Automated Functional Imaging for Assessment of Left Ventricular Mechanics in the Presence of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

Background Increased left ventricular (LV) mass is a well‐known independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Even though these patients have an increased risk of LV diastolic dysfunction; recent data have suggested the presence of subtle LV systolic abnormalities. This study sought to demonstrate if a novel speckle tracking automated functional imaging (AFI) tool would be useful in identifying differences in strain generation between patients with normal and increased LV wall mass. Methods Standard measures of LV systolic and diastolic function were collected from 90 patients divided into Group I with LV mass index