Assessment of Left Ventricular Function in Symptomatic Patients with Myocardial Bridge using Two-Dimensional Strain

Background and Objectives:We wanted to perform quantitative echocardiographic assessment of myocardial func- tion in the patients with myocardial bridge by measuring 2-dimensional strain with using newly developed software. Subjects and Methods:Novel computer software was used for tracking heart tissue on echocardiography, and we conducted an advanced wall-motion analysis for 18 symptomatic patients (mean age: 57.1±9.7 years, 10 female) with myocardial bridging of the left anterior descending coronary artery and also 20 age-matched healthy cont- rols. The conventional wall-motion scoring was normal in all the patients, and the software was able to adequately track their heart tissue. Results:The maximal angiographic systolic lumen diameter reduction within the myocardial bridges was 71±12.6% at rest, with a persistent diameter reduction of 31.2±11.3%. The radial strain and displa- cement of the anterior segments were more significantly reduced than that of the posterior segments at the level of the papillary muscle (30.9±13.8% vs. 51.8±17.3% and 4.8±0.9 vs. 5.9±1.5, respectively, all p<0.05), and this showed a plateau (39% and 33%, respectively) or biphasic (50% and 56%, respectively) pattern. The time from the R wave on electrocardiography to the transition from regional systole to early diastolic lengthening (Tr) was significantly delayed in the patients with myocardial bridge more than that for the controls (497±20.4 ms vs. 348±12.5 ms, respectively, p<0.05). Conclusion:Delayed systolic contraction and diastolic relaxation are im- portant mechanisms that contribute to ischemia in the patients with myocardial bridge. 2-dimensional strain can be used to achieve real-time wall-motion analysis, and it has the potential to improve the identification and func- tional quantification of myocardial Bridge. (Korean Circulation J 2006;36:617-625)