The Use of Velocity Vector Imaging Program to Estimate Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Healthy Volunteers and Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy

The aim of the investigation is to estimate the feasibility of Velocity Vector Imaging (VVI) program in studying left ventricular systolic function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and healthy volunteers.

Materials and Methods. The study included 3 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and 4 patients without cardiovascular pathology. Left ventricle was analyzed using VVI program, from apical four-chamber position and from parasternal position along short axis at the level of papillary muscles. There were analyzed the indices of myocardial motion speed, strain, left ventricular ejection fraction and volume.

Results. The indices of left ventricular systolic function in standard echocardiography (using Simpson method) and using VVI program were equal in both groups. Axial and radial velocity of left ventricular endocardium were higher in healthy volunteers (p<0.05). The group of volunteers had the tendency for speed reduction from left ventricular base to apex, while in the group of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy the tendency was less expressed. In patients with dilated cardiomyopathy there was relatively uniform decrease of axial and radial velocities in the studied segments. Compared to healthy volunteers, the patients with dilated cardiomyopathy had lower indices of axial strain (p<0.05).

Conclusion. VVI program in estimating left ventricular systolic function enables to assess accurately and objectively the degree of contractility defect.

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Shakhova Е.B., Budkina М.L, Fedorova М.V., Shakhov B.Е. The Use of Velocity Vector Imaging Program to Estimate Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Healthy Volunteers and Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Sovremennye tehnologii v medicine 2012; (3): 78