Early changes in left ventricular myocardial function by 2D speckle tracking layer-specific technique in neonates...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neonatology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (HBN) poses a risk for myocardial injury.
• Advancements in myocardial deformation imaging enable early detection of subclinical cardiac changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess left ventricular (LV) contractility changes in newborns with HBN using 2D speckle tracking imaging (STI).

Main Methods:

• 134 neonates with HBN (HBN group) and 56 healthy neonates (control group) were studied.
• 2DSTI analyzed LV myocardial strain in basal, middle, and apical segments across three myocardial layers (endo-, mid-, epicardium).
• Laboratory tests (blood gas, routine, liver function, enzymes) were correlated with LV strain parameters.

Main Results:

• A consistent longitudinal strain gradient from endocardium to epicardium and base to apex was observed in both groups.
• Neonates with HBN exhibited significantly reduced stratified strain parameters in the ventricular wall and anterior segments compared to controls.
• Subclinical systolic function alterations in HBN neonates, indicated by longitudinal myocardial strain, showed correlations with laboratory findings.

Conclusions:

• 2DSTI provides quantitative evaluation of LV longitudinal strain across different myocardial walls, segments, and layers.
• This technology can detect subclinical myocardial changes in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia.