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Updated: May 8, 2026
Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography
Published on: October 28, 2020
Left Ventricular Mass, Geometric Patterns, and Diastolic Myocardial Performance in Children with Obstructive Sleep
Ibrahim Ahmadu1, Ibrahim Aliyu2, Abdulazeez Ahmed3
1Department of Paediatrics, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria.
Insights
Children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have higher rates of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), abnormal heart geometry, and diastolic dysfunction. These cardiac issues are more prevalent in children with OSA, especially those with abnormal LV geometry.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in children.
- Recurrent upper airway obstructions during sleep characterize OSA.
- This study investigates cardiac implications in pediatric OSA.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in children with OSA.
- Assess abnormal left ventricular (LV) geometric patterns in pediatric OSA.
- Evaluate LV diastolic dysfunction in children with OSA compared to controls.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional comparative study of 75 children with OSA and 75 healthy controls (ages 2-14).
- Transthoracic echocardiography used for LV structure and diastolic function assessment.
- Comparison of cardiac parameters between OSA patients and matched controls.
Main Results:
- Children with OSA showed significantly higher mean LV mass index compared to controls (P=0.008).
- LVH present in 8.0% of OSA patients vs. 0% of controls.
- Abnormal LV geometry (29.3% vs. 1.3%) and diastolic dysfunction (6.7% vs. 0%) were more common in children with OSA.
Conclusions:
- LVH, abnormal LV geometry, and diastolic dysfunction are more frequent in children with OSA.
- Pediatric OSA is associated with increased prevalence of cardiac structural and functional abnormalities.
- Children with OSA and abnormal LV geometry have a higher likelihood of developing LV diastolic dysfunction.
Background:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), characterized by recurrent partial or complete upper airway obstructions during sleep, is an established risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in children. This study aims to determine the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), abnormal left ventricular (LV) geometric patterns, and diastolic dysfunction in children with OSA and compare them with healthy controls.
Materials And Methods:
This was a cross-sectional comparative study conducted on 75 eligible children with OSA aged 2-14 years and 75 age- and sex-matched healthy children. Transthoracic echocardiography was used to assess the LV structures and diastolic function in all the subjects.
Results:
The mean LV mass index was significantly higher in the patients with OSA (36.53 ± 9.1 g/m2.7) as compared to the control group (32.82 ± 7.9 g/m2.7) (P = 0.008), and it showed a significant correlation with decreasing peripheral oxygen saturation (r = -0.35, P = 0.002). LVH was present in 8.0% of the patients with OSA and none (0%) of the controls. 29.3% of the patients with OSA and 1.3% of the healthy controls had abnormal LV geometry. LV diastolic dysfunction was present in 6.7% of the patients with OSA and 0% of the controls. LV diastolic dysfunction was significantly higher among the patients with OSA who have abnormal LV geometry compared to those with normal LV geometry (P = 0.002).
Conclusion:
LVH, abnormal LV geometry, and diastolic dysfunction are more common in children with OSA than in healthy controls. Children with OSA and abnormal LV geometry are more likely to have LV diastolic dysfunction.
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