Progression of Right Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction Detected by Myocardial Deformation Imaging in Asymptomatic Preterm Children

BACKGROUND: To detect progression of right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction (RVSD) in asymptomatic preterm children from infancy to 24-month corrected age, using velocity vector imaging (VVI). METHODS: Retrospective study comparing sequential RV longitudinal peak systolic strain (LPSS) from 24 children born at 16% at the first exam, and only 2/7 of these children had a history of moderate or severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia. CONCLUSION: In asymptomatic preterm children, routine echocardiographic screening using VVI could detect RVSD which could progress from 4–24 month corrected age.