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.
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.