AimsThree-dimensional (3D)-echocardiography speckle imaging allows the evaluation of frame-by-frame strain and volume changes simultaneously. The aim of the present investigation was to describe the strain–volume combined assessment in different patterns of cardiac remodelling.Methods and resultsFifty patients received a 3D acquisition. Patients were classified as follows: healthy subjects (CNT), previous AMI, and normal ejection fraction (EF; group A); ischaemic cardiomyopathy with reduced EF (group B); hypertrophic/infiltrative cardiomyopathy (group C). Values of 3D strain were plotted vs. volume for each frame to build a strain–volume curve for each case. Peak of radial, longitudinal, and circumferential systolic strain (Rɛp, Lɛp, and Cɛp, respectively), slopes of the curves (RɛSl, LɛSl, CɛSl), and strain to end-diastolic volume (EDV) ratio (Rɛ/V, Lɛ/V, Cɛ/V) were computed for the analysis. Strain–volume curves of the CNT group were steep and clustered, whereas, due to progressive dilatation and reduction of strains, progressive flattening could be demonstrated in groups A and B. Quantitative data supported visual assessment with progressive lower slopes (P< 0.05 for RɛSl, CɛSl, P= 0.06 for LɛSl) and significantly lower ratios (P< 0.01 for Rɛ/V, Lɛ/V, and Cɛ/V). Group C showed an opposite behaviour with slopes and ratios close to those of normal subjects. Correlation coefficients between EDV and slopes of the curves were significant for all the directions of strain (CɛSl: r = 0.891; RєSl: r = 0.704; LєSl: r = 0.833; P< 0.0001 for all).ConclusionWe measured left ventricular volumes and strain by 3D-echo and obtained strain–volume curve to evaluate their behaviour in remodelling. A distinctive and progressive pattern consistent with pathophysiology was observed. The analysis here shown could represent a new non-invasive method to assess myocardial mechanics and its relationship with volumes.

Identification and inclusion of apical-cap is relevant for twist assessment and can be carried out efficiently by 3D-STE. The inclusion of the true apex in the calculation significantly affects the analysis of twist both in normal individuals and patients with different myocardial diseases.

In patients with single-vessel disease without coronary occlusion or previous myocardial infarction, coronary lesion morphology of the complex type is associated with a higher DSE sensitivity and with a greater prevalence of low-dose, positive responses. Presence of irregular plaque contours, not only plaque geometry, is important in modulating stress responses in the presence of angiographically assessed coronary artery disease.

Objective The aim of the study was to compare the two approaches to chronic right ventricular pacing currently adopted in clinical practice: right ventricular apical (RVA) and non-RVA pacing. Background Chronic RVA pacing is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, morbidity, and even mortality. Non-RVA pacing may yield more physiologic ventricular activation and provide potential long-term benefits and has recently been adopted as standard procedure at many implanting centers. Methods The Right Pace study was a multicenter, prospective, single-blind, nonrandomized trial involving 437 patients indicated for dual-chamber pacemaker implantation with a high percentage of RV pacing. Results RV lead-tip target location was the apex or the interventricular septum. RVA (274) and non-RVA patients (163) did not differ in baseline characteristics. During a median follow-up of 19 months (25th–75th percentiles, 13–25), 17 patients died. The rates of the primary outcome of death due to any cause or hospitalization for heart failure were comparable between the groups (log-rank test, p = 0.609), as were the rates of the composite of death due to any cause, hospitalization for heart failure, or an increase in left ventricular end-systolic volume ≥ 15% as compared with the baseline evaluation (secondary outcome, p = 0.703). After central adjudication of X-rays, comparison between adjudicated RVA (239 patients) and non-RVA (170 patients) confirmed the absence of difference in the rates of primary (p = 0.402) and secondary (p = 0.941) outcome. Conclusions In patients with indications for dual-chamber pacemaker who require a high percentage of ventricular stimulation, RVA or non-RVA pacing resulted in comparable outcomes. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT01647490).

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