Left atrial strain analysis in the realm of pediatric cardiology: Advantages and implications

Article type: Review Article

Authors: Begic, Zijo^a | Djukic, Milan^{b; c} | Begic, Edin^{d; e; *} | Aziri, Buena^d | Mladenovic, Zorica^f | Iglica, Amer^g | Sabanovic-Bajramovic, Nirvana^g | Begic, Nedim^a | Kovacevic-Preradovic, Tamara^{h; i} | Stanetic, Bojan^{h; i} | Badnjevic, Almir^{j; k}

Affiliations: [a] Department of Cardiology, Pediatric Clinic, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina | [b] Department of Cardiology, University Children’s Hospital, Belgrade, Serbia | [c] Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia | [d] Department of Pharmacology, Sarajevo Medical School, Sarajevo School of Science and Technology, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina | [e] Department of Cardiology, General Hospital “Prim. Dr. Abdulah Nakas”, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina | [f] Department of Cardiology, Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Belgrade, Serbia | [g] Intensive Care Unit, Clinic for Heart, Blood Vessels and Rheumatism, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina | [h] Department of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of the Republic of Srpska, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina | [i] Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina | [j] Verlab Research Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Medical Devices and Artificial Intelligence, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina | [k] Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Edin Begic, Department of Cardiology, General Hospital “Prim.dr Abdulah Nakas”, Kranjčevićeva 12, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. E-mail: edinbegic90@gmail.com. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6842-262X

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Left atrial (LA) strain analysis has emerged as a noninvasive technique for assessing LA function and early detection of myocardial deformation. Recently, its application has also shown promise in the pediatric population, spanning diverse cardiac conditions that demand accurate and sensitive diagnostic measures. OBJECTIVE: This research article endeavors to explore the role of LA strain parameters and contribute to the growing body of knowledge in pediatric cardiology, paving the way for more effective and tailored approaches to patient care. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather evidence from studies using echocardiographic strain imaging techniques across pediatric populations. RESULTS: LA strain parameters exhibited greater sensitivity than conventional atrial function indicators, with early detection of diastolic dysfunction and LA remodeling in pediatric cardiomyopathy, children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome, rheumatic heart disease, as well as childhood renal insufficiency and obesity offering prognostic relevance as potential markers in these pediatric subpopulations. However, there remains a paucity of evidence concerning pediatric mitral valve pathology, justifying further exploration. CONCLUSION: LA strain analysis carries crucial clinical and prognostic implications in pediatric cardiac conditions, with reliable accuracy and sensitivity to early functional changes.

Keywords: Left atrium, echocardiography, cardiac diseases

DOI: 10.3233/THC-231087

Journal: Technology and Health Care, vol. 32, no. 3, pp. 1255-1272, 2024