ASSESSMENT OF REGIONAL LEFT-VENTRICULAR LONG-AXIS MOTION WITH MR VELOCITY MAPPING IN HEALTHY-SUBJECTS

The pattern of left ventricular long-axis motion during early diastole was assessed with magnetic resonance (MR) velocity mapping in 31 heal thy volunteers. Regional long-axis velocity varied with time and posit ion around the ventricle. During systole, the base descended toward th e apex. The greatest magnitude of long-axis velocity occurred during e arly diastole. The lateral wall had the highest velocity (140 mm/sec /- 40 [mean +/- standard deviation]); the anterior and inferior walls had lower velocities (96 mm/sec +/- 27 and 92 mm/sec +/- 34, respectiv ely). The inferoseptal area consistently had the lowest velocities (87 mm/sec +/- 40). Absolute values of peak early-diastolic velocity decl ined with age (r = -.64, P < .001). Peak early-diastolic velocity was not dependent on heart rate (r = .014, P = .94). Regional variations i n left ventricular wall motion were seen. MR velocity mapping is a use ful technique for assessing regional left ventricular long-axis heart function.