Effects of Respiration on Right and Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Normal Children

Kim, Hae Soon; Hong, Young Mi

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of respiration on diastolic filling pattern in normal children by Doppler echocardiography.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Doppler echocardiograms of the tricuspid and mitral valves were recorded with electrocardiogram and respirations in 46 normal children aged 3months to 14years(7.6+/-3.5year). We measured the following variables: heart rate, the peak E and A velocities, the area under the E and A portions of the diastolic velocity-time integral(VTI) isovolumetric relaxation time(IVRT). From these measurements, we calculated the following: the peak E/A ratio, the VTIe/VTIa, VTIe/VTIt, VTIa/VTIt.
RESULTS
There was a significant decrease with inspiration only in peak E velocity of left ventricle(LV) filling. There was a significant increase in peak E velocity, peak A velocity, peak E/A, VTIe, VTIe/VTIa, VTIe/VTIt and VTIa/VTIt of right ventricle(RV) filling with inspiration. The LV peak E velocity, peak A velocities and VTIe were significantly higher than those of the right ventricle during inspiration. All variables of diastole except VTIa and VTIa/VTIt were higher for the left than for the right ventricle during expiration. VTIa/VTIt was higher for right ventricle.
CONCLUSION
Assessment of pediatric RV and LV diastolic flow by echocardiography should include standardization for phase of respiration.