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Left ventricular dysfunction is associated with intraventricular dyssynchrony by 3-dimensional echocardiography in children.

Baker GH, Hlavacek AM, Chessa KS, Fleming DM, Shirali GS

South Carolina Children's Heart Program, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA. baker@musc.edu

INTRODUCTION: We used 3-dimensional (3D) echocardiography to identify and quantify left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony in children with LV dysfunction compared with control subjects. METHODS: The 3D echocardiography LV full volumes were acquired in 18 children, 9 with LV dysfunction and 9 control subjects. The LV was subdivided into 16 segments (apex excluded). Time from end diastole to the minimal systolic volume for each segment was expressed as a percent of the R-R interval. The SD of these times provided a 16-segment dyssynchrony index (16-SDI). The second index (12-SDI) was similarly calculated using 6 basal and 6 mid segments. The third index consisted of 6 basal segments (6-SDI). RESULTS: The dysfunction group exhibited significantly increased 16-SDI (P = .008) and 12-SDI (P = .01). The 16-SDI was negatively correlated with 3D ejection fraction and 2-dimensional fractional shortening. CONCLUSIONS: Children with LV dysfunction demonstrate increased intraventricular LV dyssynchrony by 3D echocardiography, in a pattern that is negatively correlated with LV systolic function.

Published 3 March 2008 in J Am Soc Echocardiogr, 21(3): 230-3.
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