Assessment of the Impact of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention to Chronic Total Occlusion on the Ventricular Performance Using Different Echo-Doppler Modalities

Background: Chronic total occlusion (CTO) of coronary arteries represents one of the most challenging targets of lesion recanalization with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The rationale for recanalization of CTO is the possible improvement of ventricular function. Different echo-Doppler modalities can be used for the assessment of ventricular performance with reported superiority of the newer modalities. Aim: To assess the impact of successful percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic totally occluded vessel on the ventricular performance using different echo-Doppler modalities. Methods: This study enrolled 30 patients with CTO for whom PCI was performed. Patients were subjected to thorough clinical assessment, Echo-Doppler evaluation of LV and RV functions before, within 48-hrs after successful PCI and one-month later, Echo-Doppler parameters included LV dimension, LV volumes, biplane and 3D-LV ejection fraction (LVEF), mitral Doppler-flow velocities (E, A & E/A), mitral valve early deceleration time (MV-EDT), mitral tissue Doppler systolic & diastolic annular velocities (Sa, Ea and Aa), LV global longitudinal strain (GLS). Results: There was no significant improvement of parameters reflecting LV function comparing the pre and 48-hrs post PCI. On the other hand, significant improvement was detected comparing the echo-Doppler measures of either the pre or 48-hours after PCI with those of one-month later. There was significant increase of biplane-LVEF (p