Evaluation of right and left ventricular function using speckle-tracking echocardiography in thalassemic patients

Conclusions : The 2D-STE can detect early ventricular (left and right) systolic dysfunction in thalassemic patients in the presence of normal systolic function by conventional methods. It may be suggested that the assessment of global longitudinal strain (GLS) can be used as a useful and less expensive tool for screening myocardial iron overload, especially in countries with a limited magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) availability for logistic and economic reasons. Hence, we can refer positive cases with GLS to a higher center to do MRI and start intensive iron chelation treatment.
Source: Annals of Pediatric Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research