The Value of Aneurysm Volume and Myocardial Strain Rate for Evaluating Cardiac Function of Ischemia‐Related Left Ventricular Aneurysm in a Rabbit Model Using Real Time Three‐Dimensional Echocardiographic Imaging Combined with Speckle Tracking Imaging

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of left ventricular aneurysm ( LVA ) volume and myocardial strain on left ventricular function in a rabbit model using real time three‐dimensional echocardiographic imaging ( RT‐3DE ) combined with two‐dimensional speckle tracking imaging ( 2D‐STI ). Methods A rabbit model of LVA was prepared in 30 N ew Z ealand rabbits by ligating the middle segment of the left anterior descending artery and the left circumflex artery ( LVA group); 10 control rabbits underwent thoracotomy alone. Four weeks later, RT‐3DE was performed to obtain data on left ventricular ejection fraction ( LVEF ), left ventricular end‐diastolic volume ( LVEDV ), left ventricular end‐systolic volume ( LVESV ), and LVA volume. The peak short‐axis radial ( SrR ) and circumferential ( SrC ) strain rates were measured using 2D‐STI technique. Results Compared with control rabbits, LVA group rabbits had significant left ventricular enlargement at the end‐systolic and end‐diastolic phases (both P < 0.05). LVEF , SrR ‐ S ystolic, and SrC ‐ S ystolic were significantly lower in the LVA group (all P < 0.05). Moreover, there were high correlations between LVEF and SrC ‐ S ystolic anterior wall , SrR ‐ S ystolic anterior wall , SrC ‐ S ystolic lateral wall , and SrR ‐ S ystolic lateral wall (r = −0.895, −0.887, −0.890, −0.891, respectively, all P < 0.05). Of note, LVA volume/ LVEDV had the tightest inverse relationship with LVEF (r = −0.911, P < 0.01). Specifically, LVA volume/ LVEDV >16% corresponded to LVEF <50%, and LVEF decreased 1.1% while LVA volume/ LVEDV increased 1%. Conclusions LVA volume/ LVEDV provided a sensitive indicator reflecting cardiac function with LVA . Measurement of various parameters using RT‐3DE might be a useful means to evaluate cardiac function after LVA formation.