Left ventricular dysfunction is associated with intraventricular dyssynchrony by 3-dimensional echocardiography in children

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.