Blood speckle tracking to predict functional status in pediatric patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND: Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an important cause of significant cardiac functional impairment in pediatric patients. There is to date debate on which echocardiographic variable correlates better with the functional status of the patient. METHODOLOGY: 28 DCM patients (NYHA class II and III), and 30 controls were enrolled in the study, where advanced echocardiographic examination was used to assess LV (Left ventricular) function. Tissue Doppler, 2D speckle tracking for PSI (post-systolic strain index calculation), and blood speckle tracking for the timing of LV vortex formation were implemented. RESULTS: Intriguingly, none of LV GLS and GAS (Global longitudinal and area strain), or EF (Ejection fraction, were able to differentiate NYHA II and III subgroups of cases. In contrast, PSI, and systolic vortex formation were significantly different between subgroups of cases; systolic vortex was seen in 33% of NYHA II patients compared to 77% of NYHA III patients, a PSI median value of 5% was seen in NYHA III cases, and a cut-off >4% was 92% sensitive in predicting worse manifestations. CONCLUSION: Dyssynchrony; seems to play a significant role in orchestrating symptoms of heart failure. In this context, blood speckle tracking study seems a promising bedside method, in its assessment. A large room for improvement and systemization of its assessment is still needed to objectivize its use.