Evaluation of left ventricular systolic dyssynchrony by two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging and real-time three-dimensional echocardiography

Background Two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging(2D-STI) and real-time three-dimensional echocardiography(RT-3DE) have more advantages in evaluating left ventricular(LV) systolic dyssynchrony than traditional echocardiographic techniques. The study aimed to evaluate LV dyssynchrony parameters by both 2D-STI and RT-3DE, and the correlation between these two techniques. Methods A total of 43 chronic heart failure(CHF) patients and 27 healthy volunteers were enrolled. There were 23 dyssynchrony parameters selected to evaluate left ventricular systolic synchronization, involving 15 from 2D-STI and 8 from RT-3DE.Results Few of the dyssynchrony parametersshowednegative correlations with LV ejection fraction(LVEF) in the CHF group. The difference between time to peak-systolic radial strain of the anteroseptal and posterior segments at the level of papillary muscles [AS-P(RS)] from 2D-STI showed positive correlations with parts of the parameters from RT-3DE(P < 0.05). Conclusions LV systolic dysfunction does not correlate with dyssynchrony. Moreover, there is a weak association between 2D-STI and RT-3DE in assessment of left ventricular dyssynchrony.