Abstract 10876: Speckle-tracking vs. Pressure-Volume Loop Measures of Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Children: An Inter-vendor Comparison

Abstract

Introduction: The variability in speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) algorithms between vendors is well recognized. While some are attempting to standardize algorithms across vendors, it is currently unknown which algorithm best compares to gold-standard measures of systolic function. The objective of this study was to compare STE measures of deformation from two vendors vs. gold-standard measures of LV contractility and global ventricular efficiency in children. Methods: Children with normal loading conditions undergoing routine left heart catheterization were prospectively enrolled. Pressure-volume loops were obtained via conductance catheterization. The gold-standard measure of contractility, end-systolic elastance (Ees), was obtained via balloon occlusion of the vena cavae. Ventriculo-arterial coupling was assessed using the arterial elastance to Ees ratio (Ea/ Ees). STE was performed immediately after PVL analysis under the same anesthetic conditions. Offline STE analysis was perfomed using both QLAB v9.0 (Phillips, Andover, MA) and Cardiac Performance Analysis v3.0 (Tomtec, Hamden, CT) by a single blinded observer. The relationships between PVL and STE measures of systolic function were determined using Spearman’s correlation. Results: Of 24 patients, 18 patients were s/p heart transplant, 6 patients had a small patent ductus arteriosus or small coronary fistula. Mean age was 9.1 ± 5.6 years. The average invasive Ees was 3.04 ± 1.65 mmHg/mL. The average Ea/Ees was 0.88 ± 0.35. Correlations between invasive Ees and Ea/Ees to STE measures of deformation are reported in the Table. Conclusion: STE measures of GLS and GLSR derived from Cardiac Performance Analysis have better correlation with gold-standard measures of cardiac performance when compared to QLAB. GCS derived from both vendors has no correlation to invasive measures. Attempts to standardize STE algorithms should take these results into consideration.