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The Role of Speckle Tracking Strain Imaging in Cardiac Pacing
Author(s) -
Tops Laurens F.,
Delgado Victoria,
Bax Jeroen J.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
echocardiography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.404
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1540-8175
pISSN - 0742-2822
DOI - 10.1111/j.1540-8175.2008.00865.x
Subject(s) - speckle pattern , strain (injury) , tracking (education) , cardiac pacing , cardiology , medicine , computer vision , psychology , computer science , pedagogy
In recent years, concerns have been raised about possible harmful effects of long‐term right ventricular (RV) apical pacing. These detrimental effects may be related to changes in left ventricular (LV) mechanics during RV apical pacing. As a consequence, alternative RV pacing sites have been proposed, and in selected patients an upgrade from RV to biventricular pacing may be considered. Novel two‐dimensional (2D) speckle tracking strain imaging allows detailed evaluation of LV mechanics, including LV mechanical dyssynchrony, LV strain and LV torsion. In this review, the role of speckle tracking strain imaging in the evaluation of LV function in patients with RV apical pacing will be reviewed. The effects of RV apical pacing on LV mechanical dyssynchrony, LV strain and LV torsion will be discussed. In addition, the role of speckle tracking strain imaging in the selection of the optimal (alternative) RV pacing site and in the selection of patients who may benefit from an upgrade from RV apical pacing to biventricular pacing will be reviewed.