Apical circumferential motion of the right and the left ventricles in healthy subjects described with speckle tracking

• Background The aim of this study was to determine whether right ventricular (RV) apical rotation could be of importance in RV function and compare this with left ventricular (LV) apical rotation. Methods Short-axis images at the apical level of both ventricles were simultaneously recorded in 14 healthy subjects (mean age, 62 ± 11 years). Results There was a significant difference in mean rotation between the two ventricles in the time interval between 50% of ejection and aortic valve closure (P < .05). At aortic valve closure, LV rotation was 10.9 ± 4.8° counterclockwise, and RV rotation was 1.1 ± 5.8° clockwise. The anterior and inferior parts of the right ventricle rotated in opposite directions toward the septum. The septal segments of both ventricles rotated inferiorly, thus likely reducing interventricular stress. Conclusion This study showed clear differences in apical rotation between the two ventricles. Whereas the left ventricle displayed uniform rotation, the right ventricle showed heterogeneous rotation, resulting overall in almost no rotation but in a “tightening belt” motion.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Kardiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Right ventricular function

Left ventricular function

Apical rotation

Speckle tracking

Ventricular interaction

Cardiology

Kardiologi

Cardiology

kardiologi

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)