Dataset Information

Real-time evaluation of longitudinal peak systolic strain (speckle tracking measurement) in left and right ventricles of athletes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Strain, and particularly Longitudinal Peak Systolic Strain (LPSS), plays a role in investigating the segmental and overall contractility of the heart which is a particularly interesting feature in athletes in whom regular training determines several morphological and functional modifications in both the ventricles, that normally work at different loads. Speckle tracking techniques assess the LPSS of LV and RV from B-mode imaging in real time, with uniform accuracy in all segments, and can verify the possible dissimilar segmental contributions of the two chambers to overall myocardial contraction. The aim of the study is to quantify the LPSS in real time in both the ventricles in order to estimate any possible different deformation properties in them during a systolic period.

Methods

32 subjects (20 athletes and 18 controls) were submitted to a standard echocardiographic examination at rest and after a Hand Grip (HG) stress. From a four-chamber-view image, the LPSS parameter was measured with Speckle Tracking analysis in the basal and medium-apical segments of the two ventricles, at rest and after HG.

Results

In both athletes and controls, LPSS values were significantly higher in the RV of athletes (RV LPSS medium-apical -23.87 +/- 4.94; basalfreewall -25.04 +/- 4.12 at rest) and controls (RV LPSSmedium-apical -25.21 +/- 4.97; basalfreewall -28.69 +/- 4.62 at rest) than in the LV of both (athletes LV LPSS medium-apical -18.14 +/- 4.16; basallateralwall -16.05 +/- 12.32; controls medium-apical -18.81 +/- 2.64; basallateralwall -19.74 +/- 3.84) With the HG test a significant enhancement of the LPSS(with P < .05) in the medium-apical segments of LV and RV was evident, but only in athletes; there was no modification of the standard echo-parameters in either group.

Conclusion

ST analysis is an easy method for investigating the contractility of the RV through deformation parameters, showing greater involvement of the RV than LV at rest. In athletes only, after isometric stress the two ventricles show particular myocardial deformation properties of the regions around the apex where the curvature of the wall is more marked. The clinical application of this new approach in athletes and normal subjects requires further investigation.

SUBMITTER: Stefani L

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2676253 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Real-time evaluation of longitudinal peak systolic strain (speckle tracking measurement) in left and right ventricles of athletes.

Stefani Laura L Pedrizzetti Gianni G De Luca Alessio A Mercuri Roberto R Innocenti Gabriele G Galanti Giorgio G

Cardiovascular ultrasound 20090408

<h4>Background</h4>Strain, and particularly Longitudinal Peak Systolic Strain (LPSS), plays a role in investigating the segmental and overall contractility of the heart which is a particularly interesting feature in athletes in whom regular training determines several morphological and functional modifications in both the ventricles, that normally work at different loads. Speckle tracking techniques assess the LPSS of LV and RV from B-mode imaging in real time, with uniform accuracy in all segme ...[more]

PMID: 19356233

Similar Datasets

Project description:BackgroundRight ventricular (RV) systolic function is an important prognostic determinant of cardiopulmonary pathologies in premature infants. Measurements of dominant RV longitudinal deformation are likely to provide a sensitive measure of RV function. An approach for image acquisition and postacquisition processing is needed for reliable and reproducible measurements of myocardial deformation by two-dimensional (2D) speckle-tracking echocardiography. The aims of this study were to determine the feasibility and reproducibility of 2D speckle-tracking echocardiographic measurement of RV peak global longitudinal strain (pGLS) and peak global longitudinal strain rate in premature infants and to establish methods for acquiring and analyzing strain.MethodsThe study was designed in two phases: (1) a training phase to develop methods of image acquisition and postprocessing in a cohort of 30 premature infants (born at 28 ± 1 weeks) and (2) a study phase to prospectively test in a separate cohort of 50 premature infants (born at 27 ± 1 weeks) if the methods improved the feasibility and reproducibility of RV pGLS and peak global longitudinal strain rate measurements to a clinically significant level, assessed using Bland-Altman analysis (bias, limits of agreement, coefficient of variation, and intraclass correlation coefficient).ResultsStrain imaging was feasible from 84% of the acquisitions using the methods developed for optimal speckle brightness and frame rate for RV-focused image acquisition. There was high intraobserver (bias, 3%; 95% limits of agreement, -1.6 to +1.6; coefficient of variation, 2.7%; intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.97; P = .02) and interobserver (bias, 7%; 95% limits of agreement, -4.8 to +4.73; coefficient of variation, 3.9%; intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.93; P < .05) reproducibility, with excellent linear correlation between the two pGLS measurements (r = 0.97 [P < .01] and r = 0.93 [P < .05], respectively).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates high clinical feasibility and reproducibility of RV pGLS and RV peak global longitudinal strain rate measurements by 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography in premature infants and offers methods for image acquisition and data analysis for systolic strain imaging that can provide a reliable assessment of global RV function.

Project description:2D speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) is established to analyse left ventricular (LV) longitudinal function. The analysis of LV rotational deformation is challenging and requires standardization of image acquisition as well as postprocessing analysis. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility to analyse LV rotational deformation using 2DSTE by introducing a novel algorithm for the detection of artefacts. The study was performed in 20 healthy subjects serving as a control group and in 53 competitive sportsmen. Circumferential, radial strain (CS, RS) and LV rotation were analysed by 2DSTE in parasternal short axis views. The stepwise algorithm to exclude potential artefacts starts with the visual estimation of the image quality with respect to complete visualization of all myocardial segments during the entire cardiac cycle followed by the exclusion of data sets in participants with conduction abnormalities. The next step is the optimization of tracking areas and a cross-check of implausible strain waveforms in multiple acquired comparable cineloops. The last step is the exclusion of strain curves with persisting implausible waveforms if standardization failures and incorrect LV wall tracking are fixed. Plausible physiological strain curves were observed in 89% (n = 65/73) of all subjects. In controls all implausible waveforms could be verified as artefacts. The algorithm was applied in 53 professional athletes to test and confirm its feasibility. Abnormal CS waveforms were documented in 25 athletes, verified as artefacts due to tracking failures in 22 athletes and due to incorrect image acquisition in 3 athletes. CS artefacts were mostly located in the basal posterior and lateral LV segments. (endocardial: 6%, n = 4/70; p < 0.05) and basal posterior (endocardial: 8%, n = 5/70; p < 0.05) segments were highly susceptible to artefacts. 2DSTE of parasternal short axis views to analyse circumferential and radial deformation as well as LV rotation is feasible in athletes. The proposed algorithm helps to avoid artefacts and might contribute to standardization of this technique. 2DSTE might provide an interesting diagnostic tool for the detection of viral myocarditis, e.g. in athletes.

Project description:AimsThe aim of the study was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) remodeling and systolic function using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiographic (2D STE) imaging in children at a long-term (more than 36 months, 107.5±57.8 months) after balloon valvuloplasty for aortic stenosis (BAV).Methods and results40 patients (mean age 9,68 years, 75% male) after BAV and 62 control subjects matched to the age and heart rate were prospectively evaluated. The 2D STE assessment of LV longitudinal and circumferential strain and strain rate was performed. Left ventricular eccentric hypertrophy (LVEH) was diagnosed in 75% of patients in the study group. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was normal in all patients. In study group, global longitudinal strain (GLS), global longitudinal strain rate (GLSr) were significantly lower compared with the controls: GLS (-19.7±2.22% vs. -22.3±1.5%, P< 0.001), GLSr (-0.89±0.15/s vs. -1.04 ±0.12/s, P < 0.001). Regional (basal, middle and apical segments) strain and strain rate were also lower compared with control group. Global circumferential strain (GCS), global circumferential strain rate (GCSr) as well as regional (basal, middle and apical segments) strain and strain rate were normal. Multivariable logistic regression analysis included: instantaneous peak systolic Doppler gradient across aortic valve (PGmax), grade of aortic regurgitation (AR), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), left ventricular relative wall thickness (LVRWT), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd), peak systolic mitral annular velocity of the septal and lateral corner (S'spt, S'lat), LVEF before BAV and time after BAV and showed that the only predictor of reduced GLS was LV eccentric hypertrophy [odds ratio 6.9; (95% CI: 1.37-12.5), P = 0.045].ConclusionPatients at long-term observation after BAV present the subclinical LV systolic impairment, which is associated with the presence of its remodeling. Longitudinal deformation is the most sensitive marker of LV systolic impairment in this group of patients.

Dataset Information

Real-time evaluation of longitudinal peak systolic strain (speckle tracking measurement) in left and right ventricles of athletes.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Publications

Real-time evaluation of longitudinal peak systolic strain (speckle tracking measurement) in left and right ventricles of athletes.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets