Left ventricular function before and after repair of an anomalous left coronary artery arising from the pulmonary trunk.

We report an infant with an abnormal left coronary artery arising from the pulmonary trunk in whom, subsequent to surgical repair, sequential improvements in regional left and right systolic and diastolic myocardial function were quantified by the new ultrasound-based method of regional strain and strain rate imaging. The regional radial and longitudinal myocardial function of the left ventricle was homogeneously reduced prior to repair, while the time course of their recovery differed subsequent to repair. We discuss the concepts and advantages behind this quantitative approach to monitoring regional myocardial function in children.