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Changes in the asynchronous contraction of the left ventricle in primary rheumocarditis in children
Insights
Primary rheumocarditis prolongs the pre-ejection period (AC phase) in children by increasing electromechanical interval (EMI) duration, indicating myocardial changes. This prolonged EMI may represent a compensatory response in rheumatic heart disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatrics
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Rheumatic heart disease is a significant concern in pediatric populations.
- Understanding the electromechanical changes in the left ventricle is crucial for diagnosing and managing pediatric rheumatic heart disease.
- Previous studies have indicated alterations in cardiac function during rheumocarditis, but detailed analysis of specific phases is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and detail the changes in the pre-ejection period (AC phase) of the left ventricle in children with primary rheumocarditis.
- To differentiate these changes from alterations in the electromechanical interval (EMI) and isovolumetric contraction (IVC).
Main Methods:
- A study involving 220 children aged 3-14 years.
- Two groups were analyzed: 100 healthy controls and 120 children diagnosed with primary rheumocarditis.
- Changes in the left ventricle's AC phase were evaluated using accelerocardiography (ACG), differentiating them from EMI and IVC.
Main Results:
- The rheumatic process in the myocardium was found to alter the normal conversion of electrical to mechanical events.
- A significant prolongation of the AC phase was observed in children with primary rheumocarditis.
- This prolongation of the AC phase is attributed to an increased duration of the EMI, while IVC remained largely unchanged.
Conclusions:
- Primary rheumocarditis modifies the electromechanical coupling in the pediatric left ventricle.
- The prolonged EMI duration in rheumocarditis may indicate a compensatory mechanism.
- ACG is a valuable tool for assessing these specific cardiac functional changes in children with rheumatic heart disease.
Abstract:
An attempt has been made at studying in greater detail the changes in the AC of the left ventricle in primary rheumocarditis. The changes, evaluated with the help of an ACG, have been differentiated from such in the EMI and those in IVC. The studies werecarried out on 220 children, aged 3-14, divided into 2 groups: 100 healthy controls and 120 with primary rheumocarditis. An analysis of the results shows that the rheumatic process in the myocardium modifies the normal transformation of electrical events into mechanical ones, and prolongs the AC phase. The latter is due to the increase of EMI duration. IVC is practically unchanged. The prolonged duration of EMI may be connected with a certain compensatory reaction.