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Age, sex of individuals linked with changes in regional myocardial motion
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Age and sex of individuals were strong influences on regional myocardial motion as assessed with magnetic resonance phase contrast imaging.
The researchers examined radial, long-axis and rotational myocardial velocities in 58 healthy volunteers (50% women). Volunteers were divided into three age groups, with 19 volunteers aged 20 to 40 years, 20 volunteers aged older than 40 years to 60 years and 19 volunteers aged older than 60 years. The radial, long-axis and rotational myocardial velocities were acquired during diastole and systole using navigator-gated magnetic resonance tissue phase mapping.
The researchers reported that global peak systolic long-axis velocities were reduced in volunteers aged older than 40 years (P<.001). The researchers also reported that global systolic radial velocities were lower in women vs. men (P=<.024), with systolic twist reported lower in women vs. men (P=<.009). Global diastolic long-axis velocities were reduced in older participants (P<.003) as was global radial expansion (P<.02). After adjustment for variables of influence, age was reported as the only predictor of systolic (P≤.008) and diastolic (P<.001) long-axis peak velocities and in systolic apical rotation (P=<.02). Peak diastolic radial velocities correlated with age as well (P<.03).
“Myocardial velocities reflect contractility and diastolic function, correlate with invasive measurements and are of prognostic value. The knowledge of their distribution and timing within the healthy left ventricle is essential for the exact understanding of heart disease,” the researchers wrote. “The growing impact on the issue of left ventricular synchronicity further stresses the necessity to apply MRI methods with high temporal resolution.”
For more information:
- Föll D. Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging. 2009;doi:10.1161/CIRCIMAGING.108.813857.