Evaluation of the difference of rotation between subendocardium and subepicardium in diastolic heart failure patients by two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging

Abstract

Objective To observe the rotation of subendocardium and subepidium by two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging(2D-STI),and to evaluate its performance in diastolic heart failure patients(DHF)with a normal left ventricular ejection fraction. Methods Ninety-seven consecutive clinically stable patients were enrolled in this study [41 healthy controls,36 with diastolic heart failure,20 with systolic heart failure (SHF)]. High frame rate dynamic two-dimensional images were recorded at the left ventricular short-axis view,including basal, papillary muscle and apical planes. Subendocardial and subepicardial global rotation were measured using Q-lab 7.0 software offline. Results ① In all the subjects, the rotation of the subendocardium was obviously greater than that of subepicardium. ②As seen from the apex,left ventricular subendocardium and subepicardium performed a wringing motion with a clockwise rotation at the base and countclockwise rotation at the apex. ③In the apical plane, subendocardial rotation was significantly lower in both heart failure groups than in controls,and was depressed to a larger extent in SHF patients than in those with DHF. Subepicardial rotation was no significant difference between the DHF group and the control group, though it was significantly lower in patients with SHF. ④At the base, the rotation of subendocardium and subepicardium were not different between DHF and control groups, but it was significantly reduced in patients with SHF. Conclusions The subendocardial rotation is reduced, but subepicardial rotation is normal in DHF patients. On the other hand, in patients with SHF, subendocardial and subepicardial rotation are both reduced. The left ventricular systolic properties are impaired in DHF patients. Key words: Echocardiography; Heart failure,congestive; Ventricular function,left; Speckle tracking imaging