The Feasibility of 3D Echocardiography Examination for Determining the Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony Index: A Pilot Study

Purpose: Three-Dimensional Echocardiography (3DE) allows simultaneous evaluation of the entire Left Ventricular (LV) volume, motion, and mechanical dyssynchrony. This study aimed to provide valuable data on the feasibility and reliability of 3DE in assessing LV dyssynchrony in healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: One hundred healthy volunteers, including both male and female genders, with a mean age, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI) of 39.64±10.21 years, 76.57±14.65 kg, and 27.59±4.3 kg.m-2, respectively, without evidence of structural heart or chronic disease, were included in this study. 3DE examinations were conducted using a 4-chamber view and the full-volume method for all volunteers. Dyssynchrony was automatically quantified as the Systolic Dyssynchrony Index (SDI) for selected LV segments using Q-lab software. The standard deviation of the time to attain minimum systolic volume was considered SDI, expressed in percent RR duration. Consequently, a single SDI (global SDI), which could provide more reliable information, was used for quantifying the degree of LV dyssynchrony by comparing all segments. Results: According to echocardiographic findings, the mean global LV-SDI, apical SDI, basal SDI, and mid SDI were 28.68±15.48, 26.16±27.47, 24.41±14.35, and 22.07±18.24 msec, respectively. After correction for RR intervals, these values were 3.49±1.97%, 3.21±3.58%, 2.97±1.82%, and 2.68±2.19%, in that order. Conclusion: 3DE proves to be a useful tool for evaluating LV dyssynchrony. The data provided include age- and sex-related changes in total and regional SDI in healthy volunteers, serving as a suitable reference for further investigations into LV dyssynchrony changes.