Left Verticular Functions in Children with Aortic Stenosis assessed by Echocardioglaphy

This study comprises 39 patients with valvular, 15 with subvalvular aortic stenosis and 40 healthy children for the evaluation of left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions by echocardiography. Ejection fraction (EF), fractional shortening (FS) and left ventricular mass indexes (L VMI) w ere estimated by means of M-mode echocardiographic parameters. EF and FS values were normal in valvular, and increased in subvalvular aortic stenosis. L VMI w as significantly increased in both groups. Early filling velocity was decreased, atrial filling velocity (A velocity) was increased and E/A ratio was decreased in both aortic stenosis groups. Normalized peak filling rate was decreased and atrial filling rate was increased. Isovolumic relaxation time IVRT was prolonged in all patients. A weak: positive correlation between LVMI and IVRT, and a negative correlation between IVRT and E/A, as well as between LVMI and EF were detected in patients with valvular aortic stenosis. We concluded that diastolic properties of the left ventricle may be changed even in asymptomatic patients with mild and moderate aortic stenosis, in addition to the normal systolic functions.