Selective echocardiographic analysis of epicardial and endocardial left ventricular rotational mechanics in an animal model of pericardial adhesions

Mohsen S. Alharthi, Panupong Jiamsripong, Anna Calleja, Partho P. Sengupta, Eileen M. McMahon, Bijoy Khandheria, A. Jamil Tajik, Marek Belohlavek

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

AimsDiagnosis of pericardial adhesions is challenging. Twisting of the left ventricle (LV) is essential for normal LV functioning. We experimentally characterized the impact of pericardial adhesions on epicardial and endocardial LV rotational mechanics with velocity vector imaging (VVI).Methods and resultsIn nine open-chest pigs, the heart was exposed while preserving the pericardium. Early-stage pericardial adhesions were simulated by instilling tissue glue to pericardial space. Using VVI, LV rotational mechanics was quantitatively assessed endocardially and epicardially along with haemodynamic data at baseline and following the experimental intervention. End-diastolic volume, ejection fraction, stroke volume, late diastolic filling velocity, and LV endocardial torsion decreased significantly. LV epicardial torsion showed only a trend towards decrease (P = 0.141). Endocardial twist and torsion decreased significantly (P = 0.007) from 8.6 ± 2.2 degree and 1.497 ± 0.397 degree/cm to 5.3 ± 1.8 degree and 0.97 ± 0.38 degree/cm, respectively; epicardial twist showed a trend towards a decrease in its magnitude. Gradients of endocardial/epicardial twist and torsion did not significantly change.ConclusionThe model suggests that early-stage pericardial adhesions reduce both epicardial and endocardial LV twist and torsion without a significant alteration in their transmural gradient. Selective endocardial/epicardial analysis of LV twisting mechanics may have a diagnostic role in detection of early formation of pericardial adhesions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)357-362
Number of pages6
JournalEuropean Journal of Echocardiography
Volume10
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2009

Keywords

  • Left ventricular twist
  • Pericardial adhesion
  • Velocity vector imaging

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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