ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the feasibility of real-time triplane strain rate imaging for the quantitative assessment of left atrial function in normal subjects. Methods Totally 40 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Left atrial expansion index (LAEI), left atrial passive emptying fraction (LAPEF) and left atrial active emptying fraction (LAAEF) were measured using real-time triplane volume analysis. Mean systolic peak strain rate (MSRs), mean early diastolic peak strain rate (MSRe) and mean late diastolic peak strain rate (MSRa) were measured using real-time triplane strain rate imaging. The results were compared respectively. Results MSRs correlated positively with LAEI (r=0.61, P<0.01). MSRe correlated inversely with LAPEF (r=-0.67, P<0.01), so did MSRa with LAAEF (r=-0.78, P<0.01). Conclusion Real-time triplane strain rate imaging is feasible for the quantification of left atrial function in normal subjects.