Unveiling subclinical myocardial dysfunction in pediatric Helicobacter pylori infection via speckle tracking echocardiography

Authors : Şeyma Kayalı, Deniz Honamlı, Melike Arslan, İrem Türkyılmaz, Necati Balam, Ayhan Kılıç

Pages : 166-173

Doi:10.17941/agd.1841990

View : 13 | Download : 29

Publication Date : 2026-02-20

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Background and Aims: Helicobacter pylori is among the most prevalent infectious agents globally. Recent evidence has highlighted its potential impact beyond the gastrointestinal tract, including possible effects on the cardiovascular system. This study aimed to evaluate myocardial function in children with Helicobacter pylori infection using advanced echocardiographic modalities, particularly two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. Materials and Methods: A total of 54 children diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori infection (mean age: 14 ± 3.1 years) and 37 age-matched healthy controls (mean age: 13.6 ± 2.2 years) were enrolled. Conventional echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging, and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography were performed to assess left ventricular function. Results: No significant differences were found in traditional echocardiographic parameters between the groups. However, the myocardial performance index measured via tissue Doppler imaging was significantly higher, and mitral S\\\', A\\\', and E\\\'/A\\\' values were significantly lower in the Helicobacter pylori group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, both global longitudinal strain and circumferential strain values obtained from two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography were significantly reduced in the patient group (global longitudinal strain: –18.1 ± 0.8 vs. –19.6 ± 1.1; circumferential strain: –19.2 ± 1.2 vs. –21.2 ± 1.0; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Helicobacter pylori infection in children is associated with subclinical alterations in myocardial function, which can be detected using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging -derived myocardial performance index. These findings underscore the importance of cardiac follow-up in children diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori infection.
Keywords : Helicobacter pylori, miyokardiyal disfonksiyon, subklinik kardiyomiyopati, doku Doppler görüntüleme, strain ekokardiyografi

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