3D echocardiographic evaluation of right ventricular function and strain: a prognostic study in paediatric pulmonary hypertension.

Aims: To evaluate right ventricular functional indices using 3D echocardiography (3DE) between normal children and paediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients, and to evaluate these indices as outcome predictors in children with PH.

Methods and results: Ninety-six paediatric PH patients from 2014 to 2016 were compared with 40 normal controls. All patients underwent 3DE and off-line analysis generated 3D end-diastolic volume, 3D end-systolic volume, 3D stroke volume, 3D right ventricular (RV) ejection fraction (EF), RV longitudinal strain (LS) free wall and septum, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and fractional area change (FAC). PH patients had higher RV volumes, lower RV EF, lower free wall and septal RVLS, lower TAPSE, and lower FAC compared with normal controls (all P < 0.001). 3D RV EF, free wall RVLS, and FAC are predictors of adverse clinical outcomes [hazard ratio (confidence interval) 0.1 (0.03-0.27], P < 0.001; 0.17 (0.07-0.45), P < 0.001; 0.08 (0.03-0.22); P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion: Paediatric PH patients have impaired RV function compared with normal children. 3D RV EF, volumes, FAC, and free wall RV strain serve as outcome predictors for paediatric PH patients.