Color M-mode and Doppler tissue evaluation of diastolic function in children: Simultaneous correlation with invasive indices

Objective. The purpose of this study was to explore the validity of diastolic indices derived from color M-mode Doppler and Doppler tissue imaging in a heterogeneous group of pediatric patients by comparing them with simultaneously obtained invasive indices of diastolic function. Methods: A total of 20 children undergoing left heart catheterization had echocardiographic images recorded simultaneously with high-fidelity left ventricular (LV) pressure tracings. Transmitral Doppler, pulmonary vein Doppler, Doppler tissue imaging, and color M-mode Doppler flow propagation velocity were recorded. LV peak negative dP/dt, the time constant of isovolumic relaxation, and LV end-diastolic pressure were compared with the echocardiographic indices. Results: The ratio of peak E-wave mitral velocity/propagation velocity correlated significantly with LV end-diastolic pressure (r = 0.71; P < .001). Propagation velocity correlated with the time constant of isovolumic relaxation (r = -0.56; P = .01) and peak negative dP/dt (r = 0.50; P < .03). Septal mitral annular myocardial velocity correlated significantly with the time constant of isovolumic relaxation (r = -0.58, P = .01). Conclusion: The newer diastolic indices derived from color M-mode Doppler and Doppler tissue imaging appear to be a helpful adjunct in the noninvasive assessment of diastolic function in children.