Longitudinal changes in echocardiographic measures of ventricular function after Fontan operation.

Background: While numerous indices have been developed in an attempt to quantify ventricular function in patients with single ventricle heart disease after Fontan, there are little data on how these parameters change over time.

Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed of individuals who underwent Fontan operation at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in 2006 and 2007. Measurements of fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular planar systolic excursion (TAPSE), myocardial performance index (MPI), systolic to diastolic (s/d) ratio, and myocardial strain and strain rate were made offline.

Relationship between pulmonary artery acceleration time and pulmonary artery pressures in infants.

Background: Pulmonary artery acceleration time measured by echocardiography inversely correlates with pulmonary artery pressures in adults and children older than 1 year of age. There is a paucity of data investigating this relationship in young children, particularly among preterm infants.

Objective: To characterize the relationship between pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAAT) and pulmonary artery pressures in infants.