1, GE, Milwaukee, WI, USA). By using the onset of QRS complex as a reference point, the time to peak systolic

velocity (Ts) for each of these eight LV segments was measured. Ts was corrected for heart rate using the Bazett’s formula.18) Correted Ts (cTs) = Ts / √R-R [R-R: The time between two consecutive R waves in the ECG (msec)]. Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical The dyssynchrony index (DI) was derived as the standard deviation of the cTs assessed LV segments in each patient. Real-time 3D echocardiography Volumetric image acquisition Using a real time 3D echocardiography (Sonos 7500, Philips Inc., Bothell, WA, USA or Vivid7, GE, Co., Milwaukee, WI, USA), we obtained transthoracic

volumetric images with the apical view in all the subjects. The volumetric frame rate was 16 to 22 frames/s, with an imaging depth of 12 to 16 cm. Care was taken to include the entire Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical MV in volumetric data set. LV and MV geometry We used multi-planar reconstruction (MPR) mode of 3D computer software (4D Cardio-View, Tomtec Co., Munich, Germany) to define Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical the planes for the geometric measurements. First, mid-systole of the heart cycle was defined. Then, a cross-sectional plane of the MV that clearly visualized both mitral commissures was used to define the commissure-commissure (CC) plane, a plane that passes through both commissures Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical and the LV apex. Finally, antero-poserior (AP) planes perpendicular

to the center of CC axis was defined for imaging of the geometry of the central side of the MV. The sphericity of LV chamber was calculated by the ratio of the LV chamber width P450 inhibitor measured at the level of the MV to the height of the level from the mitral annulus on CC plane (Fig. 1). Fig. 1 Schematic illustrations explaining geometric parameters of the left ventricle (left) and the mitral apparatus (right). LV: left Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical ventricle, AML: anterior mitral leaflet, PML: posterior mitral leaflet, AP: antero-posterior, CC: commissure-commissure, Aα: … LV sphericity = LV height / LV width The degree of leaflet tethering was estimated by measuring the angle at which each leaflet met the annular plane (anterior leaflet: Aα, posterior leaflet: Pα) on AP planes (Fig. 1). Unoprostone Mitral annular area (MAA) was then calculated with the simplified equation as below. MAA = 3.14 × CC dimension × AP dimension / 4 MV tenting area (MVTa), the area enclosed by the annular plane and 2 leaflets was also measured on AP planes (Fig. 1). PM distance Medial junction of the aortic and mitral annuli (MJAM) was defined as the anatominal reference landmark in measuring degree of PM displacement.