Quantitative Analysis of Longitudinal Strain and Strain Rate of Left Ventricle in Normal Infants and Young Children / 中国医学影像学杂志

ABSTRACT

Purpose To quantitatively evaluate longitudinal strain and strain rate (SR) of left ventricular (LV) in normal infants and young children using velocity vector imaging (VVI). Materials and Methods A total of 50 normal infants and young children were enrolled in the study. The longitudinal strain peaks and SR peaks in three sections of LV walls during systole period and relaxation period were measured by VVI from apical four-chamber view, apical two-chamber view and long axis view, respectively. Results Forty-one cases (82%) presented a smooth strain curve without incisures and a double peak in SR curve (systolic peak and single diastole peak). The strain in anterior septum and posterior septum, the systolic SRs and diastolic SRs decreased from basal to apical segments. However, only the strain in basal segment and that in apical segment in anterior septum showed statistic difference (t=1.79, P0.05). Conclusion Most normal infants and young children present a smooth diastolic strain curve and a double peak SR curve of LV, which can provide clinical guidance in the early diagnosis of myocardial abnormality for infants and young children.