Three-dimensional echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular wall motion abnormalities in mouse myocardial infarction

We applied S-dimensional echocardiographic reconstruction to assess left ve ntricular (LV) volumes, function, and the extent of wall motion abnormaliti es in a murine model of myocardial infarction (MI). Consecutive parasternal short-axis planes were obtained at l-mm intervals with a 13-MHz linear arr ay probe. End-diastolic and end-systolic LV volumes were calculated by Simp son's rule, and the ejection fraction and cardiac output were derived. Echo cardiography-derived cardiac output was validated by an aortic flow probe i n 6 mice. Echocardiography was then performed in 9 mice before and after th e left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated. Wall motion was ass essed, and the ratio of the abnormally to normally contracting myocardium w as calculated. After MI occurred, LV end-diastolic volume and LV end-systol ic volume increased (33 +/- 10 vs 24 +/- 6 mu L, P < .05 and 24 +/-. 9 vs 1 0 +/- 4 mu L, P < .001), whereas cardiac output decreased (4.2 +/- 1.5 mL/m in vs 6.6 +/- 2.3 mL/min, P < .01). Forty percent of the myocardium was nor mokinetic, 24% was hypokinetic, and 36% was akinetic. Echocardiography can measure LY volumes and regional and global function in a murine model of my ocardial infarction, thereby providing the potential to quantitate and comp are the responses of various transgenic mice to MI and its therapies.