Advanced Echocardiography in Pediatric Cardiology

Advanced echocardiography has revolutionized the field of pediatric cardiology, providing new tools for detailed evaluation of cardiac anatomy and function far beyond the traditional two dimensional approaches. The introduction of strain imaging, three dimensional echocardiography, and four dimensional echocardiography is transforming how clinicians diagnose, risk-stratify, and manage children with a spectrum of cardiac conditions, including congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathies, myocarditis, valve disease, and post-intervention surveillance. Emerging studies demonstrate that these techniques offer earlier and more precise detection of functional abnormalities and can guide more effective intervention planning, yet significant knowledge gaps persist regarding their optimal implementation, reproducibility, and clinical integration.Despite the promise of advanced echocardiography, challenges remain surrounding variability in image acquisition protocols, analysis platforms, and the availability of robust pediatric-specific normative data. There are ongoing debates around the standardization of measurement techniques, establishment of age- and growth-specific reference values, and the utility of advanced metrics in influencing patient management across diverse clinical settings. Furthermore, the feasibility and diagnostic reliability of these modalities in infants and young children are not fully established, in part due to technical and patient-related limitations. Recent work underscores the importance of practical studies focused on workflow integration, image quality assurance, and standardized reporting frameworks to maximize real-world utility and impact.This Research Topic aims to advance the scientific foundation and practical utility of advanced echocardiography in pediatric cardiology. We seek to answer questions related to methodological standardization, clinical validation, and workflow optimization, bringing together evidence from technical, diagnostic, and interventional perspectives. To gather further insights in the application of advanced echocardiography in children, we welcome contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Validation and standardization of strain imaging, three dimensional, and four dimensional echocardiography protocols in pediatrics• Pediatric-specific reference values and clinically meaningful thresholds• Quantitative assessment of ventricular and atrial function, as well as dyssynchrony• Detailed imaging of valve morphology and function• Applications in congenital heart disease and post-surgical or catheter-based interventions• Feasibility studies in neonates, infants, and young children• Interobserver, intraobserver, and intercenter reproducibility• Practical strategies for workflow integration and reporting in pediatric imaging practiceWe welcome various article types, including Original Research, Systematic Reviews, Meta-analyses, Methods papers, Brief Research Reports, Clinical Trial Protocols, Perspectives and Opinions, and Implementation or Quality Improvement studies. Topic editors: Suhair Omar SHEBANI, Nathalie Jeanne M Bravo-valenzuela Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80430/advanced-echocardiography-in-pediatric-cardiology