J Cardiovasc Ultrasound.  2017 Sep;25(3):98-104. 10.4250/jcu.2017.25.3.98.

Progression of Right Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction Detected by Myocardial Deformation Imaging in Asymptomatic Preterm Children

• Kang SJ
• Kim M
• Hwang SJ
• Kim HJ

• KMID: 2392255
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4250/jcu.2017.25.3.98

Abstract

BACKGROUND
To detect progression of right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction (RVSD) in asymptomatic preterm children from infancy to 24-month corrected age, using velocity vector imaging (VVI).
METHODS
Retrospective study comparing sequential RV longitudinal peak systolic strain (LPSS) from 24 children born at < 33 weeks of gestational age and 10 term infants recruited as controls, obtained at a mean of 4-month (first exam) and 24-month corrected age (second exam).
RESULTS
In 7/24 (29.2%) of preterm children, RV LPSS of < 16%, defined as RVSD, was detected at the second exam; 5/7 of these children had RV LPSS > 16% at the first exam, and only 2/7 of these children had a history of moderate or severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
CONCLUSION
In asymptomatic preterm children, routine echocardiographic screening using VVI could detect RVSD which could progress from 4-24 month corrected age.

Keyword

Peak systolic strain; Preterm; Right ventricular systolic dysfunction; Cardiac deformation

MeSH Terms

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Child*
Echocardiography
Gestational Age
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Mass Screening
Retrospective Studies

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Example of right ventricular longitudinal peak systolic strain (RV LPSS) identified as the highest point of the average strain curve derived from six segments observed using velocity vector imaging in a preterm child.

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  Fig. 2 Change over time in right ventricular longitudinal peak systolic strain (RV LPSS) in preterm children and controls from a mean 4- to 24-month corrected age. LPSS1: RV LPSS at a mean 4 month corrected age, LPSS2: RV LPSS at a mean 24 month corrected age.

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  Fig. 3 Change over time in right ventricular longitudinal peak systolic strain (RV LPSS) in individual preterm children with right ventricular systolic dysfunction at a mean 24 month corrected age. LPSS1: RV LPSS at a mean 4 month corrected age, LPSS2: RV LPSS at a mean 24 month corrected age.

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