Aim .– Right ventricular (RV) function is a major determinant of prognosis in patients (pts) with congenital heart diseases (CHD), but its evaluation remains challenging. We evaluate feasibility and reproducibility of speckle tracking (2D strain) for analysis of RV function in these pts.

Methods .– Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) was performed in all pts. Systolic RV function was estimated in the apical 4-chamber view by percentage RV surface shortening, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and 2D strain. Longitudinal maximal systolic strain was evaluated. RV was divided into 6 segments (3 septum, 3 free wall). Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility were compared using the Bland & Altman test.

Results .– We included 16 pts aged 11–46 years (25 ± 10), operated on 29 ± 8 years before for CHD. Five had been operated on for transposition of the great arteries by the Mustard/Senning procedure and had systemic RV; 10 for tetralogy of Fallot and had significant pulmonary valvular regurgitation. All parameters were decreased in all pts: 37 ± 0.7% on average for RV surface shortening, 15 ± 5.1 mm for TAPSE. Global RV systolic strain was −16.2 ± 3.0%, free wall strain was −17.1 ± 3.2%, septal strain was −15.2 ± 3.5% on average. Only 7/384 segments could not be analysed. Intra-observer reproducibility was excellent: mean difference (MD) −0.1%, SD 1.25% [range: −2.17, +2.33] (observer 1), −0.4%, SD 1.6% [−3.43, +2.13] (observer 2) for global strain. Inter-observer reproducibility was good, mean difference −1.2%, SD 2.4% [−7.88, +1.38] between measurements for global strain.

Conclusion .– Speckle tracking is an interesting method, easy to perform and reproducible for assessment of RV function in CHD.