How to measure left ventricular myocardial work by pressure-strain loops

Myocardial work is calculated from non-invasive left ventricular pressure and strain by speckle tracking echocardiography. Myocardial work provides diagnostic information beyond what is achieved from left ventricular ejection fraction and strain since it incorporates afterload, and provides a measure of myocardial efficiency. The method can be used to calculate global as well as segmental work. The work method was recently shown to be of clinical value in selection of patients for cardiac resynchronization therapy. Several other clinical applications are currently tested.

Automated summary

Myocardial work, calculated through non-invasive measures of left ventricular pressure and strain, provides diagnostic information beyond traditional indicators such as ejection fraction and strain by considering afterload and efficiency. This method can evaluate both global and segmental myocardial work, and has shown clinical value in patient selection for cardiac resynchronization therapy, with several other applications currently being tested.