Vector flow mapping (VFM) is a novel echocardiographic technology that shows blood flow vectors and vortexes, enabled the hydrokinetic evaluation of hemodynamics within the left ventricle. VFM provides several unique parameters: circulation, vorticity, vortex area, and energy loss. The present study aims to reveal a relationship between VFM parameters and cardiac function. Five healthy Beagle dogs were anesthetized and administered with dobutamine (0, 2, 4, 8, 12 µg/kg/min). Pressure-volume diagrams were acquired to assess cardiac function using pressure-volume conductance catheter. Systolic maximum circulation, vorticity, vortex area, and energy loss were measured using VFM. The systolic maximum circulation, systolic vorticity, systolic vortex area, and systolic energy loss were increased by dobutamine administration. There was a strongly significant correlation between the systolic maximum circulation and ejection fraction (r = 0.76), maximal positive left ventricular (LV) pressure derivatives (dP/dt max) (r = 0.80), and end-systolic LV elastance (r = 0.73). Systolic vorticity and systolic vortex area were strongly correlated with ejection fraction (r = 0.76, 0.68) and dP/dt max (r = 0.76, 0.69), and end-systolic LV elastance (r = 0.62, 0.74), respectively. Systolic energy loss was strongly correlated with dP/dt max (r = 0.78), systolic maximum circulation (r = 0.81), and systolic vorticity (r = 0.82). The present study revealed that systolic VFM parameters are associated with the LV contractility. Furthermore, systolic energy loss was susceptible to the systolic vortex parameters such as systolic vorticity and systolic maximum circulation. Systolic VFM parameters are new hydrokinetic indices reflecting LV contractility.
Keywords: Dobutamine stress echocardiography; Echocardiography; Left ventricular function; Systolic function; Ultrasound imaging.