Assessment of global and regional left ventricular twist and displacement in anterior myocardial infarction using 2-dimensional strain imaging

The recent development of 2-dimensional strain (2D strain) imaging can provide a powerful alternative for assessing left ventricular (LV) torsion. This study was conducted to evaluate the global and regional left ventricular twist by 2D strain in patients with anterior wall myocardial infarction (AMI). A total of 55 AMI patients were divided into two groups according to their ejection fraction (EF) values (group A: LVEF ⩾ 50%; group B: LVEF < 50%), and 35 normal people served as the control group. Using 2-dimensional strain software, global and regional LV rotation and displacement were obtained at two planes. Compared with the control group, patients of group A showed reduced peak LV twist of the anterior and anterior-septal wall (9.26±1.89 vs 10.74±2.67; 9.71±1.71 vs 11.36±2.29, both P < 0.05), but the radial displacement and global twist were maintained (P > 0.05). Differently, regional and global LV twist and radial displacement in patients of group B deceased significantly, especially in the anterior and anterior-septal wall, as compared with patients in the control or group A (both P < 0.05). Moreover, a strong correlation was noted between peak twist and radial displacement; the twist-displacement loop was markedly distorted in patients of group B. This study demonstrated that 2D strain has a potential ability for quantification of left ventricular global and segment twist and radial displacement in patients with coronary artery disease.