Velocity vector Imaging in assessing the regional Systolic function of patients with post myocardial infarction

Purpose: To assess the regional systolic function in patients with post myocardial infarction (PM[), using the velocity vector imaging (VVI) technique, a new two-dimensional echocardiographic method. Methods: Two-dimensional images of apical four, two chambers and apical long-axis view were obtained in 20 patients with PMI and 15 normal controls. The segmental myocardial systolic peak strain (is an element of), strain rate (SRs), and segmental ejection fraction (SEF) were analyzed with VVI offline software. The result of is an element of in middle segments of the normal control analyzed by VVI was compared with that by tissue Doppler imaging (DTI). Results: The segmental is an element of, SRs, and SEF were significantly lower in infarct segments than in the corresponding segments of the normal controls. There were significant difference in average is an element of, SRs, and SEF among infarct, noninfarct, and normal control segments. The segmental is an element of, SRs, and SEF did not vary significantly from basal to apical segments in the normal control subjects. There was a good correlation on 6 in middle segments between VVI and DTI (r = 0.710, P < 0. 01). The interobserver variability was 4.6% and the intraobserver variability was 7.0%, respectively. Conclusions: The regional systolic function decreased in infarct segments compared with the adjacent noninfarct segments and normal control segments. The systolic function of adjacent noninfarct area was also affected by infarct areas. VVI could recognize and quantify the abnormality of infarct segments and therefore could be a useful tool in assessing the myocardial regional systolic function.