Left ventricular strain in neonates using 2‐dimensional speckle tracking: Normal range and relation with bi‐plan ejection fraction

AbstractObjectivesEchocardiographic assessment of Left ventricular systolic function is traditionally being performed by estimation of fractional shortening (FS) and ejection fraction (EF). Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a promising tool for assessment of myocardial function. The aim of this study is to evaluate the global longitudinal strain (GLS) using 2D‐STE in healthy neonates to establish normal reference ranges.MethodIt is a retrospective study through an analysis of transthoracic echocardiogram of normal healthy neonates. We enrolled all neonates in our institution from January 1st, 2021 to February 28th, 2021. 2‐D STE was used to assess left ventricular GLS from the apical views.Results185 neonates were enrolled. Mean value for left ventricle GLS (%) was ‐19.9 ± 1.2, GLS‐derived EF (%) was 60.0 ± 2.7; while the left ventricle EF by biplane Simpson's method (%) was 61.0 ± 3. There is a good positive correlation between the Left Ventricle EF by biplane Simpson's method and EF by 2‐D STE, which was statistically significant (r = .294, n = 102, p = .003). Apical 4‐chamber longitudinal strain and strain‐derived EF is significantly correlated with GLS and bi‐plan EF respectively.Conclusion2‐STE is feasible technique for analyzing newborn myocardial systolic function. The normal range of GLS in neonates is not much different than reported for the pediatric. There is a good positive correlation between the Left Ventricle EF by 2‐D STE and EF by biplane method.