Peak left atrial longitudinal strain: A potential diagnostic entity in children with multi-inflammatory syndrome in

Mani Ram Krishna1, Usha Nandhini Sennaiyan1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Cardiology, R.K. Hospital for Women and Children, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India.

Insights

Multi-inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a serious condition linked to COVID-19. Atrial deformation analysis may help diagnose MIS-C in children with normal echocardiograms.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Multi-inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a febrile illness potentially associated with COVID-19.
  • MIS-C presents with fever and elevated inflammatory markers.
  • Cardiovascular involvement is common in MIS-C, yet conventional echocardiograms can appear normal.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the utility of atrial deformation analysis in diagnosing MIS-C.
  • To identify novel echocardiographic markers for MIS-C in children with normal conventional assessments.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized atrial deformation analysis to assess peak left atrial longitudinal strain.
  • Compared strain values in children with MIS-C and normal echocardiograms to controls.

Main Results:

  • Peak left atrial longitudinal strain showed potential as a diagnostic marker.
  • This method may identify subclinical cardiac dysfunction in MIS-C.

Conclusions:

  • Atrial deformation analysis offers a promising tool for diagnosing MIS-C.
  • This technique could aid in identifying children with MIS-C who lack apparent abnormalities on standard echocardiography.

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