Two-dimensional strain and strain rate imaging of the right ventricle in adult patients before and after percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects.

AIMS Echocardiographic speckle tracking or two-dimensional (2D) strain analysis is a new tool to assess myocardial function. This prospective controlled study evaluates systolic right ventricular (RV) function by 2D strain in adult patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) before and 3 months after percutaneous closure. METHODS AND RESULTS Assessment of global longitudinal strain (GLS), global longitudinal strain rate (GLSR), and regional peak systolic strain (PSS) of right ventricle was performed in 33 ASD patients. The data were compared with those from 34 age-matched adults with patent foramen ovale. Before percutaneous closure, mean GLS was significantly increased in comparison to control group, and significantly reduced after closure. Analysis of regional PSS showed significant decrease in the lateral apical, lateral mid, and septal apical segments. GLSR was not influenced by ASD closure. CONCLUSION Two-dimensional strain appears to be helpful also for the assessment of RV function and its response to correction of volume overload.