Purpose. Evaluation of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function using Strain Rate imaging in exercise-induced hypertensive and normotensive patients after surgical treatment of aortic coarctation.
Methods. Study group consisted of 32 children after the successful surgical repair of aortic coarctation. Based on treadmill exercise test the exercise-induced hypertension was diagnosed in 12 children (Group 1), 20 remaining patients were qualified as normotensive (Group 2). Control group (Controls) consisted of 34 healthy children. The echocardiographic examination with evaluation of left ventricular myocardial strain rate using Tissue Doppler Imaging was performed in all children. Following myocardial strain rate parameters were analyzed: systolic strain rate (SSR), early and atrial diastolic strain rate (ESR and ASR) and ESR/ASR ratio. The results of Group 1, Group 2 and Controls were compared using analysis of variance.
Results are presented in the table below (* Significant difference to Controls. # Significant difference to Group 2).
Conclusions. 1. In exercise-induced hypertensive patients after the aortic coarctation repair increased left ventricular systolic performance is observed. 2. The left ventricular diastolic function in patients with exercise-induced hypertension after the aortic coarctation surgical treatment is impaired in comparison to the healthy children. 3. Strain Rate imaging is a useful method in evaluation of left ventricular function in children after the surgical treatment of coarctation of the aorta.