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BACKGROUNDSequential changes in left ventricular (LV) systolic function over time in patients with recurrent episodes of Kawasaki disease (KD) remain unclear.METHODSTwenty-five children with recurrent KD were retrospectively studied. Using conventional echocardiographic parameters and myocardial deformation analysis, systolic LV function in children in initial and recurrent KD episodes were compared with separate control groups, comprising 15 controls each. Recurrent KD was defined as occurring at an interval of ≥2 months between the initial and recurrent episodes.RESULTSThe interval range between initial and recurrent episodes of KD was 3–103 months. In children with KD, 8 (32%) were <1 year of age at the initial episode, 10 (40%) had a recurrence within 1 year of the initial episode, and 4 (16%) and 5 (20%) were intravenous immune globulin nonresponders in initial and recurrent episodes, respectively. In both the initial and recurrent episodes of KD, the mean LV longitudinal peak systolic ε was all within normal range. However, when compared to controls, mean LV longitudinal peak systolic ε was decreased in patients with KD in the acute phases of both the initial and recurrent episodes. When compared to controls, mean LV longitudinal peak systolic ε was decreased in patients with KD in the convalescent phase of the recurrent episodes.CONCLUSIONSSubclinical decreases in myocardial systolic deformation, as evidenced by decreased LV longitudinal peak systolic ε, may persist in children in the convalescent phase of recurrent KD; further studies involving larger numbers of patients may be needed for verification.

BackgroundTo detect progression of right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction (RVSD) in asymptomatic preterm children from infancy to 24-month corrected age, using velocity vector imaging (VVI).MethodsRetrospective study comparing sequential RV longitudinal peak systolic strain (LPSS) from 24 children born at < 33 weeks of gestational age and 10 term infants recruited as controls, obtained at a mean of 4-month (first exam) and 24-month corrected age (second exam).ResultsIn 7/24 (29.2%) of preterm children, RV LPSS of < 16%, defined as RVSD, was detected at the second exam; 5/7 of these children had RV LPSS > 16% at the first exam, and only 2/7 of these children had a history of moderate or severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia.ConclusionIn asymptomatic preterm children, routine echocardiographic screening using VVI could detect RVSD which could progress from 4–24 month corrected age.