Tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity (S') in children and young adults with pulmonary artery hypertension secondary to congenital heart diseases, and in those with repaired tetralogy of Fallot: echocardiography and MRI data

Machine learning prediction of right ventricular volume and ejection fraction from two-dimensional echocardiography in patients with pulmonary regurgitation

Right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic volume (RVEDV) and ejection fraction (RVEF) by cardiac MRI (cMRI) guide management in chronic pulmonary regurgitation (PR). Two-dimensional echocardiography suboptimally correlate with RV volumes. This study tested whether combination of guideline-directed RV measures in a machine learning (ML) framework improves quantitative assessment of RVEDV and RVEF. RV measurements were obtained on subjects with > mild PR who had cMRI and echocardiogram within 90 days. A gradient-boosted trees algorithm predicted cMRI RV dilation (RVEDV > 160 ml/m2) and RV dysfunction (RVEF<47%), first with "guideline-only" measures, and then with "expanded-features" to include 44 total echocardiographic, clinical, and demographic variables. Model performance was compared to clinician visual assessment. Of 232 studies (56% tetralogy of Fallot, 20% pulmonary stenosis), the median age was 21.5 years, 21 (9%) had RV dilation, and 42 (18%) had RV dysfunction. For RV dilation prediction, the guideline-only model area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC)=0.68, and expanded-features model AUROC=0.85. At 90% sensitivity, the expanded-features model had 73% specificity, 25% positive predictive value (PPV), and 99% negative predictive value (NPV) This was similar to clinician performance (sensitivity 81%, specificity 81%, PPV 29%, NPV 98%). For prediction of RV dysfunction, the guideline-only AUROC= 0.71, additional features did not improve the model, and clinicians outperformed the model. In patients with PR, a ML model combining guidelines for RV assessment with demographic and additional echocardiographic parameters may effectively rule-out those with significant RV dilation at clinical thresholds for intervention, and performs similarly to expert clinicians.

Pulmonary artery systolic pressure associated with inflammatory factors among pediatric congenital heart disease with pulmonary arterial hypertension after cardiopulmonary bypass

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the perioperative inflammatory cytokines in pediatric patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension secondary to congenital heart disease and also sought to investigate the correlation between preoperative echocardiographic pulmonary artery systolic pressure and inflammatory factors after cardiopulmonary bypass in these patients.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted involving 59 children under 2 years old. Echocardiography was used to measure tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity. The levels of perioperative inflammatory cytokines in the plasma, including IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1β, and TNF-α, were measured. Additionally, postoperative ventilation time, length of intensive care unit stay, and ward stay were recorded.

RESULTS

Patients with pulmonary hypertension experience longer postoperative ventilation time, intensive care unit stay, and ward stay. Although no significant differences were observed in the cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamping, there was a more pronounced increase in postoperative inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10, in these patients following cardiopulmonary bypass (p < 0.05). Preoperative echocardiographic pulmonary artery systolic pressure was found to be associated with the levels of IL-6 and IL-10 after surgery in pulmonary hypertension patients. A pulmonary artery systolic pressure greater than 52 mmHg was able to predict a postoperative ventilation time exceeding 21 h.

CONCLUSION

Higher levels of inflammatory cytokines were observed in pediatric patients with pulmonary hypertension secondary to congenital heart disease following cardiopulmonary bypass. Additionally, preoperative elevation in echocardiographic pulmonary artery systolic pressure was associated with increased postoperative inflammatory markers, suggesting a potential correlation with adverse early postoperative clinical outcomes.

Echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular volume in repaired tetralogy of Fallot: a novel approach to an older technique

BACKGROUND

In repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF), right ventricular (RV) enlargement leads to poor outcomes. However, evaluating the RV has limitations; cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and 3D echocardiography have barriers including cost and accessibility. Traditional echocardiography is limited given the complex geometry and anterior location of the RV. We propose a novel echocardiographic evaluation of RV volume using 2 separate views.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of rTOF patients with echocardiogram, CMR, and exercise tests. By echocardiogram, we collected RV length in parasternal long axis (PLAX), area in 4-chamber (4C) view, and measurements per standard guidelines. RV end-diastolic and end-systolic volume (RVEDV and RVESV) were calculated as 5/9 (4C area * PLAX length).

RESULTS

Forty-five patients with 66 sets of CMR, echocardiogram, and exercise tests were included (mean age 13.3 ± 3.2 years). The echocardiographic RVEDV and RVESV showed strong correlation with CMR parameters (r = 0.81 and 0.72; p≤ 0.0001), and moderate correlation with peak oxygen pulse (0.63 and 0.49; p≤0.0001). Guideline measurements had no significant correlation. Echocardiographic RVEDV and RVESV were higher in those requiring subsequent pulmonary valve replacement. Indexed echocardiographic RVEDV of 93 ml/m² had 92% sensitivity and 50% specificity (area under curve 0.75 (p = 0.001)) in predicting CMR RV/LV EDV ratio > 2, which is an early indicator for pulmonary valve replacement.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel technique correlates strongly with CMR, better than traditional parameters. While echocardiogram will not replace CMR, this method would be useful in predicting the RV volume, progression of dilation, and timing of CMR.

Can we Trust in Routine Echocardiography to Assess the Right Ventricle and Pulmonary Insufficiency? A Comparative Study with Cardiac Magnetic Resonance

BACKGROUND

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the method of choice for assessing right ventricular (RV) dimensions and function, and pulmonary insufficiency (PI).

OBJECTIVES

To assess the accuracy of two-dimensional echocardiography (2D ECHO) in estimating RV function and dimensions, and the degree of PI, and compare the 2D ECHO and CMR findings.

METHODS

We compared ECHO and CMR reports of patients whose indication for CMR had been to assess RV and PI. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

We included 51 congenital heart disease patients, with a median age of 9.3 years (7-13.3 years). There was poor agreement between 2D ECHO and CMR for classification of the RV dimension (Kappa 0.19; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.33, p 0.004) and function (Kappa 0.16; 95% CI -0.01 to +0.34; p 0.034). The RV was undersized by 2D ECHO in 43% of the cases, and RV function was overestimated by ECHO in 29% of the cases. The degree of agreement between the methods in the classification of PI was not significant (Kappa 0.014; 95% CI -0.03 to +0.06, p 0.27). 2D ECHO tended to overestimate the degree of PI.

CONCLUSIONS

The 2D ECHO showed a low agreement with CMR regarding the RV dimensions and function, and degree of PI. In general, ECHO underestimated the dimensions of the RV and overestimated the function of the RV and the degree of PI as compared with CMR.

A guide to echocardiographic assessment in children and adolescents with pulmonary hypertension

While the current definition of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is still based on haemodynamic variables, transthoracic echocardiography is the most important diagnostic clinical tool for the first assessment and evaluation of a patient, in whom PH is suspected. In addition, it is the most important clinical modality in long term follow-up and the utility of echocardiography has widely been demonstrated in patients with PH. Echocardiography not only reveals the underlying cardiac morphology and diagnosis of any associated cardiac defects. In most patients with PH right ventricular (RV) pressure estimation is feasible. In addition, ventricular systolic and diastolic function, as well as ventricular-ventricular interactions of both ventricles can be assessed by using echocardiography. Maximizing the use of echocardiography by reporting several measures to gain information and quantitatively describe the parameters, that are linked to prognosis, seem particularly appealing in these children, in whom other advanced imaging modalities requiring anaesthesia is associated with a considerable risk. Herein we provide a practical approach and a concise and clinically applicable echocardiographic guidance and present basic variables, which should be obtained at any assessment. Moreover, we present additional advanced echocardiographic measures, that can be applied in a research or clinical setting when progressive PH needs a deeper insight to assess heart function, estimation of pulmonary artery pressures among others, by echocardiography. Finally, clinically relevant studies in view of the prognostic properties with a focus on the most important echocardiographic variables in pediatric PH are summarized.

Echocardiography for the Assessment of Pulmonary Hypertension and Congenital Heart Disease in the Young

While invasive assessment of hemodynamics and testing of acute vasoreactivity in the catheterization laboratory is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension (PH) and pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) in children, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) serves as the initial diagnostic tool. International guidelines suggest several key echocardiographic variables and indices for the screening studies when PH is suspected. However, due to the complex anatomy and special physiological considerations, these may not apply to patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Misinterpretation of TTE variables can lead to delayed diagnosis and therapy, with fatal consequences, or–on the other hand-unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures that have relevant risks, especially in the pediatric age group. We herein provide an overview of the echocardiographic workup of children and adolescents with PH with a special focus on children with CHD, such as ventricular/atrial septal defects, tetralogy of Fallot or univentricular physiology. In addition, we address the use of echocardiography as a tool to assess eligibility for exercise and sports, a major determinant of quality of life and outcome in patients with PH associated with CHD.

Update on noninvasive imaging of right ventricle dysfunction in pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disease affecting patients across the life span. The pathophysiology primarily involves the pulmonary vasculature and right ventricle (RV), but eventually affects the left ventricular (LV) function as well. Safe, accurate imaging modalities are critical for diagnosis, serial monitoring, and tailored therapy. While cardiac catheterization remains the conventional modality for establishing diagnosis and serial monitoring, noninvasive imaging has gained considerable momentum in providing accurate assessment of the entire RV-pulmonary axis. In this state-of-the-art review, we will discuss the most recent developments in echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography in PH evaluation from pediatric to adult population.

The evaluation of right ventricular systolic function in patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot by conventional echocardiographic methods and speckle tracking echocardiography: Compared with the gold standard cardiac mangenetic resonance

BACKGROUND

Right ventricular (RV) function is one of the important prognostic factors in patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). We aimed to assess RV function by conventional echocardiography and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) in patients with repaired TOF.

METHODS

Twenty-seven (male 17) adolescents and young adult patients (mean age 22.7 ± 6.7 years) operated on for TOF and age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included. RV systolic function in both groups were evaluated by fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), RV myocardial performance index (RVMPI) and tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity by pulsed tissue Doppler (tricuspid S'), and also RV global longitudinal strain (RV GLS) obtained from STE. These results were compared with RV ejection fraction (RVEF) measured by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) performed within 3 months in patient group.

RESULTS

Systolic RVGLS values were significantly lower in patients compared to controls (-17.4 ± 3.1% vs -25.6 ± 3%). Among the echocardiographic parameters, RVGLS had the best correlation with RV EF derived from CMRI (r: -.6). By receiver operating characteristics analysis (ROC), an RV GLS cutoff value of -17.4% had 75% sensitivity and 68.4% specificity in identifying RVEF <45% with an area under curve 0.743 (P < .05). The intra- and inter-observer agreement for RV GLS was excellent.

CONCLUSION

RVGLS is an easy, effective, feasible, and reproducible tool in the evaluation of RV systolic function. So, RVGLS measurement by STE may be one of the routine echocardiographic parameters in the evaluation of RV systolic function in patients with repaired TOF.

Ventricular-ventricular interaction variables correlate with surrogate variables of clinical outcome in children with pulmonary hypertension

Determination of biventricular dimensions, function, and ventricular–ventricular interactions (VVI) is an essential part of the echocardiographic examination in adults with pulmonary hypertension (PH); however, data from according pediatric studies are sparse. We hypothesized that left and right heart dimensions/function and VVI variables indicate disease severity and progression in children with PH. Left heart, right heart, and VVI variables (e.g. end-systolic LV eccentricity index [LVEI], right ventricular [RV]/left ventricular [LV] dimension ratio) were echocardiographically determined in 57 children with PH, and correlated with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class (FC), N-terminal-pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and invasive hemodynamic variables (e.g. pulmonary vascular resistance index [PVRi]). Clinically sicker patients (higher NYHA FC) had lower LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and higher LVEI – a surrogate of LV compression. In PH children, the ratio of systolic pulmonary arterial pressure divided by systolic systemic arterial pressure (sPAP/sSAP) and the PVRi correlated well with the LVEI (P < 0.001). Patients with more severe PH (sPAP/sSAP ratio, PVRi) had increased RV/LV and right-to-left atrial dimension ratios (P < 0.01). When stratified using NYHA-FC, sicker PH children had greater RV and right atrial dimensions with lower exercise capacity, while the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion as surrogate for longitudinal systolic RV function decreased. Consistent with previous studies, serum NT-proBNP correlated with both, sPAP/sSAP ratio (P < 0.001) and NYHA FC (P < 0.01). Taken together, the VVI variables LVEI and RV/LV dimension ratio are associated with lower FC, worse hemodynamics, and higher NT-proBNP levels, thus highlighting the importance of ventricular interdependence in pediatric PH.

Right ventricular base/apex ratio in the assessment of pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension: Results from the European Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease Network

BACKGROUND

Echocardiographic determination of RV end-systolic base/apex (RVES b/a) ratio was proposed to be of clinical value for assessment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in adults.

HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesized that the RVES b/a ratio will be affected in children with PAH and aimed to correlate RVES b/a ratio with conventionally used echocardiographic and hemodynamic variables, and with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class.

METHODS

First we determined normal pediatric values for RVES b/a ratio in 157 healthy children (68 males; age range, 0.5-17.7 years). We then conducted an echocardiographic study in 51 children with PAH (29 males; age range, 0.3-17.8 years).

RESULTS

RVES b/a ratio was lower compared with age- and sex-matched healthy controls (P < 0.001). In children with PAH, RVES b/a ratio decreased with worsening NYHA class. RVES b/a ratio inversely correlated with RV/LV end-systolic diameter ratio (ρ = -0.450, P = 0.001) but did not correlate with RV systolic function parameters (eg, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion) and correlated with cardiac catheterization-determined pulmonary vascular resistance index (ρ = -0.571, P < 0.001). ROC analysis unraveled excellent performance of RVES b/a ratio to detect PAH in children (AUC: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.89-1.00, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The RVES b/a ratio decreased in children with PAH compared with age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. The RVES b/a ratio inversely correlated with both echocardiographic and hemodynamic indicators of increased RV pressure afterload and with NYHA class, suggesting that RVES b/a ratio reflects disease severity in PAH children.

The right ventricular outflow tract in pediatric pulmonary hypertension-Data from the European Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease Network

OBJECTIVE

The right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) is pivotal for adequate RV function and known to be adversely affected by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) in adults with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Aim of this study was to determine the effects of increased RV pressure afterload in children with PH on RVOT size, function, and flow parameters.

METHODS

We conducted a transthoracic echocardiographic study in 51 children with PH (median age: 5.3 years; range 1.5 months to 18 years) and determined the following RVOT variables: RVOT diameter, RVOT velocity time integral (VTI), ratio of tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV)/RVOT VTI, and RVOT systolic excursion (SE).

RESULTS

In our pediatric PH cohort, the age-specific RVOT diameter z-score was higher compared to normal values. Deviation from normal RVOT diameter values increased with age, disease severity, and New York Heart Association functional class. Significant correlations were found between RVOT diameter and the RV end-diastolic area and right atrial area. The age-specific RVOT VTIz-score values were significantly lower in children with PH vs healthy controls. The TRV/RVOT VTI ratio increased with rising systolic RV pressure, while the RVOT SE was similar between PH children and control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

In pediatric PH cohort, the RVOT VTI is decreased, and the TRV/RVOT VTI ratio and the RVOT diameter increased compared to healthy subjects. Assessment of RVOT variables, together with established RV parameters, allows for a comprehensive assessment of global right heart size and performance in children with PH.

Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion is preserved in young patients with pulmonary hypertension except when associated with repaired congenital heart disease

Aims

Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) is a measure of right ventricular (RV) longitudinal function that correlates with functional status and mortality in adults with pulmonary hypertension (PH). The diagnostic and predictive value of TAPSE in children with PH has not been fully examined. We aimed to define TAPSE across aetiologies of paediatric PH and assess the correlation between TAPSE and measures of disease severity.

Methods and results

TAPSE measurements were obtained in 84 children and young adults undergoing treatment for PH and 315 healthy children to establish z-scores at moderate altitude for comparison. The relationships between TAPSE and echocardiographic, biomarker, and functional measures of disease severity between aetiologies were assessed. TAPSE z-scores in PH patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) repaired with open cardiac surgery (n = 20, mean -2.73) were significantly decreased compared with normal children and patients with other aetiologies of PH (P < 0.001) but did not reflect poorer clinical status. TAPSE z-scores in children with idiopathic PH (n = 29, -0.41), unrepaired CHD (n = 11, -0.1), and PH related to systemic disease (n = 14, -0.39) were not different from normal. TAPSE correlated modestly with brain natriuretic peptide, echocardiographic function parameters, and functional class except in patients with repaired CHD.

Conclusion

Children with PH maintain normal TAPSE values early except when associated with repaired CHD. Superior RV adaptation to high afterload in children compared with adults may account for this finding. Reduced TAPSE after repair of CHD does not correlate with functional status and may reflect post-operative changes rather than poor function primarily due to PH.

Diagnostics in Children and Adolescents with Suspected or Confirmed Pulmonary Hypertension

We provide a practical approach on the initial assessment and diagnostic work-up of children and adolescents with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) often serves as initial study tool before invasive cardiac catheterization. Misinterpretation of TTE variables may lead to missed or delayed diagnosis with devastating consequences, or unnecessary invasive diagnostics that have inherited risks. In addition to clinical and biochemical markers, serial examination of patients with PH using a standardized TTE approach, determining conventional and novel echocardiographic variables, may allow early diagnosis and treatment in paediatric PH. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography represent important non-invasive imaging modalities, that together with TTE may enable comprehensive assessment of ventricular function and pulmonary hemodynamics. Invasive assessment of haemodynamics (ventricular, pulmonary) and testing of acute vasoreactivity in the catheterization laboratory is still the gold standard for the diagnosis of PH and pulmonary hypertensive vascular disease (PHVD) in children and for the initiation of specific PH therapy. We suggest the regular assessment of prognostic TTE variables as part of a standardized approach for initial diagnosis of children with PH. Overreliance on any single TTE variable should be avoided as it detracts from the overall diagnostic potential of a standardized TTE examination for PH.

Transthoracic echocardiography for the evaluation of children and adolescents with suspected or confirmed pulmonary hypertension. Expert consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of paediatric pulmonary hypertension. The European Paediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease Network, endorsed by ISHLT and D6PK

Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is a useful method for non-invasive screening of patients at risk of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Since TTE often serves as the initial study before invasive cardiac catheterisation, misinterpretation of TTE variables may lead to missed or delayed diagnosis with devastating consequences for the patients, or unnecessary invasive diagnostics that have inheriting risks. Due to the heterogeneous anatomy in congenital heart disease, particularly the assessment of myocardial function in children with PH is challenging. Here, we present recommendations on the use of TTE in the screening, diagnosis and follow-up of patients with PH, and discuss the limitations of this non-invasive imaging technique. This expert consensus statement focuses on key TTE variables used to determine the pressure in the pulmonary artery, myocardial contractility and systolic and diastolic function of the RV and LV. A particular focus is on the TTE assessment of RV function and geometry. According to the published data on the application of TTE in PH in childhood, we suggest a structured approach for non-invasive assessment of pulmonary artery pressure and myocardial function that may help to identify patients with early ventricular deterioration and their response to advanced pharmacotherapy. In addition to clinical and biochemical markers, serial examination of patients with PH using a standardised TTE approach, determining conventional and several more novel echocardiographic variables may allow early diagnosis and treatment, better recognition of disease progression and guide tailored therapy.

Transthoracic echocardiography in the evaluation of pediatric pulmonary hypertension and ventricular dysfunction

Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the most accessible noninvasive diagnostic procedure for the initial assessment of pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH). This review focuses on principles and use of TTE to determine morphologic and functional parameters that are also useful for follow-up investigations in pediatric PH patients. A basic echocardiographic study of a patient with PH commonly includes the hemodynamic calculation of the systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), the mean and diastolic PAP, the pulmonary artery acceleration time, and the presence of a pericardial effusion. A more detailed TTE investigation of the right ventricle (RV) includes assessment of its size and function. RV function can be evaluated by RV longitudinal systolic performance (e.g., tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion), the tricuspid regurgitation velocity/right ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral ratio, the fractional area change, tissue Doppler imaging-derived parameters, strain measurements, the systolic-to-diastolic duration ratio, the myocardial performance (Tei) index, the RV/left ventricle (LV) diameter ratio, the LV eccentricity index, determination of an enlarged right atrium and RV size, and RV volume determination by 3-dimensional echocardiography. Here, we discuss the potential use and limitations of TTE techniques in children with PH and/or ventricular dysfunction. We suggest a protocol for TTE assessment of PH and myocardial function that helps to identify PH patients and their response to pharmacotherapy. The outlined protocol focuses on the detailed assessment of the hypertensive RV; RV-LV crosstalk must be analyzed separately in the evaluation of different pathologies that account for pediatric PH.

Preventive effect of sildenafil on right ventricular function in rats with monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension

The present study aimed to evaluate the preventive effect of sildenafil treatment on pulmonary hypertension (PH) induced by monocrotaline (MCT) in rats. Fifty-four 12-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with MCT or saline solution (MCT-injected rats: n=36; saline: n=18). Serial echocardiography and right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) measurements via a cardiac catheter were performed at 2, 4 and 6 weeks after the injection. After injection of MCT, rats received oral sildenafil (MCT/sildenafil group: n=18) or no treatment (MCT group: n=18) until undergoing echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. RVSP in the MCT/sildenafil group was lower than that in the MCT group at 4 (P<0.001) and 6 weeks (P<0.001). The septal curvature was improved in the MCT/sildenafil group compared with the MCT group. This finding showed that sildenafil prevented flattening of the interventricular septum because of right ventricular pressure overload. The ratio of peak trans-tricuspid early diastolic wave velocity to active filling with atrial systolic velocity showed that sildenafil improved diastolic function. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and tricuspid annular systolic velocity in the MCT/sildenafil group did not show preserved myocardial contraction after administration of sildenafil. Administration of sildenafil leads to a reduction in RVSP and improvement in cardiac function in rats with PH induced by MCT. The vasodilatory action of sildenafil improves right ventricular diastolic function, but the intrinsic, positive, inotropic effect of sildenafil is minimal.

Relationship between echocardiographic and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging-derived measures of right ventricular function in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

BACKGROUND

Echocardiography is widely used to evaluate right ventricular (RV) function. However, the value of echocardiographic parameters to assess RV function in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is unknown. In this study, we analyzed the correlations between echocardiographic parameters and the RV ejection fraction (RVEF) as measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging to systematically elucidate the role of echocardiographic parameters in the assessment of RV function in patients with CTEPH.

METHODS

Echocardiography was used to measure the tissue Doppler-derived tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity (S'), fractional area change (FAC), myocardial performance index (MPI), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). CMR was used to measure the RV end-diastolic volume (RVEDV) and end-systolic volume (RVESV), and the RVEF was calculated.

RESULTS

A significant positive correlation was found between S' and RVEF (r=0.689, P<0.0001) and between FAC and RVEF (r=0.423, P=0.022), a significant negative correlation was found between MPI and RVEF (r=-0.387, P=0.048), and no correlation was found between TAPSE and RVEF (r=0.451, P=0.22).

CONCLUSION

Echocardiography can be routinely used in the clinical setting to measure S', FAC, and MPI for the evaluation of right heart function in patients with CTEPH.

Echocardiography in Pediatric Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Background—

The value of echocardiography in assessing disease severity and predicting outcome in pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is insufficiently defined. The aim of this study was to describe correlations between echocardiography and disease severity and outcome in pediatric PAH.

Methods and Results—

Forty-three consecutive children (median age, 8.0 years; range, 0.4–21.5) with idiopathic/hereditary PAH (n=25) or PAH associated with congenital heart disease (n=18) were enrolled in a prospective single-center observational study. Anatomic and right ventricular-functional variables were obtained by two-dimensional echocardiography and Doppler-echocardiography at presentation and at standardized follow-up and were correlated with measures of disease severity (World Health Organization functional class [WHO-FC], N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, hemodynamics) and lung-transplantation–free survival. Right atrial and right ventricular dimensions correlated with WHO-FC and hemodynamics ( P <0.05), whereas left ventricular dimensions correlated with hemodynamics and survival ( P <0.05). Right-to-left ventricular dimension ratiocorrelated with WHO-FC, hemodynamics and survival ( P <0.05). Right ventricular ejection time correlated with hemodynamics and survival ( P <0.05) and tended to correlate with WHO-FC ( P =0.071). Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion correlated with WHO-FC, mean right atrial pressure and survival ( P <0.05).

Conclusions—

This early descriptive study shows that echocardiographic chararacteristics of both the right and the left heart correlate with disease severity and outcome in pediatric PAH, both at presentation and during the course of the disease. The preliminary data from this study support the potential value of echocardiography as a tool in guiding management in children with PAH.

Right ventricular performance in preterm and term neonates: reference values of the tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity measured by tissue Doppler imaging

BACKGROUND

The tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity (S') is an echocardiographic measurement to assess systolic right ventricular function in adults and children.

OBJECTIVE

We determined growth and birth weight-related changes of S' to establish reference values in preterm and term neonates.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted in a group of 290 preterm and term neonates (gestational age 26 + 0 to 40 + 6 weeks of gestation; birth weight 660-4,460 g). A correlation of S' values with established tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) values was performed.

RESULTS

The S' ranged from a mean of 4.5 cm/s (Z-score ± 2 SD: 3.6-5.5 cm/s) in preterm neonates in week 26(0-6) of gestation to 7.8 cm/s (Z-score ± 2 SD: 5.5-10.1 cm/s) in term neonates in week 40(0-6) of gestation. The S' values increased from 26 to 40 weeks of gestation. S' and week of gestation are strongly correlated: Pearson's correlation coefficient was 0.66 for week of gestation - S' (p < 0.001). A significant correlation was found between S' and TAPSE values (r = 0.67; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Z-scores of S' values were calculated and percentile charts were established to serve as reference data for preterm and term neonates with structurally normal hearts.

Pulmonary Regurgitation after Tetralogy of Fallot Repair: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary regurgitation is the key hemodynamically significant lesion in repaired tetralogy of Fallot contributing to progressive right ventricular (RV) dilatation and biventricular dysfunction. The timing for pulmonary valve replacement remains a controversial topic, and the decision to intervene depends on assessment of RV size and RV function.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to discuss the echocardiographic techniques that can be used to assess patients with pulmonary regurgitation after the repair of tetralogy of Fallot defect. While cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is the clinical reference method, there is an important role of echocardiography in identifying patients with significant pulmonary regurgitation and assessing the RV size and function. The different echocardiographic techniques that can be used in this context are discussed. Newer techniques for assessing RV size and function include three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography, tissue Doppler and strain imaging. 3D RV volumetric reconstruction based on two-dimensional imaging is a promising new technique that could potentially replace CMR for RV volumetric assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

Developments in echocardiographic techniques provide new insights into the impact of pulmonary regurgitation on RV structure and function. Echocardiography and CMR are complementary modalities and further research is required to define the optimal use of both techniques for this indication.