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Echocardiographic Comparison of Left Ventricular Systolic Function and Aortic Blood Flow Velocimetry in Children with
J M Chinawa1, E N Ossai2, A T Chinawa3
1Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Ituku/Ozalla and University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku, Ozalla Enugu State, Nigeria.
Insights
Children with ventricular septal defect (VSD) have lower left ventricular mass (LVM) but normal left ventricular (LV) function compared to controls. This study highlights key differences in cardiac structure and function in pediatric VSD patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiac Physiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Left ventricular (LV) longitudinal systolic dynamics are crucial for assessing LV systolic function.
- Ventricular septal defect (VSD) can impact cardiac structure and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate LV function, LV mass (LVM), and descending aorta blood flow in children with VSD.
- To compare these parameters in children with VSD against age- and sex-matched controls.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of echocardiographic parameters.
- Statistical comparison between VSD group and control group.
Main Results:
- Children with VSD exhibited significantly lower mean LVM compared to controls (P=0.022).
- Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and descending aorta blood flow were comparable between VSD patients and controls.
- A weak correlation was observed between LVM and descending aorta blood flow.
Conclusions:
- LV mass is reduced in children with VSD, but LV function remains preserved.
- No significant difference in LV function or descending aorta blood flow was found between VSD patients and controls.
Background:
The assessments of left ventricular (LV) longitudinal systolic dynamics in children with ventricular septal defect (VSD) have achieved a major milestone in the evaluation of LV systolic function.
Objectives:
This study aims to evaluate the LV function, LV mass (LVM), and the descending aorta blood flow in children with VSD compared to that obtained in age and sex-matched controls.
Results:
The mean LVM of the control, 113.5 ± 123.9 was higher than that of those who had VSD, 75.8 ± 83.9, and the difference in mean was found to be statistically significant (Mann-Whitney U = 2.322, P = 0.022). The mean EF of the control, 67.9 ± 10.3 was comparable to that of those with VSD, 65.6 ± 13.9, (Student's t = 1.223, P = 0.223). Similarly, the mean descending aorta blood flow of control, 1.6 ± 2.2 was comparable to that of those with VSD, 3.9 ± 16.1, (Mann-Whitney U = 1.002, P = 0.321). There was a very weak positive correlation between LVM and descending aorta blood flow among the subjects (n = 85, r = 0.117, P = 0.425). There was a very weak negative correlation between LVM and descending aorta blood flow among control. (n = 85, r = -0.065, P = 0.609).
Conclusion:
The LVM among children with VSD is lower than controls but there is no difference between LV function in subjects and controls. There is a linear increase of LVM with descending aorta blood flow.
