Assessment of Left Ventricular Function in Childhood Cancer Survivors by 2D Conventional Echocardiography

摘要

Objective: T o assess left ventricular function in childhood cancer survivors by 2D conventional echocardiography. Background: T wo-dimensional echocardiography is considered one of the most widely used methods for detection of cardiotoxicity in childhood cancer survivors (CCS). Patients and Methods: I n this case-control study, left ventricular functions were assessed by 2 D conventional echocardiography in 40 pediatric childhood cancer survivors and 20 healthy children as cont rolled. All of the participants were subjected to complete history taking and thorough clinical examination. Results: Most of the survivors (25 children) were diagnosed as ALL, 8 as NHL and 7 as HL. Their age at diagnosis of cancer ranged between 2 and 16 years. All of our survivors were treated with anthracycline based protocols of chemotherapy and the cumulative dose of anthracycline ranged between 75 and 400 mg/m². The syst olic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly higher in the survivors group than the control group. the EF and FS (which represents the LV systolic function) were significantly lower in the survivors group than the control group though still within the normal values while no significant difference in LVEDD and LVESD. Also, the mitral E/A ratio (which represents the LV diastolic function) was significantly lower in the survivors group than the control group. Conclusion: Childhood cancer survivors are at higher risk of developing cardiac complications. Thus follow up of cardiac condition is mandatory in CCS.