Objectives This study aimed to investigate the changes of ventricular aneurysm volume and myocardial torsion and the effect on cardiac function using real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT-3DE) and two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2D-STI), to determine the accuracy of RT-3DE and 2D-STI in assessing LV function in the rabbit model with left ventricular aneurysm.

Methods Thirty New Zealand rabbit models of myocardial infarction concomitant with LVA were prepared by ligation of the middle segment of the left anterior descending and left circumflex arteries. Four weeks post-procedure, real time three-dimensional echocardiography was conducted to obtain data on LVEF, left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), and LVA volume (LVAV), as well as to calculate LVA volume/LVEDV. Peak rotation angles at the mitral valve annulus level (MV-ROT), peak rotation angles at the apical level (AP-ROT), and left ventricular global torsion angles (LV-TOR) were measured using two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging.

Results Compared with controls, LVEDV and LVESV were significantly increased at both the end-systolic and end-diastolic phase in the LVA group, while LVEF, were consistently reduced (all P < 0.01). Compared with controls, the torsion angle of the 6 segments of the LV short-axis were significantly reduced in the LVA group, especially in the anterior and lateral wall, while the MV-ROT, AP-ROT, and LV-TOR were significantly reduced in the LVA group, especially at the apical level (all P < 0.01). Moreover, LVEF correlated with LVA volume and LV torsion angle (r = -0.778 and 0.821, all P < 0.01).

Conclusions LVA volume on RT-3DE, and LV torsion on 2D-STI may be used as an indicator for evaluation of cardiac function after LVA.