Sequential Changes of Longitudinal and Radial Myocardial Deformation Indices in the Healthy Neonate Heart

LV peak systolic ε decreases in exam 2 were possibly due to afterload increase and preload decrease. The lower RV initial deformation indices could be attributed to increased afterload caused by physiologic pulmonary hypertension or immature RV contractile properties. SR seemed to be a more robust index than ε and less influenced by preload and afterload hemodynamic alteration.