Strain by speckle tracking echocardiography correlates with electroanatomic scar location and burden in ischaemic cardiomyopathy

Abstract Aims Ventricular tachycardia (VT) in ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) originates from scar, identified as low-voltage areas with invasive high-density electroanatomic mapping (EAM). Abnormal myocardial deformation on speckle tracking strain echocardiography can non-invasively identify scar. We examined if regional and global longitudinal strain (GLS) can localize and quantify low-voltage scar identified with high-density EAM. Methods and results We recruited 60 patients, 40 ICM patients undergoing VT ablation and 20 patients undergoing ablation for other arrhythmias as controls. All patients underwent an echocardiogram prior to high-density left ventricular (LV) EAM. Endocardial bipolar and unipolar scar location and percentage were correlated with regional and multilayer GLS. Controls had normal GLS and normal bipolar and unipolar voltages. There was a strong correlation between endocardial and mid-myocardial longitudinal strain and endocardial bipolar scar percentage for all 17 LV segments (r = 0.76–0.87, P < 0.001) in ICM patients. Additionally, indices of myocardial contraction heterogeneity, myocardial dispersion (MD), and delta contraction duration (DCD) correlated with bipolar scar percentage. Endocardial and mid-myocardial GLS correlated with total LV bipolar scar percentage (r = 0.83; 0.82, P < 0.001 respectively), whereas epicardial GLS correlated with epicardial bipolar scar percentage (r = 0.78, P < 0.001). Endocardial GLS −9.3% or worse had 93% sensitivity and 82% specificity for predicting endocardial bipolar scar >46% of LV surface area. Conclusions Multilayer strain analysis demonstrated good linear correlations with low-voltage scar by invasive EAM. Validation studies are needed to establish the utility of strain as a non-invasive tool for quantifying scar location and burden, thereby facilitating mapping and ablation of VT.

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Direct comparison of multilayer left ventricular global longitudinal strain using CMR feature tracking and speckle tracking echocardiography

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12872-021-01916-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Saikrishna Ananthapadmanabhan ◽

Giau Vo ◽

Tuan Nguyen ◽

Hany Dimitri ◽

James Otton

Keyword(s):

Feature Tracking ◽

Speckle Tracking ◽

Longitudinal Strain ◽

Speckle Tracking Echocardiography ◽

Imaging Modality ◽

Global Longitudinal Strain ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Strain Analysis ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Multilayer Strain

Abstract Background Cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) are well-established strain imaging modalities. Multilayer strain measurement permits independent assessment of endocardial and epicardial strain. This novel and layer specific approach to evaluating myocardial deformation parameters may provide greater insight into cardiac contractility when compared to whole-layer strain analysis. The aim of this study is to validate CMR-FT as a tool for multilayer strain analysis by providing a direct comparison between multilayer global longitudinal strain (GLS) values between CMR-FT and STE. Methods We studied 100 patients who had an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), who underwent CMR imaging and echocardiogram at baseline and follow-up (48 ± 13 days). Dedicated tissue tracking software was used to analyse single- and multi-layer GLS values for CMR-FT and STE. Results Correlation coefficients for CMR-FT and STE were 0.685, 0.687, and 0.660 for endocardial, epicardial, and whole-layer GLS respectively (all p < 0.001). Bland Altman analysis showed good inter-modality agreement with minimal bias. The absolute limits of agreement in our study were 6.4, 5.9, and 5.5 for endocardial, whole-layer, and epicardial GLS respectively. Absolute biases were 1.79, 0.80, and 0.98 respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values showed moderate agreement with values of 0.626, 0.632, and 0.671 respectively (all p < 0.001). Conclusion There is good inter-modality agreement between CMR-FT and STE for whole-layer, endocardial, and epicardial GLS, and although values should not be used interchangeably our study demonstrates that CMR-FT is a viable imaging modality for multilayer strain

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Layer-specific strain analysis by speckle tracking echocardiography reveals differences in left ventricular function between rats and humans

AJP Heart and Circulatory Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajpheart.00017.2010 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 299 (3) ◽

pp. H664-H672 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

Noa Bachner-Hinenzon ◽

Offir Ertracht ◽

Marina Leitman ◽

Zvi Vered ◽

Sara Shimoni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Speckle Tracking ◽

Longitudinal Strain ◽

Speckle Tracking Echocardiography ◽

Heart Function ◽

Global Longitudinal Strain ◽

Radial Strain ◽

Strain Analysis ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Lv Function ◽

Disease States

The rat heart is commonly used as an experimental model of the human heart in both health and disease states, assuming that heart function of rats and humans is alike. When studying a rat model, echocardiography is usually performed on sedated rats, whereas standard echocardiography on adult humans does not require any sedation. Since echocardiography results of sedated rats are usually inferred to alert humans, in the present study, we tested the hypothesis that differences in left ventricular (LV) function may be present between rats sedated by a low dose of ketamine-xylazine and alert humans. Echocardiography was applied to 110 healthy sedated rats and 120 healthy alert humans. Strain parameters were calculated from the scans using a layer-specific speckle tracking echocardiography program. The results showed that layer longitudinal strain is equal in rats and humans, whereas segmental strain is heterogeneous ( P < 0.05) in a different way in rats and humans ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, layer circumferential strain is larger in humans ( P < 0.001), and the segmental results showed different segmental heterogeneity in rats and humans ( P < 0.05). Radial strain was found to be homogeneous at the apex and papillary muscle levels in humans and heterogeneous in rats ( P < 0.001). Additionally, whereas LV twist was equal in rats and humans, in rats the rotation was larger at the apex ( P < 0.01) and smaller at the base ( P < 0.001). The torsion-to-shortening ratio parameter, which indicates the transmural distribution of contractile myofibers, was found to be equal in rats and humans. Thus, when evaluating LV function of sedated rats under ketamine-xylazine, it is recommended to measure the global longitudinal strain, LV twist, and torsion-to-shortening ratio, since no scaling is required when converting these parameters and inferring them to humans.

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Relationship between left atrial strain and left atrial bipolar voltage in patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.0387 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

Y Takahashi ◽

T Kitai ◽

T Watanabe ◽

T Fujita

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Left Atrial ◽

Speckle Tracking ◽

Longitudinal Strain ◽

Low Voltage ◽

Pulmonary Veins ◽

Global Longitudinal Strain ◽

Inferior Wall ◽

Bipolar Voltage ◽

Global Mean

Abstract Background Low-voltage zone (LVZ) in the left atrium (LA) seems to represent fibrosis. LA longitudinal strain assessed by speckle tracking method is known to correlate with the extent of fibrosis in patients with mitral valve disease. Purpose We sought to identify the relationship between LA longitudinal strain and LA bipolar voltage in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We tested the hypothesis that LA strain can predict LA bipolar voltage. Methods A total of 96 consecutive patients undergoing initial AF ablation were analyzed. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography including 2D speckle tracking measurement on the day before ablation during sinus rhythm (SR group, N=54) or during AF (AF group, N=42). LA longitudinal strain was measured at basal, mid, and roof level of septal, lateral, anterior, and inferior wall in apical 4- and 2-chamber view. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was defined as an average value of the 12 segments. LA voltage map was created using EnSite system, and global mean voltage was defined as a mean of bipolar voltage of the whole LA excluding pulmonary veins and left atrial appendage. LVZ was defined as less than 1.0 mV. Results There was a significantly positive correlation between GLS and global mean voltage (r=0.708, p<0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that GLS and age were independent predictors of global mean voltage. There was a significant negative correlation between global mean voltage and LVZ areas. Conclusions There was a strong correlation between LA longitudinal strain and LA mean voltage. GLS can independently predict LA mean voltage, subsequently LVZ areas in patients with AF. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

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Early change in left atrial and left ventricular strain predicts sinus rhythm maintenance after cardioversion

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.0142 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

K Kupczynska ◽

D Miskowiec ◽

B Michalski ◽

L Szyda ◽

K Wierzbowska-Drabik ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sinus Rhythm ◽

Left Atrial ◽

Speckle Tracking ◽

Longitudinal Strain ◽

Global Longitudinal Strain ◽

Recurrence Risk ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Mechanical Function ◽

Af Recurrence

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) impairs mechanical function of the heart, especially atria and restoration of sinus rhythm (SR) leads to improvement of mechanics. The predicting role of changes in strain parameters for AF recurrence is not established yet. Purpose To analyse changes in left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) mechanical function after conversion to SR and their prognostic values for AF recurrence during 24 months follow-up. Methods Prospective study involved 59 patients after successful electrical cardioversion (EC) because of nonvalvular AF (mean age 65±4 years, 47% female). Speckle tracking analysis (STE) was applied to calculate longitudinal strain of LV and LA before EC and within 24 hours after restoration of SR and additionally total left heart strain (TS) defined as a sum of absolute peak LV and LA strain. We calculated change in strain between AF and SR analyses expressed as delta (Δ). During follow-up we noticed AF recurrence in 42 (71%) patients, most of them (93%) during 1st year after EC. Median time of AF recurrence was 3 months. Results We noticed significant immediate post-EC improvement in peak LA longitudinal strain (PALS) and LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) (table). Unlike CHA2DS2-VASc score, strain parameters were predictors of AF recurrence. Every 1% increment in ΔLVGLS was related with 13% increase in AF recurrence risk (p=0.02) and every 1% increment in ΔPALS and ΔTS were related with 9% decrease in AF recurrence risk (p=0.007 and p=0.0014, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed ΔTS as a strongest predictor with 9% decrease in AF risk per every 1% increment. The criterion of ΔTS ≤7.5% allows to predict AF recurrence with 81% sensitivity and 63% specificity. Conclusions Speckle tracking measurements are able to detect early mechanical changes in LA even within 24 hours of SR and these absolute changes in LVGLS as well as PALS can predict AF recurrence, with optimal stratification by novel parameter - TS. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

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Atrial and Ventricular Structural and Functional Alterations in Obese Children

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina57060562 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 57 (6) ◽

pp. 562

Author(s):

Rima Šileikienė ◽

Karolina Adamonytė ◽

Aristida Ziutelienė ◽

Eglė Ramanauskienė ◽

Jolanta Justina Vaškelytė

Keyword(s):

Speckle Tracking ◽

Longitudinal Strain ◽

Speckle Tracking Echocardiography ◽

Myocardial Dysfunction ◽

Global Longitudinal Strain ◽

Radial Strain ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Z Score ◽

Obese Children ◽

2D Speckle Tracking

Background and objectives: Childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels in the world. Obesity in children is defined as a body mass index (BMI) equal to or above the 95th percentile for age and sex. The aim of this study was to determine early changes in cardiac structure and function in obese children by comparing them with their nonobese peers, using echocardiography methods. Materials and methods: The study enrolled 35 obese and 37 age-matched nonobese children. Standardized 2-dimensional (2D), pulsed wave tissue Doppler, and 2D speckle tracking echocardiography were performed. The z-score BMI and lipid metabolism were assessed in all children. Results: Obese children (aged 13.51 ± 2.15 years; 20 boys; BMI z-score of 0.88 ± 0.63) were characterized by enlarged ventricular and atrial volumes, a thicker left ventricular posterior wall, and increased left ventricular mass. Decreased LV and RV systolic and diastolic function was found in obese children. Atrial peak negative (contraction) strain (−2.05% ± 2.17% vs. −4.87% ± 2.97%, p < 0.001), LV and RV global longitudinal strain (−13.3% ± 2.88% vs. −16.87% ± 3.39%; −12.51% ± 10.09% vs. −21.51% ± 7.42%, p < 0.001), and LV global circumferential strain (−17.0 ± 2.7% vs. −19.5 ± 2.9%, p < 0.001) were reduced in obese children. LV torsion (17.94° ± 2.07° vs. 12.45° ± 3.94°, p < 0.001) and normalized torsion (2.49 ± 0.4°/cm vs. 1.86 ± 0.61°/cm, p = 0.001) were greater in obese than nonobese children. A significant inverse correlation was found between LV and RV global longitudinal strain and BMI (r = −0.526, p < 0.01; r = −0.434, p < 0.01) and total cholesterol (r = −0.417, p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that the BMI z-score was independently related to LV and RV global longitudinal strain as well as LV circumferential and radial strain. Conclusion: 2D speckle tracking echocardiography is beneficial in the early detection of regional LV systolic and diastolic dysfunctions, with preserved ejection fraction as well as additional RV and atrial involvement, in obese children. Obesity may negatively influence atrial and ventricular function, as measured by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography. Obese children, though they are apparently healthy, may have subclinical myocardial dysfunction.

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Abstract 2819: Identification and Characterization of Super-Responders to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: An Echocardiographic Study

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.118.suppl_18.s_781 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽

Author(s):

Amira Zaroui ◽

Patricia Reant ◽

Erwan Donal ◽

Aude Mignot ◽

Pierre Bordachar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy ◽

Longitudinal Strain ◽

Global Longitudinal Strain ◽

Strain Analysis ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Cardiac Resynchronization ◽

Lv Function ◽

Resynchronization Therapy ◽

Systolic Volume ◽

End Systolic Volume

In some patients, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been recently shown to induce a spectacular effect on left ventricular (LV) function and inverted remodeling with nearby normalization of LV contraction. Objectives: To analyze and characterize super-responders (CRTSR) by echocardiography before CRT. 186 patients have been investigated before and 6 months after implantation of a CRT device with conventional indication according to ESC guidelines. Echocardiographies including measurements of LV dimensions, and contraction by 2-dimensional strain, and pressure assessment, mitral valve analysis were performed at baseline and at 6 months in an independent core-center lab. CRTSR were defined as a reduction of end-systolic volume of at least 15% and an ejection fraction (EF)>50% and were compared to normal responder patients (CRTNo, patients with a reduction of end-systolic volume of at least 15% but an EF <50%). 17/186 patients (9.1%) were identified as CRTSR, only 2 with ischemic cardiomyopathy (p<0.01). No difference was observed regarding NYHA status, EKG duration or EF between CRTSR and CRTNo at baseline. CRTSR presented with significant lower end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters (64±9mm vs 73±9mm (p<0.01) and 53±7.4mm vs 63±8.4mm (p<0.01), respectively), and end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes 161±44ml vs 210±76ml (p<0.02) and 123±43ml vs 163±69ml (p<0.01)) as well as a higher LV dP/dt max (714±251mmHg.s −1 vs 527±188 mmHg.s −1 (p<0.05)). Regarding strain analysis, CRTSR had significantly higher longitudinal values than CRTNo (−12.8±3% vs −9±2.6%, p<0.001) whereas no difference was observed for other components (p ns). Global longitudinal strain obtained by ROC curves was identified as the best parameter for predicting CRTSR with a cut-off value of −11% (Se=80%, Spe=87%, AUC=0.89, p<0.002) and was confirmed as an independent predictor by the logistic regression (RR: 21.3, p<0.0001). In a large multicenter study, CRT super-responders (EF>50%) were observed in 9% of the population and were associated with less-depressed LV function as determined by strain analysis. Global longitudinal strain appears to be the best predictor of CRTSR.

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Left Ventricular Myocardial Deformations in Hemodialysis Children by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

Clinical Medicine Insights Cardiology ◽

10.1177/1179546820930015 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 ◽

pp. 117954682093001

Author(s):

Manal F Elshamaa ◽

Fatma A Mostafa ◽

Inas AES Sad ◽

Ahmed M Badr ◽

Yomna AEM Abd Elrahim

Keyword(s):

Speckle Tracking ◽

Longitudinal Strain ◽

Speckle Tracking Echocardiography ◽

Systolic Dysfunction ◽

Global Longitudinal Strain ◽

Radial Strain ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Myocardial Mechanics

Background: Cardiac systolic dysfunction was potentially found in adult patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who have preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (EF%). In children with ESRD, little data are available on early changes in myocardial function. This study aimed to detect the early changes in myocardial mechanics in pediatric patients with ESRD using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). Methods: Thirty ESRD children receiving hemodialysis (HD) and30 age-matched controls were prospectively studied. Patients underwent echocardiographic studies before and after HD. Left ventricular longitudinal strain (LS), circumferential strain (CS), and radial strain (RS) myocardial deformation parameters (strain, strain rate) were evaluated by STE. Results: The LS was significantly reduced in pre-HD and post-HD patients compared with controls ( P = .000). Controls showed the highest global longitudinal strain. The RS measurements did not differ significantly among the studied groups except for the inferior segment that is significantly reduced after HD compared with controls ( P < .05). The CS was significantly reduced in pre-HD and post-HD patients compared with controls at the lateral and posterior segments ( P = .035 and P = .013, respectively). Conclusion: Speckle-tracking echocardiography might detect early changes in myocardial mechanics in children with ESRD with preserved EF%.

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1187 Evaluation of left and right ventricular functions with 3D speckle tracking in patients with mitral stenosis

European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging ◽

10.1093/ehjci/jez319.686 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

O Seckin ◽

S Unlu ◽

G Tacoy

Keyword(s):

Right Ventricular ◽

Mitral Stenosis ◽

Speckle Tracking ◽

Longitudinal Strain ◽

Global Longitudinal Strain ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Control Group ◽

Free Wall ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Background The function of both ventricles have been suggested to be affected in patients with mitral stenosis. In this study, it was aimed to investigate deformation properties of right (RV) and left ventricles (LV) in mild and moderate rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) patients with three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3D-STE). Methods A total of 60 patients were included in the study (20 patients with mild MS diagnosis, 20 patients with moderate MS diagnosis and 20 healthy volunteers). Three-dimensional echocardiography datasets were obtained for both ventricles in all patients. An example for RV assessment is shown in Figure 1. LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), LV torsion, RV free wall (FW) LS and interventricular septal (IVS) LS measurements were analyzed. Results The LV ejection fraction (EF), RV fractional area change and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion values were statistically similar and in the normal range. The LV GLS measurements were significantly different among the groups by being highest in the control group and least in the moderate stenosis group (ANOVA,p < 0.001) (Table 1). Patients with MS showed higher torsional values, correlated with MS severity (ANOVA,p < 0.001) (Table 1). IVS LS, RVFW LS values obtained by RV analysis also differed significantly among groups. The FW-GLS values only showed significant difference between the control group and moderate MS group (Table 1). Conclusion Patients with mitral stenosis showed lower LV-GLS and higher LV torsion values. Although the LV GLS is affected; the LV EF was detected to be normal due to increase in LV torsion. RV deformation indices showed signıficant decrease in correlation with the severity of the mitral stenosis. In conclusion, our data suggest that subclinical LV and RV systolic dysfunction is present in mild-moderate MS patients and this dysfunction can be detected by 3D-STE. Table 1 Parameters Control group Mild MS Moderate MS P LV GLS (%) 23.3 ± 2.08 18.9 ± 1.3 17.5 ± 1.8 <0.001 LV torsion 1.5 ± 0.6 2.1 ± 0.6 2.6 ± 0.5 <0.001 IVS LS (%) 23 ± 3.0% 20 ± 2.6 17.1 ± 2.9 <0.001 RV FW LS (%) 25.4 ± 5 22.7 ± 3.2 21.1 ± 4.8 <0.001 FW; free-wall, GLS; global longitudinal strain, IVS; interventricular septum, LV; left ventricular, RV; right ventricular Abstract 1187 Figure 1

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Abnormal left ventricular global longitudinal strain by speckle tracking echocardiography in COVID-19 patients

Future Cardiology ◽

10.2217/fca-2020-0121 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Lori B Croft ◽

Parasuram Krishnamoorthy ◽

Richard Ro ◽

Malcolm Anastasius ◽

Wenli Zhao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Speckle Tracking ◽

Longitudinal Strain ◽

Speckle Tracking Echocardiography ◽

Global Longitudinal Strain ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Healthy Population ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean ◽

Lv Ejection Fraction ◽

Prognostic Implications

COVID-19 infection can affect the cardiovascular system. We sought to determine if left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) is affected by COVID-19 and if this has prognostic implications. Materials & methods: Retrospective study, with LVGLS was measured in 58 COVID-19 patients. Patients discharged were compared with those who died. Results: The mean LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and LVGLS for the cohort was 52.1 and -12.9 ± 4.0%, respectively. Among 30 patients with preserved LVEF(>50%), LVGLS was -15.7 ± 2.8%, which is lower than the reference mean LVGLS for a normal, healthy population. There was no significant difference in LVGLS or LVEF when comparing patients who survived to discharge or died. Conclusion: LVGLS was reduced in COVID-19 patients, although not significantly lower in those who died compared with survivors.

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