Evaluation of left ventricular torsion by cardiovascular magnetic resonance

J Cardiovasc Magn Reson. 2012 Jul 24;14(1):49. doi: 10.1186/1532-429X-14-49.

Abstract

Recently there has been considerable interest in LV torsion and its relationship with symptomatic and pre-symptomatic disease processes. Torsion gives useful additional information about myocardial tissue performance in both systolic and diastolic function. CMR assessment of LV torsion is simply and efficiently performed. However, there is currently a wide variation in the reporting of torsional motion and the procedures used for its calculation. For example, torsion has been presented as twist (degrees), twist per length (degrees/mm), shear angle (degrees), and shear strain (dimensionless). This paper reviews current clinical applications and shows how torsion can give insights into LV mechanics and the influence of LV geometry and myocyte fiber architecture on cardiac function. Finally, it provides recommendations for CMR measurement protocols, attempts to stimulate standardization of torsion calculation, and suggests areas of useful future research.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diastole
  • Heart Ventricles* / abnormalities
  • Heart Ventricles* / pathology
  • Heart Ventricles* / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine / methods*
  • Myocardial Contraction*
  • Systole
  • Torsion Abnormality / complications
  • Torsion Abnormality / diagnosis*
  • Torsion Abnormality / physiopathology
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / diagnosis*
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / etiology
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / physiopathology
  • Ventricular Function, Left*