Abstract 11932: Mechanical Dispersion Predicts Ventricular Arrhythmias After Myocardial Infarction

Introduction Prediction of ventricular arrhythmias after myocardial infarction (MI) is still insufficient. LV ejection fraction (EF) 35%. Mechanical dispersion by strain echocardiography reflects inhomogeneous timing in myocardial contraction and has been shown to predict ventricular arrhythmias. We hypothesized that mechanical dispersion may improve arrhythmic risk stratification in post MI patients. Methods In this prospective multi center study we included 177 post MI patients (114 ST elevation and 63 non-ST elevation). Echocardiography was performed minimum 40 days post MI. Time from ECG R to peak negative strain was assessed in 16 longitudinal LV segments. Mechanical dispersion was assessed as the standard deviation from these 16 time intervals, reflecting contraction heterogeneity. Results Ventricular arrhythmias defined as sustained VT, VF or sudden death duri...