16 patients with early restriction also had restriction at follow up, while 15 of 16 patients without restrictive RV physiology continued without restriction. Early restriction was the only independent variable predictive of late restriction (odds ratio 6.0 (1.9-273), p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Early and mid-term restrictive RV physiology after repair of tetralogy of Fallot is related to the repair type. Although evidence for this physiology tends to resolve in the first few days after operation, it is highly predictive of subsequent abnormalities of RV diastolic function. Similarly, normal RV diastolic physiology without restriction in the immediate postoperative period persists in the mid-term and may be associated with the long term problems of progressive RV dilatation.