wall thickening
Measure of myocardial systolic function assessed by the percentage increase in wall thickness from diastole to systole.
Full Definition
Wall thickening is a quantitative parameter of regional myocardial function that measures the percentage increase in myocardial wall thickness during systolic contraction. Normal wall thickening is typically > 30-40% and indicates viable, contractile myocardium. Reduced or absent wall thickening suggests ischemia, infarction, or other pathological processes affecting myocardial contractility. Wall thickening can be assessed using various imaging modalities including echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and nuclear imaging, and is often used in conjunction with wall motion scoring to evaluate regional left ventricular function and detect stress-induced ischemia.
Usage
Usage note: Report as percentage increase; normal wall thickening > 30-40%.
In Context
- "The anterior wall demonstrated reduced wall thickening of 15% compared to normal values > 40%." — Echocardiography report
- "Stress-induced reduction in wall thickening suggested inducible ischemia in the lateral territory." — Stress testing interpretation