Evaluation of left atrial function by velocity vector imaging in patient with rheumatic mitral stenosis

Abstract

Objective To evaluate left atrial function by velocity vector imaging (VVI) in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis(RMS). Methods Thirty eight patients with RMS and 42 normal controls were studied with VVI analysis software. Peak systolic strain (S), systolic strain rate(SRs), early diastolic strain rate(SRe) and late diastolic strain rate(SRa) of each left atrial segments were measured,and also the SRa peak time delay(Td-SRa). Results Comparing to the controls group, the S, SRs and SRe of all segments were significantly lower(P<0.05). Except the base latero-aorta's SRa, the other segments' SRa were lower (P<0.05). In patients with atrial fibrillation(AF),56% segments had no SRa,and 18.6% had irregular low amplitude movement at late diastole, while 25.4% had discernible positive peak. The base and middle inferior SRa of patients with AF were lower (P<0.05 ) than those of the patients with sinus rhythm. While the Td-SRa of patients was longer than that of control group,especially what of the patients with AF. Conclusions The segmental and globe left atrial function of patients with RMS can be evaluated with VVI. Key words: Echocardiography; Mitral stenosis; Atrial function,left; Velocity vector imaging