Abstract
Evaluation of left ventricular performance has been possible by the measurement of systolic time intervals (STI's). However non-invasive assessment of right ventricular performance has been difficult because it has not been possible to determine the timing of pulmonary valve closure. Twenty-five children, ages 2 weeks to 14 years, have been studied using the electrocardiogram, phonocardiogram, carotid pulse and echocardiogram. Left ventricular ejection time (LVET) was obtained from echocardiogram by measuring the opening and closure of the aortic cusps. pre-ejection period was measured from the onset of the “q” wave to the opening of the aortic cusps. Excellent correlation of left ventricular STI's from carotid pulse and those determined from echocardiogram was demonstrated. STI's of the right ventricle were determined in a similar fashion from an examination of the pulmonary valve echo. In normal patients right ventricular ejection time (RVET) was 25-30% longer than LVET. Right ventricular pre-ejection period was shorter than left ventricular pre-ejection period. In complete transposition of the great vessels the situation is reversed. RVET shortens with contraction against systemic pressure. Left ventricular ejection into a low pressure pulmonary circuit is longer than established values for normal patients. Accurate assessment of both right and left ventricular STI's is now possible with the added use of echocardiography.
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Hirschfeld, S., Meyer, R. & Kaplan, S. NON-INVASIVE RIGHT AND LEFT SYSTOLIC TIME INTERVALS BY ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY. Pediatr Res 8, 350 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00061
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00061
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