Right ventricular peak systolic longitudinal strain is a sensitive marker for right ventricular deterioration in adult patients with tetralogy of Fallot

Int J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2009 Oct;25(7):669-76. doi: 10.1007/s10554-009-9477-7. Epub 2009 Jul 30.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of right ventricular (RV) longitudinal peak systolic strain (LPSS) assessment for the follow-up of adult patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Adult patients (n = 18) with corrected TOF underwent echocardiography and CMR twice with a time interval of 4.2 +/- 1.7 years. RV performance was derived from CMR, and included RV volumes and ejection fraction (EF). LPSS was calculated globally (GLPSS) and in the RV free wall (LPSS FW), with echocardiographic speckle-tracking strain-analysis. Baseline (G)LPSS values were compared between patients and healthy controls; the relation between (G)LPSS and CMR parameters was evaluated and the changes in (G)LPSS and CMR parameters during follow-up were compared. GLPSS and LPSS FW were significantly reduced in patients as compared to controls (-14.9 +/- 0.7% vs. -21.6 +/- 0.9% and -15.5 +/- 0.9% vs. -22.7 +/- 1.5%, P < 0.01). Moderate agreement between LPSS and CMR parameters was observed. RV EF remained unchanged during follow-up, whereas GLPSS and LPSS FW demonstrated a significant reduction. RVEF showed a 1% increase, whereas GLPSS decreased by 14%, and LPSS FW by 27%. RV LPSS is reduced in TOF patients as compared to controls; during follow-up RV EF remained unchanged whereas LPSS decreased suggesting that RV LPSS may be a sensitive marker to detect early deterioration in RV performance.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Echocardiography, Doppler, Color
  • Echocardiography, Four-Dimensional
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardial Contraction*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Stroke Volume
  • Systole
  • Tetralogy of Fallot / complications*
  • Tetralogy of Fallot / physiopathology
  • Time Factors
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Right / diagnosis*
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Right / etiology
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Right / physiopathology
  • Young Adult