This research aims to evaluate the stiffness of Fontan hearts compared to normal hearts using natural shear wave elastography.
Utilized natural shear wave elastography to measure cardiac stiffness
Focused on patients with Fontan circulatory failure
Assessed the relationship between shear wave speed and systemic vascular pressure (SVP)
Fontan hearts exhibit greater stiffness compared to normal hearts
Shear wave velocities are significantly higher in patients with Fontan circulatory failure
Shear wave speed shows a correlation with systemic vascular pressure
Abstract
Our findings suggest that Fontan hearts may be stiffer than normal and that SW velocities are higher in patients with a Fontan circulatory failure. Moreover, SW speed was related to SVP.