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Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography
06:34

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography

Published on: October 28, 2020

Are there sex differences in regional systolic function and wall stress in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy? A

Jürgen Frielingsdorf1, Andreas Franke, Otto M Hess

  • 1Cardiology, Department of Medicine, City Hospital Triemli, Zurich, Switzerland.

Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : Official Publication of the American Society of Echocardiography
|May 28, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Women exhibit superior left ventricular (LV) systolic function in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. However, this difference in LV systolic function disappears when adjusted for lower wall stress in women.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Echocardiography

Background:

  • Sex-related differences in left ventricular (LV) systolic function are documented in aortic stenosis and hypertensive heart disease.
  • Regional LV systolic function is influenced by wall thickness and wall stress.
  • Comprehensive analysis of regional LV function requires advanced imaging techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine LV systolic function in male and female patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.
  • To investigate the relationship between LV systolic function, wall thickness, and wall stress in this patient population.
  • To explore potential sex-based disparities in cardiac mechanics.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized multiplane transesophageal echocardiography with 3D reconstruction of the LV in 21 patients (11 men, 10 women).
  • Acquired 4 parallel short-axis cross-sections from base to apex, with 24 wall-thickness measurements per section at end-diastole and end-systole.
  • Calculated wall thickening and fractional thickening to assess regional systolic function.

Main Results:

  • Fractional thickening and wall stress were inversely related to end-diastolic wall thickness in both sexes.
  • Women demonstrated significantly better LV systolic function compared to men (P <.001).
  • After correcting for lower wall stress in women, no significant sex difference in systolic function was observed.

Conclusions:

  • Regional differences in LV systolic function exist between men and women with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.
  • These differences are contingent upon regional wall thickness and associated wall stress.
  • Wall stress is a critical factor in understanding sex-related variations in cardiac function.
Abstract

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