Measurement of ventricular three-dimensional torsion.

Background: In this study, three-dimensional torsion angle of myocardium was extracted by two-dimensional images of the left ventricle at three levels of base, mid, and apex of interventricular septum wall.
Methods: Two-dimensional echocardiography images of long- and short-axis views of healthy men were synchronized using an electrocardiogram of each individual and processed. Interventricular septum wall motion at three levels of base, mid, and apex were measured using a motion-detection algorithm throughout three cardiac cycles. Considering position vectors in long and short-axis views, the three-dimensional torsion angle is extracted throughout the cardiac cycle.
Results: The average and standard deviation of Φ(M) during three cardiac cycles for interventricular septal wall in healthy individuals in this study are estimated as 16.3 ± 3.0° at base level, 22.8 ± 5.0° at mid level, and 14.6 ± 5.8° at apex level of septum wall, respectively.
Conclusions: This angle suggested for examination of regional and global biomechanical behavior of myocardium in different pathologic conditions.