Measurement of ventricular three-dimensional torsion

In this study, three-dimensional torsion angle of myocardium was extracted by two-dimensional images of the left ventricle at three levels of base, mid, and apex of interventricular septum wall.

Two-dimensional echocardiography images of long- and short-axis views of healthy men were synchronized using an electrocardiogram of each individual and processed. Interventricular septum wall motion at three levels of base, mid, and apex were measured using a motion-detection algorithm throughout three cardiac cycles. Considering position vectors in long and short-axis views, the three-dimensional torsion angle is extracted throughout the cardiac cycle.

The average and standard deviation of Φ(M) during three cardiac cycles for interventricular septal wall in healthy individuals in this study are estimated as 16.3 ± 3.0° at base level, 22.8 ± 5.0° at mid level, and 14.6 ± 5.8° at apex level of septum wall, respectively.

This angle suggested for examination of regional and global biomechanical behavior of myocardium in different pathologic conditions.