Diagnostic value and mechanisms of post-systoliс shortening in case of postinfarction focal changes of the left ventricle

Abstract

Speckle tracking is a modern prospective method of assessing myocardial contractility of the left ventricle. The significance of post-systolic shortening (PSS) in the diagnostics of the local myocardial contractility of the left ventricle abnormality remains sufficiently unexplored. In this research we investigated speckle tracking of the apical positions of 139 patients with coronary heart disease. Measuring the myocardial systolic shortening after aortic valve closure has revealed negative, zero and positive post systolic peak. The results of the research showed that the magnitude of PSS depends on the contractility of the observable segment. In case of the local myocardial contractility of the left ventricle abnormality the time from wave R of ECG to peak strain is certainly changing. The findings of the research suggest that interaction of the related elements is a mechanism of the PSS origination, and the phenomenon of PSS itself is an important criterion of diagnosing the local myocardial contractility of the left ventricle abnormality.