Longitudinal Deformation of Pulmonary Artery: A Case Series Study

OBJECTIVES In this study, pulmonary artery longitudinal deformation was evaluated and attempted to clarify pulmonary artery deformation. METHODS Eight healthy men and seven healthy women with structurally normal hearts were enrolled. In the parasternal short axis view at the aortic valve level, longitudinal axis of pulmonary artery was obtained and color coded Doppler myocardial imaging applied. RESULTS The systolic strain was positive in most the pulmonary segments, velocity and strain rate waves had three defined peaks, one positive in systole and two negative in diastole. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed for first time, deformation pattern of pulmonary artery by color coded Doppler myocardial imaging and can be basis for future researches in cardiopulmonary diseases.