The value of left ventricular strain-volume loops in predicting response to cardiac resynchronization therapy.

BACKGROUND

Three-dimensional (3D) speckle tracking imaging (STI) allows the simultaneous assessment of left ventricular (LV) strain and volume. We aim to explore the value of LV strain-volume loops in predicting response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

METHODS

Forty heart failure (HF) patients scheduled for CRT and twenty healthy individuals were enrolled. All subjects received a 3D echocardiography and 3D STI analysis to acquire LV global and segmental principal strain (PS) and volume simultaneously. Values were plotted in a Cartesian system to construct PS-volume loop which was assessed using the two characteristics of the linear fitting curve: the slope and the coefficient of determination (R-S/D coupling).

RESULTS

HF patients at baseline showed significantly lower slope and R-S/D coupling of all PS-volume loops than healthy subjects. As for as comparing Segmental PS-Global volume loop at baseline, Midseptal R-S/D coupling was lower and Midlateral slope was higher in CRT responders than in non-responders. For each individual, the abnormal segmental heterogeneity of Midseptal slope and R-S/D coupling were lower than Midlateral was observed only in responders. At follow-up, significant improvements of the Midseptal slope and R-S/D coupling were observed in responders. Midseptal R-S/D coupling at baseline was an independent predictor of CRT response and the cut-off value of 0.55 was recommended with sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 77%.

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of strain-volume loops could provide unique information for predicting response to CRT. Assessment of septal myocardial wasted work at baseline is helpful to improve patient selection for CRT.