Evaluation of left ventricular function after percutaneous recanalization of chronic coronary occlusions: The role of two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the feasibility of using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) to monitor left ventricular (LV) and overall function after percutaneous recanalization. METHODS: LV function after percutaneous recanalization was monitored by 2D-STE and conventional echocardiography in 43 patients with coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Follow-ups were carried out 1 day as well as 3 and 6 months after CTO-PCI. At each time point, LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was examined by echocardiography, and LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) was measured by 2D-STE. RESULTS: It was found that the global longitudinal strain assessed with 2D-STE was improved as early as 1 day after CTO-PCI, whereas LVEF tended to improve up to 3 and 6 months after CTO-PCI. CONCLUSION: PCI can effectively improve LV function in patients with CTO. 2D-STE is a superior technique for objectively quantifying the functional change earlier.