This Article Figures Only Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Rüssel, I. K. Articles by van Rossum, A. C. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Rüssel, I. K. Articles by van Rossum, A. C.

Left Ventricular Torsion

An Expanding Role in the Analysis of Myocardial Dysfunction

Iris K. Rüssel, MSc^_*,,_*, Marco J.W. Götte, MD, PhD, Jean G. Bronzwaer, MD, PhD, Paul Knaapen, MD, PhD, Walter J. Paulus, MD, PhD, Albert C. van Rossum, MD, PhD

^_* Department of Physics and Medical Technology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Department of Cardiology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Department of Physiology, and the Institute for Cardiovascular Research (ICaR-VU), VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

^_* Reprint requests and correspondence: Dr. Iris K. Rüssel, Department of Physics and Medical Technology, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands (Email: i.russel{at}vumc.nl).

During left ventricular (LV) torsion, the base rotates in an overall clockwise direction and the apex rotates in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from apex to base. LV torsion is followed by rapid untwisting, which contributes to ventricular filling. Because LV torsion is directly related to fiber orientation, it might depict subclinical abnormalities in heart function. Recently, ultrasound speckle tracking was introduced for quantification of LV torsion. This fast, widely available technique may contribute to a more rapid introduction of LV torsion as a clinical tool for detection of myocardial dysfunction. However, knowledge of the exact function and structure of the heart is fundamental for understanding the value of LV torsion. LV torsion has been investigated with different measurement methods during the past 2 decades, using cardiac magnetic resonance as the gold standard. The results obtained over the years are helpful for developing a standardized method to quantify LV torsion and have facilitated the interpretation and value of LV torsion before it can be used as a clinical tool.

Key Words: left ventricle • cardiac magnetic resonance • myocardial dysfunction • torsion

Abbreviations and Acronyms   CAD = coronary artery disease   CMR = cardiac magnetic resonance   LV = left ventricle   MI = myocardial infarction