OBJECTIVE Although the Tei index is a useful predictor of global ventricular function, it has not been investigated at the level of regional myocardial function. We therefore investigated the segmental tissue Doppler image derived-Tei index (TDI-Tei index) in patients with regional wall motion abnormalities. METHODS We prospectively studied 17 patients (mean age 62+/-9 years, 5 women) with left ventricular (LV) regional wall motion abnormalities. The Tei index, defined as the sum of isovolumetric contraction time (IVCT) and isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) divided by ejection time (ET), was measured in the basal and mid segments of the LV walls from standard apical views (4-, 2-, and 5-chamber views). We also obtained TDI velocity data in each segment. LV wall motion was classified as normal, hypokinetic, or akinetic, based on visual analysis. The TDI-Tei index, peak systolic myocardial velocity (Sm), early diastolic myocardial velocity (Em), and late diastolic myocardial velocity (Am) were analyzed in a total of 203 segments. RESULTS Mean LV ejection fraction was 41.8+/-8.5%. TDI-Tei indices of dysfunctional segments (akinesis or hypokinesis, n=63) were significantly higher than those of normal segments (n=140) (0.714+/-0.169 vs. 0.669+/-0.135, p=0.041, respectively). Average values of TDI-Tei index, Sm, Em, and Am were 0.742+/-0.201, 4.206+/-1.336, 5.258+/-1.867, and 5.578+/-2.354 in akinetic segments; 0.677+/-0.101, 4.908+/-1.615, 5.369+/-2.121, and 5.542+/-2.492 in hypokinetic segments; and 0.669+/-0.135, 5.409+/-1.519, 6.108+/-2.356, and 6.719+/-2.466 in normal segments, respectively. A significant negative correlation was apparent between the TDI-Tei index and Sm (r=-0.302, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the value of the segmental TDI-Tei index differs significantly according to regional function grade.