we included in this study 20 NOR and 61 CRT patients (mean LVEF, GLS and QRS duration: 64±5 vs 27±5%, -23±2 vs –8±3%, 71±21 vs 170±17 msec; respectively, all p<0.0001). Strain traces and valvular event times were used for the calculation of LV-PSLs.
with respect to NOR, CRT patients showed an increase in avgNW (329±139 vs 174±67mmHg%, p<0.0001), a significant decrease in avgCW (640±371 vs 2130±206mmHg%, p<0.0001), avgPW (994±378 vs 2338±204mmHg%, p<0.0001), and WE (74±10 vs 93±3, p<0.0001). The attached figure is displaying a typical example of a NOR and of a CRT patient. In CRT, the reduction in GLS (upper panel) is associated with a lengthening of time-to-peak GLS (TTP), particularly in the interventricular septum (IVS) (middle panel). The WE is globally reduced in CRT, but this reduction is greater in the IVS (lower panel).
regional LV-PSLs allow the assessment of global and regional myocardial performance. Their relationship with LV dyssynchrony provides a window for a best understanding of LV mechanics and it will help in defining the most specific parameter for predicting the non-response to CRT.