Myocardial strain measurement with 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography: definition of normal range

JACC Cardiovasc Imaging. 2009 Jan;2(1):80-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2007.12.007.

Abstract

The interpretation of wall motion is an important component of echocardiography but remains a source of variation between observers. It has been believed that automated quantification of left ventricular (LV) systolic function by measurement of LV systolic strain from speckle-tracking echocardiography might be helpful. This multicenter study of nearly 250 volunteers without evidence of cardiovascular disease showed an average LV peak systolic strain of -18.6 +/- 0.1%. Although strain was influenced by weight, blood pressure, and heart rate, these features accounted for only 16% of variance. However, there was significant segmental variation of regional strain to necessitate the use of site-specific normal ranges.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Australia
  • Echocardiography*
  • Female
  • Germany
  • Heart Ventricles / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted
  • Israel
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motion
  • Myocardial Contraction*
  • Observer Variation
  • Ohio
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Reference Values
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Ventricular Function, Left*