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New ultrasound methods to quantify regional myocardial function in children with heart disease
F Weidemann1, B Eyskens, G R Sutherland
1Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Insights
New ultrasound methods can measure regional myocardial deformation in children. These indices of myocardial strain rates (SR) and strain (e) may help assess heart function in pediatric acquired or congenital heart disease.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric cardiology
- Medical imaging
- Ultrasound technology
Background:
- Assessing regional myocardial function in children with heart conditions is crucial.
- Existing methods for quantifying myocardial deformation in pediatric populations are limited.
- Novel ultrasound techniques offer potential for improved assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate new indices for measuring regional myocardial deformation in children.
- To explore the clinical utility of ultrasonic regional strain rates (SR) and strain (e) imaging.
- To investigate the relationship between these new parameters and integrated backscatter levels.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing temporally resolved radio-frequency ultrasound data.
- Calculating unidimensional regional myocardial strain rates (SR) and natural strain (e) from local myocardial velocity data.
- Comparing ultrasound-derived parameters with local cyclical changes in integrated backscatter levels.
Main Results:
- Preliminary data suggest the clinical value of ultrasonic regional SR and e imaging in children.
- Established normal values for SR and e exist for older children.
- Neonatal and infant values for these parameters require further determination.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasonic regional SR and e imaging represent promising tools for quantifying myocardial function in pediatric heart disease.
- These novel parameters may provide valuable insights into regional radial and long axis function of the ventricles.
- Further research is needed to establish normative data for neonates and infants.
Abstract:
From a temporally resolved radio-frequency data set, a series of new developing indices of regional myocardial deformation can be measured. These may be important new data sets to quantify regional radial and long axis function of the left or right ventricle in children with acquired or congenital heart disease. Using color Doppler methodology unidimensional regional myocardial strain rates (SR) and natural strain (e) can now be calculated from local myocardial velocity data sets. Normal regional velocity, SR, and e values have already been determined in older children and should form the database for studies into acquired or congenital heart disease in this age group. Neonatal and infant values have yet to be determined. This article will present preliminary data on the potential clinical value of ultrasonic regional SR and e imaging in children and will discuss the close interrelation of these new regional function parameters with an alternative approach to quantification: the measurement of local cyclical changes in integrated backscatter levels.