Pulmonary, aorta, and coronary arteries post-arterial switch in transposition of great arteries: intermediate-term surveillance utilizing conventional echocardiography and cardiac multislice computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Arterial switch operation (ASO) is the standard surgical choice for D-transposition of great arteries (D-TGA). However, the implications of ASO on pulmonaries, coronaries, and aorta have not been adequately investigated. The current study evaluates arterial morphologic changes post-ASO at intermediate-term surveillance. METHODS: From May 2021 to May 2022, patients with D-TGA who underwent ASO for more than six months were recruited. Preoperative and operative data were collected. Patients were assessed using echocardiography (ECHO) and multislice CT angiography (MSCT) to evaluate pulmonary, coronary, and aortic arterial anatomy. RESULTS: Twenty patients were included with median age of 11 (10-23.25) days at ASO and 14 (7.25-32.75) months on last follow-up. Neo-aortic regurgitation was detected in 12(60%) and neo-pulmonary regurgitation in 3 (15%). Using ECHO, complete evaluation of pulmonary arteries (PAs) was not achieved in 35% and incomplete coronaries assessment in 40% of cases. No stenosis was detected in coronaries using MSCT, although coronary anomalies were found in 9/20 (45%). Dilated Aortic annulus was detected in 16/20 (80%), dilated aortic root in 18/20 (90%), and dilated sinotubular junction in 70%. Right PA stenosis was diagnosed in 10/20 (50%) and left PA(LPA) stenosis in 7/20 (35%). Although Z-score of PAs did not correlate with aortic data, LPA bending angle was positively correlated to neo-aortic root diameter and Z-score (rho = 0.65,p = 0.016; rho = 0.69,p = 0.01), respectively. CONCLUSION: Echocardiography alone is not a conclusive surveillance tool for detecting late post-ASO anatomic changes in D-TGA patients. Cardiac MSCT should be considered for comprehensive evaluation on the intermediate-term follow-up post-ASO to accurately track morphologic abnormalities in the aorta, pulmonary, and coronary arteries.

Huge congenital right ventricular diverticulum in tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia: A double trouble.

Congenital diverticulum is an uncommonly detected cardiac lesion, especially in infancy. However, its association with cyanotic congenital heart disease is extremely rare. In the current work, we report a case diagnosed in the neonatal period with tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary valve atresia associated with a large congenital diverticulum originating from the right ventricle.

Initiating a Fetal Cardiac Program from Scratch in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Structure, Challenges, and Hopes for Solutions.

Although fetal cardiac programs are well established in developed countries, establishing an efficient program in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is still considered a significant challenge. Substantial obstacles usually face the initiation of fetal cardiac service from scratch in LMICs. The primary structural frame of a successful fetal cardiac program is described in detail, emphasizing the required team members. The potential challenges for starting fetal cardiac services in LMICs include financial, awareness-related, prenatal obstetric screening, sociocultural, psychosocial, and social support factors. These challenges could be solved by addressing these barriers, such as collecting funds for financial support, raising awareness among families and health care providers, telemedicine, building international health partnerships, modifying training protocols for fetal cardiologists and sonographers, and initiating support groups and social services for families with confirmed fetal cardiac disease. Initiating a successful fetal cardiac program requires multi-aspect structural planning. The challenges for program initiation require diverse efforts, from modified training and promoting awareness of care providers and the community to governmental and nonprofit organizations' collaborations for proper building and utilization of program resources.

Multimodality imaging for comprehensive non-invasive diagnosis of aorto-left ventricular tunnel in infancy.

BACKGROUND: Aorto-left ventricular tunnel (ALVT) is a paravalvular communication between aorta and left ventricle. It is one of the rare congenital heart diseases which could present with heart failure. CASE PRESENTATION: A case of ALVT was diagnosed in infancy. Preliminary assessment was possible using conventional echocardiography; however, functional assessment and accurate anatomy of ALVT were further verified via variable imaging modalities starting from speckle tracking and three-dimensional echocardiography to cardiac CT angiogram. The tunnel was successfully repaired with uneventful recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Multimodality imaging can accurately assess cardiac function and demonstrate the anatomy of ALVT noninvasively to plan for successful intervention.

Placental Histopathologic Findings in the Setting of Prenatally Diagnosed Major Congenital Heart Disease.

Objectives: Studies suggest an association between placenta and congenital heart disease (CHD). We evaluated placental pathologies associated with major CHD. Methods: A prospective study included fetuses with major CHD, identified by fetal echocardiography. Fetal Doppler of umbilical artery (UA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), and placental histopathology were assessed. Outcome was measured by mortality at one month of age. Results: 21 cases were analyzed. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome was the commonest lesion (23.8%). Significant differences were detected among categories regarding MCA systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratio & pulsatility index (p = 0.023; 0.036), respectively. Placental histopathologies were demonstrated in 18(85.7%), predominately involved fetal malperfusion lesions 16/21(76.2%), especially chorangiosis (33.3%). No significant association was detected between placental histopathological abnormalities and Doppler parameter, diagnostic category, or mortality. Conclusion: The high prevalence of abnormal placental histopathological findings in major fetal CHD provides additional evidence of placental-cardiac interlinkage. No association was detected between abnormal placental histopathology and fetal Doppler measurements or neonatal outcome of CHD.

Long-term outcomes of percutaneous closure of ventricular septal defects in children using different devices: A single centre experience from Egypt.

BACKGROUND: The feasibility of percutaneous closure ventricular septal defects (VSD) in children has been previously proven. However, data on long-term outcomes are limited. We aim to evaluate the long-term outcome of our experience with percutaneous closure of VSD using various occluders. METHODS: Retrospective institutional analysis of children who underwent transcatheter closure of perimembranous and muscular VSDs between September 2012 and February 2020. Patient demographics, procedural, and long-term follow-up data were comprehensively analyzed. Patients who lost to follow-up within two years post-procedure were excluded. RESULTS: We identified 75 patients (54.7% males) with a median of 66 months (IQR, 46-96). The closure success rate at one year was 95.7%. Complete heart block was detected in two patients early post-procedure and resolved with steroids. The VSDs were perimembranous (52%), muscular (33.33%), and residual (14.67%). Implanted devices were Pfm Nit-Occlud LeˆVSD Coil (42.7%), HyperionTM VSD Muscular Occluder (28%), Amplatzer VSD muscular occluder (10.7%), Amplatzer Duct Occluder (14.7%), Occlutech Muscular VSD Occluder (2.7%), and Amplatzer Duct Occluder II (1.3%). No new arrhythmia or valve regurgitation was detected after two years post-procedure. Persisted complications on long-term follow-up included: residual shunting in 3(4%), mild tricuspid regurgitation in 2(2.7%), and aortic regurgitation in 2(2.7%), with one immediate post-catheterization mild aortic regurgitation worsened during follow-up, requiring surgical repair of VSD three years after device implantation. No deaths were reported. CONCLUSION: Long-term outcomes of pediatric transcatheter VSD closure using different devices are satisfactory. Post-procedural adverse events are limited, but long-term surveillance is necessary to monitor their progression.

Health Related Quality of Life in Juvenile-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Questionnaire-Based Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate health related quality of life (HRQOL) in Egyptian children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using 3 different tools. METHODS: In this questionnaire-based study, 100 children with SLE were included. HRQOL was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Generic Core Scales (PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS), PedsQL™ 3.0 Rheumatology Module (PedsQL3-RM) and the Simple Measure of the Impact of Lupus Erythematosus in Youngsters (SMILEY). SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) was used to evaluate activity and SLE International Collaborating Clinics/ American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI) was used to evaluate chronic damage. RESULTS: All mean scores of PedsQLTM4.0 GCS domains in SLE patients were lower than published normative data and previously published results of Egyptian healthy controls (p < 0.001). All mean scores of PedsQL-3RM domains were significantly lower than published normative data except for the treatment and pain and hurt domains (p = 0.1, 0.2 respectively). SMILEY scores were low and the lowest domain scores was "Burden of SLE". Longer duration of illness, higher cumulative steroid doses, higher SLEDAI and SDI scores and presence of obesity were associated with lower scores for all 3 tools (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION FOR PRACTICE: The Arabic copies of PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS, PedsQL3-RM and SMILEY are easily used for Arabic speaking subjects and easily interpreted by physician and can be implemented for frequent monitoring of SLE HRQOL. Controlling the disease activity and using lowest doses of steroids and other immunosuppressive drugs are the corner stone strategies for improving HRQOL in SLE children.

This is the first study to evaluate HRQOL scores in Egyptian children with SLE which were found to be lower than published data with long disease duration, high cumulative disease activity, use of steroids and presence of obesity are the main influential factors related to low QoL scores. Generic and disease specific questionnaires are easily used for Arabic speaking subjects and easily interpreted by physician and can be implemented for frequent monitoring of SLE HRQOL. Controlling the disease activity and using lowest doses of steroids and other immunosuppressive drugs are the corner stone strategies for improving HRQOL in SLE children.

A deeper look into the functions of right ventricle using three-dimensional echocardiography: the forgotten ventricle in children with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Studies on the right ventricular dysfunction (RV) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are limited, particularly in the pediatric age group. The study aimed to identify subclinical RV alterations in childhood-onset SLE (c-SLE) using conventional and three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE). Forty SLE pediatric patients and 40 healthy controls were included. Disease activity and chronicity were evaluated by SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) score and SLE damage index (SDI). Participants underwent detailed RV echocardiographic examination with conventional and 3DE assessment using 3D auto RV software. Patients included 35/40 (87.5%) females with mean age of 15.6 ± 1.7 years. Using conventional pulmonary artery systolic pressure echocardiography-derived measurement, none of the c-SLE patients had pulmonary hypertension. By 3DE, RV end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes (p = < 0.001, 0.02, respectively) were greater, whereas 3D-derived RV ejection fraction (p < 0.001), septal, and lateral longitudinal strain (both p < 0.001) were lower in SLE. SDI displayed a significant correlation with 3D auto RV ejection fraction (EF), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change, and RV longitudinal strain (RVLS)-free wall (p = 0.01, 0.003, 0.007, and < 0.001, respectively). Cumulative SLEDAI score also showed a significant correlation with RV EF, TAPSE, FAC, and RVLS-free wall (p = 0.03, 0.007, 0.002, and < 0.001, respectively). By multivariate regression analysis, SDI remained an independent predictor of RVLS-free wall (ß coefficient - 0.4, p = 0.03) and TAPSE (ß - 0.5, p = 0.02).  Conclusion: Subtle right ventricular myocardial dysfunction could be detected in childhood-onset SLE patients, especially via 3D-derived auto RV echocardiographic parameters, despite the absence of evident pulmonary hypertension. These parameters correlate with the SLE disease activity and chronicity scores. What is Known: •Diseases of the cardiovascular system are one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in SLE patients. •RV labeled the forgotten ventricle in many diseases, was also forgotten in SLE patients and has been rarely addressed in adults, with scarce research in pediatrics. What is New: •Right ventricular functions are affected in children with SLE in comparison to healthy controls, especially three-dimensional echocardiography-derived parameters, which is an aspect that has not been investigated in previous research in the pediatric age group. •Some of the detected myocardial dysfunctions of the right ventricle correlated with SLE disease activity and chronicity-related scores.

Left Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm: Unexpected Sequel of Tamponade-Complicated Infectious Pericarditis in Infancy.

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm (LV-PsA) is a critical finding that could result in a fatal outcome. It may complicate myocardial infarction, cardiac surgery, trauma, or endocarditis but rarely follows pericarditis. We report a case of infectious pericarditis complicated by pericardial tamponade in an infant. After effusion drainage and medical therapy, a large LV-PsA was detected. Successful closure of the pseudoaneurysmá¾½s neck was accomplished using a Gore-tex patch.

Transcatheter closure of main pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm using atrial septal occluder device in an infant.

We present a case of percutaneous closure of main pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm using an atrial septal occluder device in a seven-month-old infant. The infant had tetralogy of Fallot repair followed by transcatheter left pulmonary artery stenting. The occlusion of the wide neck of the pseudoaneurysm was performed successfully using the atrial septal occluder with no detected complications in his six-month follow-up post-catheterisation.

Recurrence pattern of non-syndromic familial congenital heart diseases among a large cohort of families from Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are the commonest congenital anomalies with increased risk in children born from families with affected members. However, various recurrence patterns of CHDs have been reported in different populations. Therefore, this work aimed to assess the recurrence patterns of CHDs in a large sample of Egyptian families. METHODS: From January 2020 to October 2021, non-syndromic children with confirmed CHDs were recruited. Data were collected from guardians of the recruited children and hospital records, including the index case's cardiac diagnosis and CHD diagnosis of other affected family members with to determine their recurrence pattern, consanguinity, and multi-gestation status. RESULTS: A total of 130 recurrent cases with CHD were documented in 1960 families of children with CHD, including 66,989 members. Most recurrences were detected among first-degree relatives 50/130 (38.46%), especially siblings. Discordant recurrence was the most detected pattern (45.38%), followed by concordant recurrence (42.31%), and the least was group concordance. Recurrence rate was the highest for septal defects with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) (11.8%) and anomalous venous drainage (11.1%), followed by septal defect with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO) (9.4%), isolated ventricular septal defect (VSD) category (8.2%) and LVOTO (8%). Familial recurrence was significant in consanguineous marriages [p = 0.0001; OR (95%CI) = 4.5 (2.25-9.01)] and in multi-gestations siblings: [p = 0.036; OR (95%CI) = 12.5(1.03-6.04)]. CONCLUSION: The recurrence of non-syndromic CHD is evident among first-degree relatives in Egyptian families, with mostly a discordant recurrence pattern. Recurrence was more notable in septal defects with LVOTO, anomalous venous drainage, septal defect with RVOTO, isolated VSD, and isolated LVOTO diagnostic categories. This finding will significantly impact family counseling, emphasizing higher recurrence in consanguineous parents.

Large intra-abdominal umbilical vein varix with absent ductus venosus: The undeniable etiology of fetal heart failure despite associated congenital heart disease.

Fetal intra-abdominal umbilical vein varix (IUVV) is one of the rare anomalies of the umbilical vessels that simulate a cystic structure but with a vascular nature. IUVV usually drains into IVC through ductus venosus (DV), with evidence of an increase in the cardiac preload in most cases. In the current report, we present a fetus with congenital heart disease; however, the association of large IUVV with DV agenesis and direct drainage into the heart resulted in a high output fetal heart failure.

The relevance of left ventricular functions to clinical and metabolic characteristics of prepubertal children with obesity.

BACKGROUND: Paediatric obesity is a worldwide health burden, with growing evidence linking obesity to myocardial function impairments. The study aims to evaluate left ventricular functions among prepubertal obese children to obesity-related clinical and metabolic parameters. METHODS: Between June 2019 and March 2020, 40 prepubertal children with obesity were recruited and compared to 40 healthy controls. Patients were assessed for body mass index z scores, waist circumference, body adiposity by bioimpedance analysis, and obesity-related laboratory tests, for example, serum chemerin. Left ventricular functions were assessed using variable echocardiographic modalities, such as M-mode, tissue Doppler, and two-dimensional speckle tracking. RESULTS: Mean patients' age was 9.25 ± 1.05 years. Left ventricular mass index, E/E', and myocardial performance index were significantly increased in obese children than controls. Although M-mode-derived ejection fraction was comparable in both groups, two-dimensional speckle tracking-derived ejection fraction, global longitudinal strain, and global circumferential strain were significantly lower in cases than controls. Left ventricular mass index displayed a positive correlation with body mass index z score (p = 0.003), fat mass index (p = 0.037), and trunk fat mass (p = 0.021). Global longitudinal strain was negatively correlated with body mass index z score (p = 0.015) and fat mass index (p = 0.016). Serum chemerin was positively correlated with myocardial performance index (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Alterations of left ventricular myocardial functions in prepubertal obese children could be detected using different echocardiographic modalities. Chemerin, body mass index z score, fat mass index, and trunk fat mass were correlated with subclinical left ventricular myocardial dysfunction parameters before puberty. Our results reinforce early and strict management of childhood obesity upon detection of changes in anthropometric and body adiposity indices.

Cardiac implications of multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19 in children under the age of 5 years.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is responsible for significant lung disease in adults. Despite mild manifestations in most children, multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19 is well described in older children with cardiac manifestations. However, MIS-C-related cardiac manifestations are not as well described in younger children. METHODS: The study is a retrospective analysis of MIS-C patients under the age of 5 years admitted between May and November 2020 to a single centre. Included cases fulfilled the case definition of MIS-C according to Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health criteria with laboratory, electrocardiogram, or echocardiographic evidence of cardiac disease. Collected data included patients' demographics, laboratory results, echocardiographic findings, management, and outcomes. RESULTS: Out of 16 MIS-C cases under 5 years of age, 10 (62.5%) had cardiac manifestations with a median age of 12 months, 9 (90%) were previously healthy. Cardiac manifestations included coronary arterial aneurysms or ectasia in five (50%) cases, two (20%) with isolated myopericarditis, coronary ectasia with myocarditis in two (20%), and supraventricular tachycardia in one (10%). Intravenous immunoglobulins were given in all cases with coronary involvement or myocarditis. The median duration of hospitalisation was 7 (6-14) days; two (20%) cases with cardiac disease were mechanically ventilated and mortality in MIS-C cases below 5 years was 12.5%. Normalisation of systolic function occurred in half of the affected cases within 1 week and reached 100% by 30 days of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: MIS-C associated with SARS-CoV-2 has a high possibility of serious associated cardiac manifestations in children under the age of 5 years with mortality and/or long-term morbidities such as coronary aneurysms even in previously healthy children.

Evaluation of carotid artery access in comparison with femoral artery access in neonatal percutaneous stenting of ductus arteriosus.

BACKGROUND: Patent ductus arteriosus stenting in duct-dependent pulmonary circulation is a challenging procedure. Percutaneous carotid artery access for ductal stenting has proven to be feasible; however, comparison with femoral artery access in terms of procedure details and complications either immediate or late is scarce. Therefore, we evaluated carotid artery access in comparison with femoral artery for stenting of patent ductus arteriosus. METHODS: Forty neonates were reviewed, 20 were stented via carotid artery access, and 20 via the traditional femoral artery access. Comparison variables were neonatal demographics at the procedure, angiographic ductal anatomy, procedure details, and immediate complications. Follow-up Doppler ultrasound on access site was performed to document late complications. RESULTS: Median age of included cases was 10.5 (3-28) days with complex ductal anatomy more frequently accessed via carotid artery than femoral. Immediate access-related complications were significantly higher with femoral than carotid artery access; 9 (45%) versus 3 (15%) respectively, p = 0.038. With carotid access, we had only one case with small pseudoaneurysm and acute hemiparesis 3 days after the procedure. Delayed local complications were more common with femoral access (15%) than carotid access (5%), mild stenosis in one case, and severe in another with femoral access; while with transcarotid arterial access, only one case had mild narrowing. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous carotid artery access in neonates is a more convenient approach for patent ductus arteriosus stenting especially with complex ductal anatomy. Moreover, local complications are limited and vascular patency is better preserved, in comparison with trans-femoral arterial access. However, the potential for neurological adverse events should not be overlooked.

Double left brachiocephalic veins with vascular ring and normal intracardiac anatomy: Prenatal diagnosis of a rare association.

One of the extremely rare systemic venous anomalies is double left brachiocephalic veins (LBVs). In the current work, a rare association of double LBVs with a vascular ring and normal intracardiac anatomy is described in fetal life with postnatal confirmation using echocardiography and computed tomography. The prenatal diagnosis of such an infrequent lesion is feasible using fetal echocardiography. Despite the smooth prenatal and postnatal course, potential risk during certain interventions or surgeries should be highlighted in parent counseling.

Awareness assessment for parents of children with congenital heart diseases regarding fetal echocardiography.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The high recurrence rate of congenital heart disease (CHD) in siblings was the rationale for recommending fetal echocardiography. However, in a developing country like Egypt, there are limited fetal echocardiographic examinations under this category. The study was conducted to assess knowledge about fetal echocardiography amongst parents of children with CHD. METHOD: A questionnaire survey was conducted in a tertiary pediatric hospital from June to December 2018. The study included parents having children with CHD follow up in the outpatient clinic or admitted in the pediatric cardiology ward. The questionnaire included demographic data of parents regarding sex, age, education, and residence. It also includes a detailed inquiry about parents` knowledge regarding the availability, safety, and value of fetal echocardiography. RESULTS: Participants were 200 parents, mostly mothers 159 (79.5%). The median age of parents included in the study was 33.5 (29-40) years. Regarding awareness, 134 (67%) did not know any prenatal diagnostic investigation for CHD, 46 (23%) knew fetal echocardiography, and 20 (10%) named other tools. Nevertheless, 34% of parents thought they would need fetal echocardiography in a subsequent pregnancy. Although 178 (89%) of parents thought it might be a safe investigation, 33% did not think it will have additional benefits over postnatal echocardiography. The age of the patient and age of the participating parent were the only statistically significant predictors for parents knowledge on fetal echocardiography existence with p= 0.008, 95% CI=1.039- 1.282 and p= 0.015, 95% CI = 0.864-0.984, respectively. CONCLUSION: Parents of children with CHD have significant knowledge gaps regarding Fetal Echocardiography. Our findings suggest that the current parent counseling is inadequate and needs further focus, especially in developing countries, to promote parents` understanding of the prenatal cardiac diagnosis. Data on fetal echocardiography should be clarified at the initial diagnosis of pediatric CHD.

Fetal diagnosis of isolated absent pulmonary valve with intact interventricular septum: How to counsel the parents?

Isolated absent pulmonary valve syndrome with an intact ventricular septum (APVS/IVS) is an extremely rare lesion. The prenatal diagnosis was described in a few reports. In the current work, we report a unique fetal case with this rare anomaly. The family counseling for isolated APVS/IVS is a different challenging process than with fetal Fallot type diagnosis. Moreover, 22q11 deletion has never been found as an association. Parents must also be aware of the expected early heart failure in cases with large patent ductus arteriosus and the need for its closure as early as possible.

Changes of cardiac functions after hemodialysis session in pediatric patients with end-stage renal disease: conventional echocardiography and two-dimensional speckle tracking study.

BACKGROUND: Although acute effects of hemodialysis (HD) on cardiac functions in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have been studied frequently in adults, limited data are available in pediatric age. Therefore, this work elucidates the acute impact of HD on cardiac functions using conventional echocardiography and two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking in ESRD pediatric patients. METHODS: Between June 2018 and April 2019, 40 ESRD pediatric subjects on chronic HD were prospectively recruited. All patients were subjected to history taking and baseline laboratory tests. Anthropometric measures, heart rate, blood pressure, and bioimpedance were assessed before and after HD session. Moreover, conventional echocardiography including M.mode and Doppler parameters for valves, as well as left ventricle (LV) 2D speckle tracking were performed pre- and post-dialysis session. RESULTS: The included patients mean age was 12.9 ± 2.9 years, and males were 24 (60%). Significant reductions in body weight and blood pressure were noted after sessions. Post-dialysis LV and left atrial diameters, as well as left atrium to aortic diameter ratio, were lower. Nevertheless, conventional echocardiography-derived LV ejection fraction (EF), and fractional shortening were not significantly changed. Doppler-derived E/A ratio of mitral and tricuspid valves were lower post-dialysis. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) for LV was significantly reduced after dialysis (- 20.31 ± 3.58%, - 17.17 ± 3.40% vs, P < 0.0001), and global circumferential strain (GCS) was lower post-dialysis in comparison to pre-dialysis (- 21.37 ± 6.46% vs - 17.74 ± 6.16%, P < 0.0001). The speckle tracking-derived EF was significantly lower post-dialysis (57.58 ± 6.94 vs 53.64 ± 10.72, P = 0.018). All myocardial segments longitudinal and circumferential strains decreased significantly after dialysis. CONCLUSIONS: Post-hemodialysis significant decline in left ventricular EF as well as global and segmental strains can be detected in ESRD pediatric patients using 2D speckle tracking, despite the nonsignificant changes in systolic functions derived from conventional echocardiography. This is considered additional evidence of HD deleterious effect on myocardial functions, particularly in the pediatric age.