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 < 33 weeks of gestational age and 10 term infants recruited as controls, obtained at a mean of 4-month (first exam) and 24-month corrected age (second exam). Results In 7/24 (29.2%) of preterm children, RV LPSS of < 16%, defined as RVSD, was detected at the second exam; 5/7 of these children had RV LPSS > 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.