Transthoracic echocardiographic assessment of ventricular function in functional single ventricle: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Background: Functional single ventricle represents a complex congenital cardiac malformation where ventricular function directly impacts patients’ quality of life and prognosis. Accurate assessment of ventricular function in FSV patients is crucial for treatment planning, surgical intervention, and monitoring therapeutic efficacy. Main text: Echocardiography, as a non-invasive, readily available, and real-time cardiac imaging modality, has emerged as the preferred method for evaluating functional single ventricle ventricular function. With continuous advancement and innovation in echocardiographic technology, methods for evaluating functional single ventricle ventricular function have become increasingly diverse and refined. This review synthesizes recent research developments in echocardiographic assessment of functional single ventricle ventricular function and analyzes the advantages, limitations, and future applications of various techniques. Conclusion: Strain and strain rate derived from two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging have progressively entered clinical application, demonstrating substantial potential as crucial parameters for evaluating single ventricular function. Emerging technologies, including three-dimensional speckle tracking imaging and non-invasive pressure-strain loops, show promise for contributing to multi-dimensional, integrated assessment as research continues to advance.