Echocardiographic Assessment of the Left Ventricle in the Spinal Cord Injured Patient

• Main Author: Nock, Bonnie J. (Bonnie Jean)
• Other Authors: Raven, Peter Bernard, 1940-
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: University of North Texas 1989
• Subjects: male quadriplegics; spinal cord injuries; heart abnormalitites; Spinal cord > Wounds and injuries > Physiological aspects.; Heart > Left ventricle > Abnormalities.; Paraplegics > Diseases.; Quadriplegics > Diseases.; Exercise therapy.
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc500420/

Ten caucasian male quadriplegics were compared with eight sedentary caucasian male controls in regards to left ventricular dimensions and mass obtained from echocardiograrns. The interventricular septum (IVS), left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW) and left ventricular internal diameter (LVII) were within normal limits for both groups. However, the INS in the SCI were significantly thicker than controls (p <0.05). Myocardial thickness was larger in SCI subjects (p <0.05). Absolute left ventricular mass (LVM) and total left ventricular volume was not different ( p > 0.05), but SCI subjects had significantly greater LVM to lean body mass ratios. Echocardiographically, SCI patients demonstrate concentric hypertrophy. This suggests adaptive response to chronic increase in afterload pressure secondary to their daily activities and muscle spasticity.