Speckle Tracking Imaging in Acute Inflammatory Pericardial Diseases

Background: Left ventricular (LV) function in acute perimyocarditis is variable. We evaluated LV function in patients with acute perimyocarditis with speckle tracking. Methods: Thirty-eight patients with acute perimyocarditis and 20 normal subjects underwent echocardiographic examination. Three-layers strain and twist angle were assessed with a speckle tracking. Follow-up echo was available in 21 patients. Results: Strain was higher in normal subjects than in patients with perimyocarditis. Twist angle was reduced in perimyocarditis-10.9 degrees +/- 5.4 versus 17.6 degrees +/- 5.8, P < 0.001. Longitudinal strain and twist angle were higher in normal subjects than in patients with perimyocarditis and apparently normal LV function. Follow-up echo in 21 patients revealed improvement in longitudinal strain. Conclusions: Patients with acute perimyocarditis have lower twist angle, longitudinal and circumferential strain. Patients with perimyocarditis and normal function have lower longitudinal strain and twist angle. Short-term follow-up demonstrated improvement in clinical parameters and longitudinal strain despite of residual regional LV dysfunction. (Echocardiography 2011;28:548-555).