Apical circumferential motion of the right and the left ventricles in healthy subjects described with speckle tracking.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to determine whether right ventricular (RV) apical rotation could be of importance in RV function and compare this with left ventricular (LV) apical rotation.


METHODS
Short-axis images at the apical level of both ventricles were simultaneously recorded in 14 healthy subjects (mean age, 62 +/- 11 years).


RESULTS
There was a significant difference in mean rotation between the two ventricles in the time interval between 50% of ejection and aortic valve closure (P < .05). At aortic valve closure, LV rotation was 10.9 +/- 4.8 degrees counterclockwise, and RV rotation was 1.1 +/- 5.8 degrees clockwise. The anterior and inferior parts of the right ventricle rotated in opposite directions toward the septum. The septal segments of both ventricles rotated inferiorly, thus likely reducing interventricular stress.


CONCLUSIONS
This study showed clear differences in apical rotation between the two ventricles. Whereas the left ventricle displayed uniform rotation, the right ventricle showed heterogeneous rotation, resulting overall in almost no rotation but in a "tightening belt" motion.
Gustafsson
Ulf
U
Department of Clinical Physiology, Heart Centre, Umeå University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden. ulf.gustafsson@medicin.umu.se
Lindqvist
Per
P
Waldenström
Anders
A
D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D054459:Elasticity Imaging Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left / Q000502:physiology*; D016278:Ventricular Function, Right / Q000502:physiology*