Velocity vector imaging: a novel technique in detecting myocardial acceleration rate of normal left ventricle

AIM: To explore the characteristics of segmental myocardial acceleration rate (ACC) of normal left ventricle (LV) with velocity vector imaging (VVI), a novel imaging technique used to accurately reveal velocity magnitude and direction of left ventricular myocardial movement in diastolic and systolic cycles. METHODS: VVI integrated in ultrasound imaging system from ACUSON Limited Corporation was performed on 16 segments of LV walls in 35 normal volunteers, and segmental myocardial ACC was derived from velocity. RESULTS: The shape of ACC vs.time curve was steady, but the magnitude varied greatly among individuals examined. The ACC magnitude from normal LV wall descended from base to apex and no significant differences were observed between LV walls of the same level in the early systolic ACCs and early diastolic peak ACCd. ACCd was significantly higher than ACCs in the same segment (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: NVVI can be used to study the acceleration rate of normal left ventricle and its characteristics, which facilitates further investigation of the acceleration rate of diseased myocardium in clinical study and provides powerful support for accurate diagnosis and proper operation schemes.