Right ventricular functional assessment by 2D multi-plane echocardiography prior to left ventricular assist device implantation.

OBJECTIVES: Right ventricular (RV) failure post left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. A novel RV multi-plane imaging method using two-dimensional echocardiography and electronic plane rotation (MPE) was used to quantify RV function prior to LVAD implantation and to identify potential added value in this patient population. METHODS: In twenty-five end-stage heart failure patients (age 58.9 ± 6.8 years, 76% male), systolic function of four different RV walls (lateral, anterior, inferior and inferior coronal) were evaluated from one focussed apical view using MPE. RESULTS: Feasibility of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity (RV-S') measurements were high (84-100%), with lower TAPSE values measured in the inferior (14.2 ± 4.6 mm) and inferior coronal (12.3 ± 5.0 mm) walls compared to the lateral (16.3 ± 4.5 mm) and anterior walls (16.0 ± 4.5 mm). RV wall longitudinal strain (RV-LS) measurement was most feasible in the lateral wall (80%; mean: -12.1 ± 4.2%). TAPSE and RV-LS values were significantly reduced in patients compared to matched healthy individuals (p = <0.001). Seven (28%) patients who developed moderate to severe RV failure (RVF) early post-implant (≤30 days) had lower pre-implant values across all multi-plane parameters compared to those without significant post-implant RVF, notably four-wall averaged TAPSE (11.1 ± 3.4 mm vs 15.9 ± 4.0 mm; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: 2D MPE was highly feasible for RV wall quantification pre-LVAD surgery, detecting differences in regional wall function. This novel method comprehensively quantifies RV wall function and could complement current pre-LVAD screening protocols.

Normal myocardial strain values using 2D speckle tracking echocardiography in healthy adults aged 20 to 72 years.

AIMS: Evaluation of left ventricular (LV) myocardial deformation by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is useful for clinical and research purposes. However, strain measurements depend on the used software. Normative data for QLAB 10 (Philips) are scarce. Additionally, little is known about the influence of anthropometric factors. We aimed to establish normal adult STE-derived strain and strain rate values and to evaluate associations with anthropometrics. METHODS: One hundred fifty-five healthy subjects aged 20 to 72 years (≥28 subjects per decile) were prospectively gathered and examined with electrocardiography and two-dimensional echocardiography. With STE, we assessed peak systolic LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), segmental longitudinal strain, and strain rate from the three standard apical views. RESULTS: We included 147 healthy subjects (age 44.6±13.7 years, 50% female, GLS -20.8±2.0%). Men had significantly lower GLS than women (-20.1±1.8% vs -21.5±2.0%, P<.001). GLS was significantly lower in subjects with age above 55 years (P=.029), higher blood pressure (P<.001), higher body surface area (BSA, P<.001), larger LV end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes (both P<.001), lower LV ejection fraction (P<.001), and some indices of diastolic function. After multivariable regression analysis, the correlation with systolic blood pressure, E-wave, and LV end-systolic volume remained significant. The systolic strain rates of most segments correlated with BSA. CONCLUSIONS: Our study resulted in normative LV GLS values assessed with QLAB 10. Male sex, higher BSA, and higher blood pressure negatively influence GLS. Therefore, these factors should be taken into account for strain interpretation in clinical practice.

A Novel 13-Segment Standardized Model for Assessment of Right Ventricular Function Using Two-Dimensional iRotate Echocardiography.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of transthoracic two-dimensional (2D) iRotate, a new echo modality, to assess the whole right ventricle (RV) from a single transducer position based on anatomic landmarks. METHODS AND RESULTS: The anatomic landmarks were first defined based on three-dimensional echocardiographic datasets using multiplane reconstruction analyses. Thereafter, we included 120 healthy subjects (51% male, age range 21-67 years). Using 2D iRotate, four views of the RV could be acquired based on these landmarks. The anterior, lateral, inferior wall (divided into three segments: basal-mid-apical), and right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) anterior wall of the RV were determined. The feasibility of visualization of RV segments and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) measurements were assessed. To evaluate this model for diseased RVs, a small pilot study of 20 patients was performed. In 98% of healthy subjects and 100% of patients, iRotate mode was feasible to assess the RV from one single transducer position. In total, 86% and 95%, respectively, of the RV segments could be visualized. The visualization of the RVOT anterior wall was worse 23% and 75%, respectively. TAPSE and TDI measurements on all four views were feasible 93% and 92%, respectively, of the healthy subjects and in 100% of the patients. CONCLUSION: With 2D iRotate, a comprehensive evaluation of the entire normal and diseased RV is feasible from a fixed transducer position based on anatomic landmarks. This is less time-consuming than the multiview approach and enhances accuracy of RV evaluation. Imaging of the RVOT segment remains challenging.

Ascending aortic diameters in congenital aortic stenosis: cardiac magnetic resonance versus transthoracic echocardiography.

OBJECTIVES/BACKGROUND: Congenital aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common obstructive left heart lesion in the young adult population and often complicated by aortic dilatation. Our objective was to evaluate accuracy of aortic imaging with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) compared with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). METHODS: Aortic diameters were measured at 4 levels by CMR and TTE. Agreement and concordance were assessed by Pearson's correlation and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients (age 33 ± 8 years; 66% male) with congenital AS and a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) were included. Aortic diameters were generally smaller with TTE than with CMR. The best correlation was found at the level of the sinotubular junction (R(2) = 0.78) with a bias of 1.46 mm (limits of agreement: -5.47 to +8.39 mm). In patients with an aortic aneurysm >40 mm (n = 29) the correlation and agreement between TTE and CMR were found to be less good when compared with patients with normal aortic diameters, especially at the level of the proximal ascending aorta. The correlation and agreement between both imaging modalities were better in patients with type 1 BAV compared with type 2 BAV. Intra- and interobserver variability was smaller with CMR (1.8-5.9%) compared with TTE (6.9-15.0%). CONCLUSIONS: CMR was found to be superior to TTE for imaging of the aorta in patients with congenital AS, especially at the level of the proximal ascending aorta when an aortic aneurysm is present. Therefore, ideally CMR should be performed at least once to ensure an ascending aortic aneurysm is not missed.

Feasibility and observer reproducibility of speckle tracking echocardiography in congenital heart disease patients.

AIMS: The twisting motion of the heart has an important role in the function of the left ventricle. Speckle tracking echocardiography is able to quantify left ventricular (LV) rotation and twist. So far this new technique has not been used in congenital heart disease patients. The aim of our study was to investigate the feasibility and the intra- and inter-observer reproducibility of LV rotation parameters in adult patients with congenital heart disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study population consisted of 66 consecutive patients seen in the outpatient clinic (67% male, mean age 31 ± 7.7 years, NYHA class 1 ± 0.3) with a variety of congenital heart disease. First, feasibility was assessed in all patients. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was assessed for the patients in which speckle tracking echocardiography was feasible. Adequate image quality, for performing speckle echocardiography, was found in 80% of patients. The bias for the intra-observer reproducibility of the LV twist was 0.0°, with 95% limits of agreement of -2.5° and 2.5° and for interobserver reproducibility the bias was 0.0°, with 95% limits of agreement of -3.0° and 3.0°. Intra- and inter-observer measurements showed a strong correlation (0.86 and 0.79, respectively). Also a good repeatability was seen. The mean time to complete full analysis per subject for the first and second measurement was 9 and 5 minutes, respectively. CONCLUSION: Speckle tracking echocardiography is feasible in 80% of adult patients with congenital heart disease and shows excellent intra- and inter-observer reproducibility.

Right ventricular quantification in clinical practice: two-dimensional vs. three-dimensional echocardiography compared with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

AIMS: To establish the additional value of three-dimensional echocardiography (3D echo) for assessment of right ventricular (RV) size and function in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) in everyday clinical practice, the accuracy and reproducibility of 3D echo were compared with conventional two-dimensional echocardiography (2D echo) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging as reference. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with CHD and primarily affected right ventricles (n = 62), patients with CHD and primarily affected left ventricles (LV group, n = 27), and healthy controls (n = 31) were studied. 2D echo-, 3D echo- and CMR data sets were obtained. Moderate correlations were found between RV dimensions by 2D echo and CMR-derived RV end-diastolic volumes (r = 0.32-0.77). The correlations between RV volumes obtained by 3D echo and CMR imaging were better (r = 0.71-0.97) than the 2D echo-derived correlations (P < 0.001). Only the 2D echo-derived RV inlet diameter correlated better in healthy controls than in the RV group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that 3D echo-derived end-diastolic volume best identified RV dysfunction (sensitivity 95% and specificity 100%). The 3D echo-derived measurements were as reproducible as the 2D echo-derived measurements (n = 37, coefficients of variation ranging from 5 to 19%), with tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion being the most reproducible measurement (coefficient of variation of 6%). CONCLUSION: 3D echo improved quantitative RV size and function assessment compared with 2D echo in patients as well as in healthy controls. Everyday clinical use of 3D echo for RV assessment can be reality with the currently available software and provides incremental benefit in assessment of the right ventricle.

Multi-plane echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular function in adults with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot.

In patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF), detailed assessment of right ventricular (RV) function is important for management and timing of possible pulmonary valve re-intervention. The aim of this study was to evaluate RV function using two-dimensional multi-plane echocardiography (2D MPE), a novel four-wall imaging method obtained from one apical acoustic window utilising electronic plane rotation. In sixty-two ToF patients (aged - 28 [22, 39] years, 65% male), systolic function of four different RV walls (lateral, anterior, inferior and inferior coronal) were evaluated using MPE. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity (RV-S') and RV wall longitudinal strain (RV-LS) measurements were compared with those of matched healthy individuals. 2D MPE measurements were highly feasible across the four RV walls (93.5-100% for TAPSE/S'; 66.1-95.1% for RVLS) and could be performed more reliably than 3D RV ejection fraction (RVEF - 56.5%). All functional values were significantly reduced when compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Higher RV-LS values were seen in the lateral (- 17.8 ± 4.5%) and inferior (- 17.8 ± 4.2%) walls compared to the anterior (- 15.9 ± 3.8%) and inferior coronal (- 15.1 ± 3.9%) walls. 3D RVEF correlated strongest with RV-LS values from the lateral (r - 0.50; p = 0.002) and anterior walls (r - 0.74; p < 0.001) and furthermore the four-wall average (r - 0.57; p = 0.001). 2D MPE evaluation of the RV is highly feasible in ToF patients. This novel method provides new insights into regional RV wall function, enabling a more comprehensive and quantitative approach to RV assessment in daily clinical practice.

[Evaluation of the mitral valve by transthoracic real-time three-dimensional echocardiography]. / A mitralis billentyu vizsgálata transthoracalis real-time háromdimenziós echokardiográfiával.

Recently, echocardiography is the most widely used routine non-invasive diagnostic method, with which morphology and function of the mitral valve can be characterized. The aim of this review is to demonstrate the role of one of the newest echocardiographic developments, the transthoracic real-time three-dimensional echocardiography in the evaluation of mitral valve.

Diagnosis of biventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography.

Non-compaction of the ventricular myocardium is a recently recognized rare disorder of the endomyocardial morphogenesis. The disease can be characterized by systolic and diastolic heart failure, ventricular arrhythmias and systemic embolization. The present case suggests the clinical role of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography in the spatial evaluation of both ventricles in suspected biventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy.

[The role of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography in the evaluation of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]. / A real-time háromdimenziós echokardiográfia szerepe a hypertrophiás cardiomyopathia vizsgálatában.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a relatively common hereditary disorder, which is associated with cardiac morphologic and functional alterations. Echocardiography is a non-invasive, simple and easy-to-learn method to evaluate patients with cardiomyopathy. The aim of this review paper is to demonstrate the possible diagnostic role of one of the newest echocardiographic development, the real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography in the evaluation of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Intermodality variation of aortic dimensions: How, where and when to measure the ascending aorta.

BACKGROUND: No established reference-standard technique is available for ascending aortic diameter measurements. The aim of this study was to determine agreement between modalities and techniques. METHODS: In patients with aortic pathology transthoracic echocardiography, computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) were performed. Aortic diameters were measured at the sinus of Valsalva (SoV), sinotubular junction (STJ) and tubular ascending aorta (TAA) during mid-systole and end-diastole. In echocardiography both the inner edge-to-inner edge (I-I edge) and leading edge-to­leading edge (L-L edge) methods were applied, and the length of the aortic annulus to the most cranial visible part of the ascending aorta was measured. In CTA and MRA the I-I method was used. RESULTS: Fifty patients with bicuspid aortic valve (36 ±â€¯13 years, 26% female) and 50 Turner patients (35 ±â€¯13 years) were included. Comparison of all aortic measurements showed a mean difference of 5.4 ±â€¯2.7 mm for the SoV, 5.1 ±â€¯2.0 mm for the STJ and 4.8 ±â€¯2.1 mm for the TAA. The maximum difference was 18 mm. The best agreement was found between echocardiography L-L edge and CTA during mid-systole. CTA and MRA showed good agreement. A mean difference of 1.5 ±â€¯1.3 mm and 1.8 ±â€¯1.5 mm was demonstrated at the level of the STJ and TAA comparing mid-systolic with end-diastolic diameters. The visible length of the aorta increased on average 5.3 ±â€¯5.1 mmW during mid-systole. CONCLUSIONS: MRA and CTA showed best agreement with L-L edge method by echocardiography. In individual patients large differences in ascending aortic diameter were demonstrated, warranting measurement standardization. The use of CTA or MRA is advised at least once.

Double orifice mitral valve by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography.

Double orifice mitral valve (DOMV) is a rare congenital malformation described as division of mitral orifice into two anatomically distinct orifices separated by an accessory bridge of fibrous tissue. In 85% of cases, both orifices are unequal in size. It is usually associated with other congenital defects such as atrioventricular septal defect and complex congenital heart disease. Most of cases could be diagnosed by two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE). The real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) helped in more detailed structure and function. Presented here RT3DE used for orientation of DOMV that allowed detailed and comprehensive assessment incremental to that obtained by 2DE.

Rapid and accurate measurement of LV mass by biplane real-time 3D echocardiography in patients with concentric LV hypertrophy: comparison to CMR.

AIMS: To evaluate the accuracy of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) using a biplane and multiplane method in determining left ventricular (LV) mass compared to cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). METHODS AND RESULTS: LV mass was measured in 18 adult patients with congenital aortic stenosis using CMR and echocardiography (M-mode, two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE), and RT3DE). RT3DE data were analysed using a biplane and multiplane method. No geometric assumptions were necessary using the multiplane RT3DE method. With regard to biplane or multiplane RT3DE, no tendency of over- or underestimation of LV mass was observed. Pearson's correlation coefficients for RT3DE versus CMR were 0.84 and 0.90 for the biplane and multiplane method, respectively. In addition, the accuracy of both RT3DE methods were comparable (Fisher's R-to-Z transformation: Z = 0.69, P = NS). Finally, off-line analysis using biplane RT3DE was significantly faster than multiplane RT3DE (3.8 +/- 1.2 vs. 7.8 +/- 1.7 minutes, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Biplane RT3DE provided an accurate estimate of LV mass in patients with concentric left ventricular hypertrophy, which was not improved by multiplane RT3DE. The accuracy and speed of analysis renders biplane RT3DE an attractive tool in daily clinical practice for assessing the degree of LV hypertrophy.

[Real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography: can there be one more dimension?]. / Real-time 3-dimenziós echokardiográfia--lehet egy dimenzióval több?

There is an essential importance of non-invasive imaging methods for evaluation of cardiac patients. Theoretically, the heart can be examined exactly, if due to its nature assessed in three dimensions (3D) concerning the heart cycle. In recent studies it has been confirmed that the second-generation real-time three-dimensional echocardiography offers optimal opportunity for three-dimensional evaluation of cardiac structures. Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography is a valuable tool for exact evaluation of ventricular and atrial volumes and ventricular masses. Valves and congenital abnormalities can be analysed 'en-face' with this new methodology. The usefulness of this method with stress protocols has been confirmed. The aim of the present review is to demonstrate advantages of this new promising method showing recent technological limitations as well.

Left Atrial Deformation Analysis in Patients with Corrected Tetralogy of Fallot by 3D Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography (from the MAGYAR-Path Study).

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography coupled with speckle-tracking echocardiographic (STE) capability is a novel methodology which has been demontrated to be useful for the assessment of left atrial (LA) volumes and functional properties. There is increased scientific interest on myocardial deformation analysis in adult patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot (cTOF). Objectives: To compare LA volumes, volume-based functional properties and strain parameters between cTOF patients and age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Methods: The study population consisted of 19 consecutive adult patients with cTOF in sinus rhythm nursing at the University of Szeged, Hungary (mean age: 37.9 ± 11.3 years, 8 men, who had repair at the age of 4.1 ± 2.5 years). They all had undergone standard transthoracic two-dimensional Doppler echocardiographic study extended with 3DSTE. Their results were compared to 23 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (mean age: 39.2 ± 10.6 years, 14 men). Results: Increased LA volumes and reduced LA emptying fractions respecting cardiac cycle could be demonstrated in cTOF patients compared to controls. LA stroke volumes featuring all LA functions showed no differences between the 2 groups examined. LA global and mean segmental uni- and multidirectional peak strains featuring LA reservoir function were found to be diminished in adult patients with cTOF as compared to controls. Similarly to peak strains reduced global and mean segmental LA strains at atrial contraction characterizing atrial booster pump function could be demonstrated in cTOF patients as compared to controls. Conclusions: Significant deterioration of all LA functions could be demonstrated in adult patients with cTOF late after repair.

Fundamento: Ecocardiografia tridimensional (3D) acoplada à técnica de speckle-tracking (3DSTE) é uma nova metodologia útil para a avaliação de volumes e propriedades funcionais do átrio esquerdo (AE). Há crescente interesse científico na análise da deformação miocárdica em adultos com tetralogia de Fallot corrigida (cTOF). Objetivos: Comparar os volumes de AE, propriedades funcionais baseadas no volume e parâmetros de strain entre pacientes com cTOF e controles saudáveis pareados por idade e sexo. Métodos: A população do estudo consistiu em 19 adultos com cTOF consecutivos, em ritmo sinusal, acompanhados na Universidade Szeged, Hungria (idade média: 37,9 ± 11,3 anos; 8 homens; com correção cirúrgica aos 4,1 ± 2,5 anos de idade). Todos foram submetidos a ecocardiografia transtorácica bidimensional com Doppler padrão e 3DSTE. Os resultados foram comparados aos de 23 controles saudáveis pareados por idade e sexo (idade média: 39,2 ± 10,6 anos; 14 homens). Resultados: Aumento dos volumes de AE e redução das frações de esvaziamento de AE em relação ao ciclo cardíaco foram demonstrados em pacientes com cTOF em comparação aos dos controles. Os volumes de ejeção de AE caracterizando todas as funções do AE não diferiram entre os dois grupos. Strains de AE global e segmentar médio uni- e multidimensional, caracterizando função de reservatório de AE, estavam diminuídos em adultos com cTOF em comparação aos de controles. À semelhança dos strains de pico, reduzidos strains de AE global e segmentar médio na contração atrial, caracterizando função de bomba atrial, foram demonstrados em pacientes com cTOF em comparação aos de controles. Conclusões: Demonstrou-se significativa deterioração das funções de AE em adultos com cTOF em fase tardia após correção.

Quantitative assessment of the entire right ventricle from one acoustic window: an attractive approach.

AIMS: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the feasibility and establish normal values of functional right ventricle (RV) parameters as assessed in our four, long-axis view RV model using iRotate echocardiography. Furthermore, we evaluated the potential use of this model in patients with abnormally loaded RVs. METHOD AND RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-five healthy subjects aged 20-72 years (≥28 subjects per decile) were prospectively recruited. We used non-dedicated RV speckle-tracking software to test the feasibility and to establish normal range values of peak systolic global longitudinal RV strain (RV-GLS) from the RV free-walls (septum was excluded). Also normal range values for: dimensions, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity (TDI-S') were established. The feasibility of RV-GLS was 88, 84, and 62%, respectively, in the lateral, inferior, and anterior free wall. Mean RV-GLS normal values were -24.5 ± 4.9% for lateral wall and -25.4 ± 5.0% for anterior wall. Mean RV-GLS in the inferior wall was -23.2 ± 4.4% in the aortic (Ao) view and -20.7 ± 5.0% in the coronal (CV) view. The feasibility of mean RV-GLS was 100% in the anterior, lateral, and inferior walls in abnormally dilated RVs. CONCLUSION: The feasibility of all RV parameters assessed in the four-view iRotate model is good to excellent. Normal values for RV dimension and function of the anterior, inferior, and lateral RV walls have been established. Further studies and dedicated RV speckle-tracking software are warranted to discover the full potential of this new technique.

Three-dimensional Echocardiography in Congenital Heart Disease: An Expert Consensus Document from the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging and the American Society of Echocardiography.

Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) has become important in the management of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), particularly with pre-surgical planning, guidance of catheter intervention, and functional assessment of the heart. 3DE is increasingly used in children because of good acoustic windows and the non-invasive nature of the technique. The aim of this paper is to provide a review of the optimal application of 3DE in CHD including technical considerations, image orientation, application to different lesions, procedural guidance, and functional assessment.

Comparison of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography to magnetic resonance imaging for assessment of left ventricular mass.

This is the first study to assess the feasibility and accuracy of real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography (RT-3DE) for the measurements of left ventricular (LV) mass in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Twenty patients (60% men) with CHD were evaluated by MRI and RT-3DE on the same day. Their mean age was 29 +/- 8 years (range 19 to 49). RT-3DE was performed with a Philips Sonos 7500 echocardiographic system and LV mass analyses with the assistance of TomTec software. The results for LV mass obtained by manual tracing were compared with Signa 1.5-T MRI data. The acquisition of RT-3DE data sets was feasible in all 20 patients. Nine patients (45%) had good, 5 patients (25%) moderate, and 6 patients (30%) poor image quality of the 3-dimensional data set. The time of 3-dimensional data acquisition was 4 +/- 2 minutes. Off-line image processing and tracing required approximately 11 +/- 3 minutes. A very good correlation was observed between RT-3DE data with sufficient image quality and MRI (r = 0.98, y = 0.96x + 4.1, SEE 9.8 g), with a mean difference of 2.0 +/- 20 g. Interobserver agreement was excellent (r = 0.99, y = 0.97x + 3.81), with a mean difference of -1 +/- 11 g. In conclusion, the assessment of LV mass from RT-3DE data is feasible in patients with CHD. The mass of an abnormally shaped left ventricle can be determined with high accuracy and low interobserver variability in patients with good or moderate echocardiographic image quality.

Quantitative assessment of systolic left ventricular function with speckle-tracking echocardiography in adult patients with repaired aortic coarctation.

Despite successful aortic coarctation (CoA) repair, systemic hypertension often recurs which may influence left ventricular (LV) function. We aimed to detect early LV dysfunction using LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) in adults with repaired CoA, and to identify associations with patient and echocardiographic characteristics. In this cross-sectional study, patients with repaired CoA and healthy controls were recruited prospectively. All subjects underwent echocardiography, ECG and blood sampling within 1 day. With speckle-tracking echocardiography, we assessed LV GLS on the apical four-, three- and two-chamber views. We included 150 subjects: 75 patients (57 % male, age 33.4 ± 12.8 years, age at repair 2.5 [IQR: 0.1-11.1] years) and 75 healthy controls of similar sex and age. LV GLS was lower in patients than in controls (-17.1 ± 2.3 vs. -20.2 ± 1.6 %, P < 0.001). Eighty percent of the patients had a normal LV ejection fraction, but GLS was still lower than in controls (P < 0.001). In patients, GLS correlated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.32, P = 0.009; r = 0.31, P = 0.009), QRS duration (r = 0.34, P = 0.005), left atrial dimension (r = 0.27, P = 0.029), LV mass (r = 0.30, P = 0.014) and LV ejection fraction (r = -0.48, P < 0.001). Patients with either associated cardiac lesions, multiple cardiac interventions or aortic valve replacement had lower GLS than patients without. Although the majority of adults with repaired CoA seem to have a normal systolic LV function, LV GLS was decreased. Higher blood pressure, associated cardiac lesions, and larger left atrial dimension are related with lower GLS. Therefore, LV GLS may be used as objective criterion for early detection of ventricular dysfunction.