Color m-mode and doppler tissue evaluation of diastolic function in children: simultaneous correlation with invasive indices

Abstract

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.