Use of peak systolic strain as an index of regional left ventricular function: Comparison with tissue doppler velocity during dobutamine stress and myocardial ischemia

Abstract

Objectives: The goals of this study were to examine peak systolic strain as an index of regional function in an animal model of inotropic stress and ischemia, and to compare these results with peak systolic myocardial tissue Doppler velocity (MDV). Background: Myocardial tissue Doppler velocity is an objective measure of regional left ventricular responses to inotropic stimulation and ischemia, but it is affected by tethering from adjacent segments and translational movement. Myocardial Doppler strain (ε, relative change in length) is a more local measure of contractility, which can now be derived noninvasively from MDV. Methods: Eight dogs underwent graded dobutamine infusion followed by co..