Strain-encoded MRI to evaluate normal left ventricular function and timing of contraction at 3.0 Tesla.
OBJECTIVE
To define the reproducibility of strain-encoded (SENC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for assessment of regional left ventricular myocardial strain and timing of contraction in a 3T MRI system.


METHODS
The study population consisted of 16 healthy subjects. SENC measurements were performed in three short-axis (SA) slices (apical, mid, and basal) and three long-axis (LA) views (two-, three-, and four-chamber) for assessment of maximal transmural systolic strain and time to peak strain. To assess the interobserver and interstudy reproducibility, analysis of SENC MRI was performed by two independent observers who were blinded to each other's results and four studies were repeated on a different day.


RESULTS
Maximal longitudinal strain was highest at the apex, as was maximal circumferential strain. Peak longitudinal strain occurred earliest at the base, as did peak circumferential strain. Interclass correlation coefficient between observers and repeated studies ranged from 0.92 to 0.98 (P < 0.001 for all).


CONCLUSIONS
The present study demonstrates the ability of SENC MRI to define regional left ventricular strain and the time sequence of regional strain. SENC MRI may represent a highly objective method for quantifying regional left ventricular function.
Hamdan
Ashraf
A
Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, Deutsche Herzzentrum Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Thouet
Thomas
T
Kelle
Sebastian
S
Wellnhofer
Ernst
E
Paetsch
Ingo
I
Gebker
Rolf
R
Schnackenburg
Bernhard
B
Fahmy
Ahmed S
AS
Osman
Nael F
NF
Bornstedt
Axel
A
Fleck
Eckart
E
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009200:Myocardial Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left / Q000502:physiology*