Cardiac function and its evolution with pulmonary vasodilator therapy: a myocardial deformation study

Echocardiography. 2014 Jul;31(6):E185-8. doi: 10.1111/echo.12596. Epub 2014 Mar 26.

Abstract

Speckle tracking echocardiography-derived myocardial strain has useful clinical applications in adults with pulmonary hypertension (PH) as well as preterm infants with chronic lung disease. It is considered more sensitive compared to conventional indices. This report presents a 3-month-old infant with PH and poor right ventricular function who was treated with inhaled nitric oxide. Myocardial strain was noted to be impaired with paradoxical segmental strain. Impairment in strain improved after inhaled nitric therapy. Strain analysis can help improve understanding of cardiac adaptation in critical clinical situations.

Keywords: pulmonary hypertension; speckle tracking echocardiography; troponin.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Drug Monitoring / methods*
  • Echocardiography / methods
  • Elasticity Imaging Techniques / methods*
  • Endothelium-Dependent Relaxing Factors / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / complications
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / drug therapy*
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Nitric Oxide / administration & dosage*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Right / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Right / etiology
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Right / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Endothelium-Dependent Relaxing Factors
  • Nitric Oxide