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Relation between cyclic variation in echo amplitude and segmental contraction in normal and abnormal hearts
D A Lythall1, R B Logan-Sinclair, C J Ilsley
1Department of Cardiology, Harefield Hospital, Middlesex.
British Heart Journal
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Cardiac ultrasound signal variations correlate quantitatively with myocardial shortening. This finding highlights the utility of analyzing myocardial echo amplitude for assessing regional heart function in various conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Echocardiography
- Myocardial Mechanics
Background:
- Cardiac systolic activity influences myocardial ultrasound signals.
- Understanding the relationship between echo amplitude and myocardial function is crucial for diagnosing heart conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the quantitative relationship between cardiac systolic activity and cardiac cycle-dependent variations in myocardial ultrasound signals.
- To assess the utility of quantitative analysis of myocardial echo amplitude in evaluating regional myocardial function.
Main Methods:
- Regional echo amplitude was measured and standardized using the posterior parietal pericardium as an in-vivo calibration.
- M-mode measurements of the left ventricle assessed cardiac systolic activity.
- Cyclic variation in echo amplitude and a cyclic variation index were analyzed for correlation with left ventricular dimensions, fractional shortening, and systolic wall thickening in healthy controls and patients with cardiomyopathy or pulmonary hypertension.
Main Results:
- Systolic wall thickening was the most significant independent variable correlating with the cyclic variation index in both the septum and posterior wall (r = 0.68-0.69, p < 0.0001).
- Regression analysis revealed similar slopes and intercepts across different myocardial regions and patient subgroups.
- The correlation remained consistent regardless of myocardial location, left ventricular performance, or wall motion abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- A quantitative relationship exists between cyclic variation in echo amplitude and segmental myocardial shortening, as measured by systolic wall thickening.
- Quantitative analysis of myocardial echo amplitude is a valuable tool for studying regional myocardial function in both healthy and diseased myocardium.
- This method is not significantly influenced by factors like myocardial location, left ventricular performance, or wall motion.