O Graupner
Technical University of Munich, Germany
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Cardiovasc Pharm
Introduction & Purpose: Myocardial function (MF) of the systemic right ventricle (RV) determines the postnatal course of neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Our study examines, whether the presence of endocardial fibroelastosis of the left ventricle (LV EFE) influences MF of the RV in HLHS fetuses. Materials & Methods: A prospective study was conducted including 10 controls (group 1), 10 HLHS fetuses with (group 2) and 10 without LV EFE (group 3)-all matched for gestational age. M-mode was used to assess tricuspid plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and the shortening fraction (SF). PW-Doppler and PW-TDI derived velocities were assessed. E/A, E/e', e'/a' ratios and the myocardial performance index (MPI) were calculated. Results: The examination of MF revealed significantly lowersâ?? the velocities (p<0.05) and higher values for SF in group 2 compared to group 3. ET (ejection time), E wave velocity, E/eâ?? and SF showed significantly higher values in group 2 compared to group 1. In group 2 aâ?? velocity increased significantly over gestational age. TAPSE increased during gestation in group 3 but not in group 2. Conclusion: These significant differences in MF between the groups might lend support to the notion of negative ventricularventricular interaction in case of HLHS with LV EFE possibly influencing surgical outcomes.