Evaluation of left ventricular torsion in patients with cardiac dysfunction using ultrasound speckle tracking imaging

Abstract

Objective To investigate the performance of left ventricular torsion (LVtor) or twist with cardiac dysfunction patients by speckle tracking imaging (STI). Methods Standard left ventricular short-axis views images were acquired by rountine two-dimensional echocardiography in thirty-two healthy humans and twenty-four patients with cardiac dysfunction. LVtor angle,left ventricular rotation (LVrot) angle,the peak value and time of LVtor and LVrot were measured respectively. The data were compared and analyzed between the two groups. Results Compared with normal group,the peak of LVtor and LVrot angle was decreased in cardiac dysfunction group at both apical and basal planes (P<0.05). The peak time of LVtor in patients with cardiac dysfunction was delayed (P<0.05). The peak time of clockwise rotation at the apical level segments was longer than control group (P<0.05). Conclusions There is a temporal sequence difference of left ventricular rotation between basal and apical planes during left ventricular contraction and decreased LVtor has been demonstrated to influence left ventricular function. Key words: Echocardiography; Heart failure, congestive; Ventricular function, left; Torsion; Speckle tracking imaging