Evaluation of cardiac function in children after percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect using speckle tracking echocardiography

Atrial septal defect (ASD) is among the most common congenital anomalies that its neglect may cause severe right ventricular (RV)-associated cardiac dysfunction. Percutaneous closure of ASD is an efficient technique used commonly worldwide. Varieties of techniques have been used to assess postoperative changes of cardiac function. The current study has aimed to assess outcomes of percutaneous ASD closure using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE).

This non-experimental research was conducted on 22 patients who volunteered for percutaneous ASD closure between 2016 and 2018. Cases were assessed three times including prior to percutaneous ASD closure, after 24 hours, and a month after procedure. Cases outcomes were assessed and compared during the time.

Strain rate in RV middle septal wall was significantly different (P < 0.05) between before and one month after the procedure. Comparison of indices post procedure and one month later showed better RV strain pattern but they did not have a significant difference (P > 0.05).

Based on this research, STE is a quick simple method of assessing cardiac chambers and function in details. It seems that this method can replace other traditional echocardiographic methods for cardiac function tests; thus, further studies with larger groups and longer follow-up duration are strongly recommended.