Left ventricular twist is load-dependent

• Background: Left ventricular rotation and twist can be assessed noninvasively by speckle tracking echocardiography. We sought to characterize the effects of acute load change and change in inotropic state on rotation parameters as a measure of LV contractility. Methods: Seven anesthetised juvenile pigs were studied, using direct measurement of left ventricular (LV) pressure and volume and simultaneous transthoracic echocardiography. Transient inflation of an inferior vena cava balloon catheter (IVCBO) produced controlled load reduction.  First and last beats in the sequence of eight were analysed with speckle tracking (STE) during the load alteration and analysed for change in rotation/twist during controlled load alteration at same contractile status.  Two pharmacological inotropic interventions were also included to examine the same hypothesis in additionally conditions of increased and decreased myocardial contractility in each animal. Results: The IVCBO load change compared for first to last beat resulted in LV twist increase (11.67° ±2.65° vs. 16.17° ±3.56° respectively, p < 0.004) during the load alteration and under adrenaline stimulation LV twist increase 12.56° ±5.1° vs. 16.57° ±4.6° (p < 0.013), and though increased, didn’t reach significance in nega­tive inotropic condition.  Untwisting rate increased significantly at baseline from    -41.7°/sec ±41.6°/sec vs. -122.6°/sec ±55.8°/sec (P < 0.039) and under adrenaline stimulation untwisting rate increased  (-55.3°/sec ±3.8°/sec vs.  -111.4°/sec ±24.0°/sec (p<0.05), but did not systematically changed in negative inotropic condition. Conclusions: Peak systolic LV twist and peak early diastolic untwisting rate are load dependent.  Changes in LV load should be considered when interpreting  LV rotation/ twist.

Nyckelord

echocardiography

ventricular function

rotation

torsion

load

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

ovr (ämneskategori)