- Abstract -

Left ventricular (LV) torsion and strain are essential components of ventricular performance. Cardiac dyssynchrony can reduce LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and decrease cardiac output. We evaluate the influence of electrical dyssynchrony on 2D-strain parameters in patients with non-ischemic heart failure (HF).
Methods: Echocardiography was performed into three groups: without evidence of heart disease (group 1, 30 patients), with HF with reduced LVEF without electrical dyssynchrony (group 2, 37 patients) and with electrical dyssynchrony (group 3, 29 patients).

Results: LVEF, LV strain, torsion and twist were significantly better in group 1 compared to group 2 and 3. LV torsion, twist, strain and LVEF were significantly lower in group 3 compared to group 2 (0.8±0.4 versus 1.2±0.2°/cm, p<0.001; 5.2±2.6 vs 8.2±1.4°, p<0.001; -4.9±2.4 vs -6.8±1.6%, p=0.003; and 30 ±4 vs 35±9%, p=0.015, respectively).

Conclusions: In patients with non-ischemic HF the presence of electrical dyssynchrony induces a reduction of longitudinal and rotational deformation.

Key words: Cardiac dyssynchrony, Heart Failure, Speckle Tracking Echocardiography.