Quantification of left ventricular regional myocardial function using MRI feature tracking in healthy children - a dual-center study

Abstract

Background Similar to speckle tracking echocardiography cardiac MR (CMR) feature tracking imaging (FTI) uses a 2-dimensional deforming analysis of the myocardium which allows quantitative evaluation of myocardial motion and contractility. This technique might provide important additional information in children, including those with congenital heart disease (CHD). Until now, there are no reference data from a healthy pediatric population. The availability of this type of data is a requirement for proper interpretation in pediatric heart disease. The aim of this study was to determine normal values of left ventricular (LV) longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain and strain rate in healthy children, using FTI in cardiovascular MR images. Methods Eighty children from 2 centers (mean age: 12±5.5 years, range: 1t o 17 years; 39 female; divided into 3g roups: 0-11y (n=24), 11-15y (n=32), 15-18y (n=24)) were examined at two different 1.5 T scanners (Siemens and GE) using a standard SSFP MRI protocol. LV longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain and strain rate were measured using FTI (2D CPA MR©, TomTec Imaging System, Fulda, Germany). FTI was applied to standard cine-images in the following orientations:3 LV short-axis slices (basal, middle, apical), 4- and 3-chamber views. The effects of age, gender, endo- and epicardial assessment, myocardial segments on strain and strain rate data were also evaluated. Results