Can strain rate imaging predict recovery of contraction after acute myocardial infarction?

Aims: To assess whether strain rate imaging (SRI) can serve to evaluate myocardial viability in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods And Results: In 23 patients with ACS, we measured longitudinal tissue Doppler strain and strain rate values from left ventricular basal, mid, and apical segments (n = 414). These segments were grouped according to their acute end-systolic strain values (S(ES)) into those with normocontraction (S(ES)≤-13%), hypocontraction (S(ES) between -13 and -7%), and severe contraction abnormality (S(ES)>-7%).

Tissue Doppler strain-mapping in the assessment of the extent of chronic myocardial infarction: validation using magnetic resonance imaging.

Aims: The distribution of myocardial strain values can be visualized by colour-coded strain images. We examined for the first time if this strain-mapping function can be used to study the extent of prior myocardial infarction.

Methods And Results: Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with delayed contrast enhancement were performed in 26 patients with chronic myocardial infarction.