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Background: Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) provides quantification of left ventricular (LV) deformation and is useful in the assessment of LV function. STE is increasingly being used clinically, and every effort to simplify and standardize STE is important. Manual outlining of regions of interest (ROIs) is labor intensive and may influence assessment of strain values. Purpose: We hypothesized that a deep learning (DL) model, trained on clinical echocardiographic exams, can be combined with a readily available echocardiographic analysis software, to automate strain calculation with comparable fidelity to trained cardiologists. Methods: Data consisted of still frame echocardiographic images with cardiologist-defined ROIs from 672 clinical echocardiographic exams from a university hospital outpatient clinic. Exams included patients with ischemic heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, and conduction abnormalities, and some healthy subjects. An EfficientNetB1-based architecture was employed, and different techniques and properties including data set size, data quality, augmentations, and transfer learning were evaluated. DL predicted ROIs were reintroduced into commercially available echocardiographic analysis software to automatically calculate strain values. Results: DL-automated strain calculations had an average absolute difference of 0.75 (95% CI 0.58–0.92) for global longitudinal strain (GLS), and 1.16 (95% CI 1.03–1.29) for single-projection longitudinal strain (LS), compared to operators. A Bland–Altman plot revealed no obvious bias, though there were fewer outliers in the lower average LS ranges. Techniques and data properties yielded no significant increase/decrease in performance. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that DL-assisted, automated strain measurements are feasible, and provide results within interobserver variation. Employing DL in echocardiographic analyses could further facilitate adoption of STE parameters in clinical practice and research, and improve reproducibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) provides quantification of left ventricular (LV) deformation and is useful in the assessment of LV function. STE is increasingly being used clinically, and every effort to simplify and standardize STE is important. Manual outlining of regions of interest (ROIs) is labor intensive and may influence assessment of strain values. Purpose We hypothesized that a deep learning (DL) model, trained on clinical echocardiographic exams, can be combined with a readily available echocardiographic analysis software, to automate strain calculation with comparable fidelity to trained cardiologists. Methods Data consisted of still frame echocardiographic images with cardiologist-defined ROIs from 672 clinical echocardiographic exams from a university hospital outpatient clinic. Exams included patients with ischemic heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, and conduction abnormalities, and some healthy subjects. An EfficientNetB1-based architecture was employed, and different techniques and properties including data set size, data quality, augmentations, and transfer learning were evaluated. DL predicted ROIs were reintroduced into commercially available echocardiographic analysis software to automatically calculate strain values. Results DL-automated strain calculations had an average absolute difference of 0.75 (95% CI 0.58–0.92) for global longitudinal strain (GLS), and 1.16 (95% CI 1.03–1.29) for single-projection longitudinal strain (LS), compared to operators. A Bland–Altman plot revealed no obvious bias, though there were fewer outliers in the lower average LS ranges. Techniques and data properties yielded no significant increase/decrease in performance. Conclusion The study demonstrates that DL-assisted, automated strain measurements are feasible, and provide results within interobserver variation. Employing DL in echocardiographic analyses could further facilitate adoption of STE parameters in clinical practice and research, and improve reproducibility.

Current guidelines for the care of heart transplantation recipients recommend routine endomyocardial biopsy and invasive coronary angiography as the cornerstones in the surveillance for acute rejection (AR) and coronary allograft vasculopathy (CAV). Non-invasive tools, including coronary computed tomography angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance, have been introduced into guidelines without roles of their own as gold standards. These techniques also carry the risk of contrast-related kidney injury. There is a need to explore non-invasive approaches providing valuable information while minimizing risks and allowing their application independently of patient comorbidities. Echocardiographic examination can be performed at bedside, serially repeated, and does not carry the burden of contrast-related kidney injury and procedure-related risk. It provides comprehensive assessment of cardiac morphology and function. Advanced echocardiography techniques, including Doppler tissue imaging and strain imaging, may be sensitive tools for the detection of minor myocardial dysfunction, thus providing insight into early detection of AR and CAV. Stress echocardiography may offer a valuable tool in the detection of CAV, while the assessment of coronary flow reserve can unravel coronary microvascular impairment and add prognostic value to conventional stress echocardiography. The review highlights the role of Doppler echocardiography in heart transplantation follow-up, weighting advantages and limitations of the different techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a well-established therapy for patients with heart failure (HF). However, 30% of HF patients do not show any improvement in clinical status after CRT implantation. In this study, we report our echocardiography-based CRT optimization methodology, in daily practice at our CRT referral center. Methods: We included 350 ambulatory patients, who were referred to our center for optimization after CRT implantation. A protocol-driven echocardiographic approach for adjusting mechanical dyssynchrony, whereby adjusting for ventriculoventricular (VV) delays with strain and atrioventricular (AV) delays with Doppler echocardiography was performed. We defined changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes as outcome variables in the evaluation of the CRT outcomes. Results: Optimization was obtained in 288 (82%) patients. VV and AV timings were adjusted to 61% and 51%, respectively. In 3%, biventricular pacing was turned off and in 3% left ventricular (LV) only pacing was programmed. The LVEF and NYHA class showed significant improvements in all patients who underwent CRT optimization. Conclusions: CRT optimization remains valuable in improving LVEF and functional status measured using the NYHA class in all patients receiving CRT devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using ultrasound strain rate (SR) imaging to evaluate the left atrial (LA) reservoir and pump function after catheter ablation (CA) with persistent atrial fibrillation (PAF). A total of 45 patients with PAF underwent echocardiography examination before and after ablation as well as during 6 months of follow-up. Peak SR was measured at each LA segment (septal, lateral, anterior, inferior and posterior) during systole (LAs) and late diastole (LAa). During 6 months after CA, 30 patients were free of atrial fibrillation recurrence (AFR). left atrial area index (LAAI), left atrial maximum volume index (LAVImax), and E/Ea were obviously higher in patients with before CA, left atrial ejection fraction (LAEF), SR-LAs were lower than in normal cases, the SR-LAa was disappeared. Shortly after ablation, SR-LAa was recovered, and SR-LAs was reduced compared to those at baseline. At midterm follow-up, LAEF and SR-LAs were still lower than the control group, and LAAI and LAVImax were higher. SR-LAa was recovered slowly over time, but still lower. LA reservoir function was seriously damaged and LA pump function disappeared in patients with PAF. LA reservoir function impairment appeared shortly after ablation, it showed improvement at midterm follow-up, but some degree of damage to the LA reservoir and pump function was still present. Speckle tracking imaging is a feasible technique for the assessment of LA function in patients with PAF, which is a potentially valuable clinical tool to assist in the early detection of atrial remodelling and reverse remodelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a well-established therapy for patients with heart failure (HF). However, 30% of HF patients do not show any improvement in clinical status after CRT implantation. In this study, we report our echocardiography-based CRT optimization methodology, in daily practice at our CRT referral center. Methods: We included 350 ambulatory patients, who were referred to our center for optimization after CRT implantation. A protocol-driven echocardiographic approach for adjusting mechanical dyssynchrony, whereby adjusting for ventriculoventricular (VV) delays with strain and atrioventricular (AV) delays with Doppler echocardiography was performed. We defined changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes as outcome variables in the evaluation of the CRT outcomes. Results: Optimization was obtained in 288 (82%) patients. VV and AV timings were adjusted to 61% and 51%, respectively. In 3%, biventricular pacing was turned off and in 3% left ventricular (LV) only pacing was programmed. The LVEF and NYHA class showed significant improvements in all patients who underwent CRT optimization. Conclusions: CRT optimization remains valuable in improving LVEF and functional status measured using the NYHA class in all patients receiving CRT devices.

1. Background: We sought to determine acute and subacute changes in cardiac function after proton beam (PBT) and photon beam (PhT) radiotherapy (RT) using conventional and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) in patients with malignant breast and thoracic tumors. 2. Methods: Between March 2016 and March 2017, 70 patients with breast or thoracic cancer were prospectively enrolled and underwent transthoracic echocardiography with comprehensive strain analysis at pretreatment, mid-treatment, end of treatment, and 3 months after RT. 3. Results: PBT was used to treat 44 patients; PhT 26 patients. Mean ± SD age was 55 ± 12 years; most patients (93%) were women. The median (interquartile range) of the mean heart dose was lower in the PBT than the PhT group (47 [27–79] vs. 217 [120–596] cGy, respectively; p < 0.001). Ejection fraction did not change in either group. Only the PhT group had reduced systolic tissue Doppler velocities at 3 months. 2D-STE showed changes in endocardial and epicardial longitudinal, radial, and circumferential early diastolic strain rate (SRe) in patients undergoing PhT (global longitudinal SRe, pretreatment vs. end of treatment (p = 0.04); global circumferential SRe, pretreatment vs. at 3-month follow-up (p = 0.003); global radial SRe, pretreatment vs. at 3-month follow-up (p = 0.02) for endocardial values). Epicardial strain values decreased significantly only in patients treated with PhT. Patients in the PhT group had a significant decrease in epicardial global longitudinal systolic strain rate (GLSRs) (epicardial GLSRs, at baseline vs. at end of treatment [p = 0.009]) and in GCSRe and GRSRe (epicardial GCSRe, at baseline vs. at 3-month follow-up (p = 0.02); epicardial GRSRe, at baseline vs. at 3-month follow-up (p = 0.03)) during treatment and follow-up. No changes on 2D-STE were detected in the PBT group. 4. Conclusions: Patients who underwent PhT but not PBT had reduced tissue Doppler velocities and SRe values during follow-up, suggesting early myocardial relaxation abnormalities. PBT shows promise as a cardiac-sparing RT technology.

Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest None.

BackgroundAs automated echocardiographic analysis is increasingly utilized, continued evaluation within hospital settings is important to further understand its potential value. The importance of cardiac involvement in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 provides an opportunity to evaluate the feasibility and clinical relevance of automated analysis applied to limited echocardiograms.MethodsIn this multisite US cohort, the feasibility of automated AI analysis was evaluated on 558 limited echocardiograms in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Reliability of automated assessment of left ventricular (LV) volumes, ejection fraction (EF), and LV longitudinal strain (LS) was assessed against clinically obtained measures and echocardiographic findings. Automated measures were evaluated against patient outcomes using ROC analysis, survival modeling, and logistic regression for the outcomes of 30-day mortality and in-hospital sequelae.ResultsFeasibility of automated analysis for both LVEF and LS was 87.5% (488/558 patients). AI analysis was performed with biplane method in 300 (61.5%) and single plane apical 4- or 2-chamber analysis in 136 (27.9%) and 52 (10.7%) studies, respectively. Clinical LVEF was assessed using visual estimation in 192 (39.3%), biplane in 163 (33.4%), and single plane or linear methods in 104 (21.2%) of the 488 studies; 29 (5.9%) studies did not have clinically reported LVEF. LV LS was clinically reported in 80 (16.4%). Consistency between automated and clinical values demonstrated Pearson's R, root mean square error (RMSE) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.61, 11.3% and 0.72, respectively, for LVEF; 0.73, 3.9% and 0.74, respectively for LS; 0.76, 24.4ml and 0.87, respectively, for end-diastolic volume; and 0.82, 12.8 ml, and 0.91, respectively, for end-systolic volume. Abnormal automated measures of LVEF and LS were associated with LV wall motion abnormalities, left atrial enlargement, and right ventricular dysfunction. Automated analysis was associated with outcomes, including survival.ConclusionAutomated analysis was highly feasible on limited echocardiograms using abbreviated protocols, consistent with equivalent clinically obtained metrics, and associated with echocardiographic abnormalities and patient outcomes.

Abstract Background Strain Rate Imaging (SRI) is one of the most used techniques to study left atrial (LA) and diastolic function. Its availability in low-income countries is diminished since it requires additional expensive software, among other limitations. In contrast, Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) is widely available and easy to use. We hypothesize TDI could detect changes in LA and diastolic function associated with age similarly to SRI. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of age on LA and diastolic function assessed by LA lateral wall TDI online by spectral pulse, and to compare them with age-related variations of LA SRI and other parameters of diastolic function in a population of healthy adults. Materials and methods Ninety-one healthy adults were prospectively evaluated. In apical four - chamber view the LA lateral wall was divided in three portions. Peak velocities of basal and mid portions were measured with TDI online by spectral pulse and with SRI by speckle tracking. A first positive wave (S’la and SRS) and two negative waves (E’la and SRE, and A’la and SRA respectively) were obtained. E’la/A’la ratio and SRE/SRA ratio were analyzed. The distribution of the variables by age subgroups was described and analyzed. Correlation analyses were performed. Results The median age was 42 years old and 54.9% were female. E’la/A’la showed a negative good correlation with age. E’la/A’la and SRE/SRA ratios changed from > 1 to

The purpose of this study was to investigate left ventricular contraction patterns in asymptomatic Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE). Left ventricular longitudinal and circumferential myocardial parameters were assessed using 2DSTE, in asymptomatic CCS and age matched healthy controls. Time to peak (T2P) systolic strain was quantified. Dyssynchrony index (DI) was measured by calculating the standard deviation of T2P systolic strain of six segments in each view. Difference between T2P systolic longitudinal strain of septal and lateral wall was also assessed as a parameter for dyssynchrony. We included 115 CCS with a median age of 17.2 years (range 5.6–39.5) and a median follow up of 11.3 years (range 4.9–29.5) and 119 controls. Conventional echocardiographic parameters and global longitudinal strain were significantly decreased in CCS compared to controls (p < 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). Dyssynchrony index did not differ between CCS and controls. There was a clinically insignificant smaller absolute difference between T2P systolic longitudinal of septal and lateral wall in CCS compared to controls. We showed no difference in longitudinal or circumferential left ventricular dyssynchrony in CCS compared to controls using 2DSTE. Future research should focus on assessing dyssynchrony in more segments and a larger CCS population, using both 2D and 3DSTE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Retrospective multicenter research using echocardiograms obtained for routine clinical care can be hampered by issues of individual center quality. We sought to evaluate imaging and patient characteristics associated with poorer quality of archived echocardiograms from a cohort of childhood cancer survivors. Methods: A single blinded reviewer at a central core laboratory graded quality of clinical echocardiograms from five centers focusing on images to derive 2D and M‐mode fractional shortening (FS), biplane Simpson's ejection fraction (EF), myocardial performance index (MPI), tissue Doppler imaging (TDI)–derived velocities, and global longitudinal strain (GLS). Results: Of 535 studies analyzed in 102 subjects from 2004 to 2017, all measures of cardiac function could be assessed in only 7%. While FS by 2D or M‐mode, MPI, and septal E/E′ could be measured in >80% studies, mitral E/E′ was less consistent (69%), but better than EF (52%) and GLS (10%). 66% of studies had ≥1 issue, with technical issues (eg, lung artifact, poor endocardial definition) being the most common (33%). Lack of 2‐ and 3‐chamber views was associated with the performing center. Patient age <5 years had a higher chance of apex cutoff in 4‐chamber views compared with 16‐35 years old. Overall, for any quality issue, earlier era of echo and center were the only significant risk factors. Conclusion: Assessment of cardiac function using pooled multicenter archived echocardiograms was significantly limited. Efforts to standardize clinical echocardiographic protocols to include apical 2‐ and 3‐chamber views and TDI will improve the ability to quantitate LV function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The function of both ventricles has 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 ventricle (LV) in 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. 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, peak systolic velocity of the tricuspit annulus, isovolumic acceleration, 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. Patients with MS showed higher torsional values, correlated with MS severity. IVS LS, RVFW LS values obtained by RV analysis also differed significantly among groups. The RVFW‐GLS values only showed significant difference between the control group and moderate MS group. Conclusion: Patients with MS showed lower LV‐GLS and higher LV torsion values. RV deformation indices showed significant 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ischemic stroke in young patients often remains cryptogenic, that is, no underlying reason can be found. Some of these strokes may originate in the heart. Left ventricular (LV) dynamic volumetry and strain analysis are relatively new and promising methods for evaluating LV function. Methods: In this pilot study, we recruited 30 young (18‐50 years) patients with cryptogenic ischemic stroke and 30 age‐ and sex‐matched controls from the SECRETO study (NCT01934725). The LV systolic function was assessed by LV volumetry (ejection fraction, peak emptying rate, and time to peak emptying rate). The longitudinal systolic function was assessed by speckle tracking strain and strain rate imaging, and by tissue velocity imaging derived MAD (mitral annular displacement) and septal S'. Results: Stroke patients had less vigorous global longitudinal strain (median −18.9, interquartile range 3.3), compared to healthy controls (median −20.0, interquartile range 2.8), P =.010. There was no statistically significant differences in septal S', MAD, global longitudinal strain rate, or dynamic volumetry‐derived parameters between the two groups. Conclusions: Young cryptogenic stroke patients have subtly altered systolic function compared to healthy controls, found merely with longitudinal strain analysis. This infers that the heart may play a role in the pathogenesis of cryptogenic ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ischaemic stroke in young individuals often remains cryptogenic. In this pilot study, we investigated, whether advanced echocardiography methods could find differences in the diastolic function between young cryptogenic stroke patients and stroke‐free controls. Methods: We recruited 30 cryptogenic ischaemic stroke patients aged 18–49 and 30 age‐ and sex‐matched stroke‐free controls among participants of the Searching for Explanations for Cryptogenic Stroke in the Young: Revealing the Etiology, Triggers, and Outcome (SECRETO) study (NCT01934725). We measured diastolic function parameters derived from speckle tracking strain rate, Doppler techniques and 4D volumetry. We also performed statistical analyses comparing only the highest and lowest tertile of cases and controls for each parameter. Results: None of our patients or controls had diastolic dysfunction according to ASE/EACVI criteria. However, compared to stroke‐free controls, the stroke patient group had lower E/A ratio of mitral inflow, lower lateral and mean e', lower A/a' ratio, lower strain rate in early diastole and lower speckle tracking‐derived e/a ratio. When comparing the lowest tertiles, patients also had a lower peak filling rate by 4D volumetry, a lower peak early filling fraction (fraction of left ventricular filling during early diastole), and lower velocities in a series of the tissue Doppler‐derived diastolic parameters and blood flow/tissue velocity ratios. Conclusion: Our study displayed subtle differences in diastolic function between patients and stroke‐free controls, which may play a role in early‐onset cryptogenic stroke. The differences were clearer when the lowest tertiles were compared, suggesting that there is a subgroup of young cryptogenic stroke patients with subclinical heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) frequently follows successful PCI for STEMI and is recognized by multiple modalities. Multilayer speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has the potential of detecting myocardial dysfunction in different myocardial layers. Our objective was to describe the changes in layer‐specific myocardial function over the 24 hours after successful PCI for ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: Patients (n = 120) with STEMI and no prior myocardial infarction underwent echocardiography prior to PCI, immediately after and at 3‐ and 24‐hours post‐PCI. Worsening focal dysfunction (WFD) was defined as an immediate reduction, compared to the pre‐PCI value, in the amplitude of endo‐myocardial longitudinal strain (endo‐MLS) within the infarction territory. Results: Patients with WFD (52%) had further reductions in endo‐MLS, mid‐MLS, and epi‐MLS in the infarction region immediately post‐PCI; at 3 hours strain began to improve and continued to improve at 24 hours. Reductions of endo‐MLS strain were more evident than those of global, mid‐MLS, and epi‐MLS. This same pattern was seen in each of the ischemic territories of the anterior descending, circumflex, and right coronary arteries. Immediate improvement in endo‐MLS following PCI was seen in 48% of patients. The time from symptom onset to balloon time was markedly longer in those with WFD (P <.0001). Conclusions: Multilayer SPE is a sensitive method that identifies serial alterations in focal myocardial function following successful PCI for STEMI. Layer‐specific reductions in endo‐MLS appeared more evident than decreases in global LV strain. Prolonged total ischemic time prior to PCI was directly related to the incidence of WFD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to clarify the diagnostic and prognostic potential of strain rate in patients with suspected stable angina pectoris (SAP). Strain rate by 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) has been suggested to be able to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD) and predict cardiovascular events in various patient groups. Prospectively enrolled patients (n = 296) with suspected SAP, no previous cardiac disease, and normal left ventricular ejection fraction were examined by 2DSTE, exercise ECG, and coronary angiography. Obstructive CAD was defined as stenosis ≥ 70% in ≥ 1 coronary artery on coronary angiography (n = 107). Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) included myocardial infarction, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and stroke. In multivariable analysis adjusted for baseline data, conventional echocardiography, and Duke score, early diastolic strain rate (SRe) was independently associated with significant CAD with a 1.35 increased risk of having CAD per 0.1 decrease in SRe (OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.03-1.76, P = 0.027). Peak velocity of early diastolic filling (E)/SRe was not associated with significant CAD (OR = 1.14, 95% CI 0.81-1.62, P  = 0.445). MACE occurred in 34 patients (12%) during follow-up (median 3.5 years) and both SRe (HR 1.26, 95% CI (1.07-1.49), P = 0.006) and E/SRe (HR 1.24, 95% CI (1.04-1.47), P = 0.017) were independent predictors after multivariable adjustment. In patients with suspected SAP, SRe by 2DSTE was independently associated with presence of CAD. In addition, SRe and E/SRe provided independent and incremental prognostic value for predicting future MACE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Left ventricular (LV) systolic global function can be assessed by peak annular systolic velocity S′. Global longitudinal strain rate (GLSR) is relative LV shortening rate, equivalent to normalizing S′ for LV length (S′n). It has previously been shown that mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) have similar biological variability, but GLS normalizes for one dimension only, inducing a systematic error, increasing body size dependence. The objective of this study was to compare S′ with GLSR in the same way, comparing biological variability and body size dependence. Methods and Results: A total of 1266 subjects from the third wave of Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), without evidence of heart disease, were examined. Strain rate, S′ and wall lengths were measured in the four walls of the two‐ and four‐chamber views. Mean S′ was 8.4 (1.4) cm/s, (S′n) was 0.7 (0.14)s−1 and GLSR 1.02 (0.14)s−1. All measures declined with age. Normalization of mitral annular velocities for LV length, or the use of GLSR, did not reduce overall biological variability compared with S′. S′ did show a weak, positive correlation to BSA, while S′n and GLSR a slightly stronger, negative correlation to BSA. Conclusions: S′, S′n, and GLSR have similar biological variability, which is mainly due to age, not body size variation. Normalizing S′ for LV length (as in Sn or GLSR) reverses correlation with BSA inducing a systematic error, due to the one‐dimensional normalization for one dimension only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim was to evaluate the role of tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), to identify myocardial dysfunction, and to evaluate myocardial segmental deformation in acute viral myocarditis. Methods: Twenty‐one patients and twelve healthy children were studied prospectively. The TDI and STE were performed before and after treatment. The myocardial velocities (Sm, Em, and Am) and time intervals (isovolumic contraction, isovolumic relaxation, and ejection times [ET]) at interventricular septum (IVS), left, and right ventricular basal segments were examined by TDI. The left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and strain rate (LVGLSR), left ventricular global circumferential strain (LVGCS) and strain rate (LVGCSR), and right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) and strain rate (RVGLSR) were examined by STE. Results: Sm and Em at IVS and at LV, ET at IVS, ET at RV, ET at LV were significantly lower in patients before treatment than controls. LVGLS, LVGLSR, LVGCS, LVGCSR, RVGLS, RVGLSR were significantly decreased in patients before treatment than controls. There was significant improvement for LVGLS, LVGLSR, LVGCS, LVGCSR, and RVGLS in patients after treatment. Sm, Em, and Am at LV were significantly lower in patients before treatment than in patients after treatment. In spite of improvements, Sm, Em, and ET at IVS, LVGLS, LVGLSR, LVGCS, LVGCSR were significantly lower in patients after treatment than controls. Conclusions: The TDI and STE were useful methods for detection of early myocardial dysfunction and evaluation of treatment outcomes in acute viral myocarditis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: High-dose steroid therapy (HDST) has frequent side-effects that appear at its cessation and depend on its dose. However, there is a lack of studies about the acute effects of HDST on cardiac function in adult patients.Methods: We included in this study 30 patients who underwent HDST (intravenously at doses ranging from 250 to 1000 mg) and 30 healthy control subjects with similar demographic and clinical characteristics, between September and December 2016. Echocardiographic measurements were made before and during the first 3 hours after the end of treatment, and results were compared between patients and controls.Results: There was no difference in baseline biochemical and echocardiographic characteristics between the patient and control groups. While left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and strain rate E were higher after treatment, no significant change was observed in conventional echocardiographic variables.Conclusions: LVGLS, but not conventional echocardiographic variables, showed an increase in cardiac systolic function at the acute phase of HDST. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Background: We sought to determine acute and subacute changes in cardiac function after proton beam (PBT) and photon beam (PhT) radiotherapy (RT) using conventional and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) in patients with malignant breast and thoracic tumors. 2. Methods: Between March 2016 and March 2017, 70 patients with breast or thoracic cancer were prospectively enrolled and underwent transthoracic echocardiography with comprehensive strain analysis at pretreatment, mid-treatment, end of treatment, and 3 months after RT. 3. Results: PBT was used to treat 44 patients; PhT 26 patients. Mean ± SD age was 55 ± 12 years; most patients (93%) were women. The median (interquartile range) of the mean heart dose was lower in the PBT than the PhT group (47 [27-79] vs. 217 [120-596] cGy, respectively; p < 0.001). Ejection fraction did not change in either group. Only the PhT group had reduced systolic tissue Doppler velocities at 3 months. 2D-STE showed changes in endocardial and epicardial longitudinal, radial, and circumferential early diastolic strain rate (SRe) in patients undergoing PhT (global longitudinal SRe, pretreatment vs. end of treatment ( p = 0.04); global circumferential SRe, pretreatment vs. at 3-month follow-up ( p = 0.003); global radial SRe, pretreatment vs. at 3-month follow-up ( p = 0.02) for endocardial values). Epicardial strain values decreased significantly only in patients treated with PhT. Patients in the PhT group had a significant decrease in epicardial global longitudinal systolic strain rate (GLSRs) (epicardial GLSRs, at baseline vs. at end of treatment [ p = 0.009]) and in GCSRe and GRSRe (epicardial GCSRe, at baseline vs. at 3-month follow-up ( p = 0.02); epicardial GRSRe, at baseline vs. at 3-month follow-up ( p = 0.03)) during treatment and follow-up. No changes on 2D-STE were detected in the PBT group. 4. Conclusions: Patients who underwent PhT but not PBT had reduced tissue Doppler velocities and SRe values during follow-up, suggesting early myocardial relaxation abnormalities. PBT shows promise as a cardiac-sparing RT technology.

Aim: We intended to assess the left atrial deformation parameters, using two‐dimensional speckle tracking (2DSTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and determine the correlation between these two techniques in order to recognize the patients at risk for cardioembolic events. Method: Strain and strain rate were measured using 2DSTE among 26 patients in sinus rhythm, with isolated moderate to severe mitral stenosis. Left atrial (LA) volume parameters (maximum, minimum and preatrial contraction) were measured. Among 26 patients, TEE was performed to detect left atrial thrombosis or spontaneous echo contrast. Left atrial appendage velocity (LAAV) was also assessed. Results: A significant correlation was observed between LAAV and the average value of left atrial peak systolic strain (LA‐RES) (r = 0.638, P = 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of mean LA‐RES (cutoff = 16.75%) for detecting LAAV < 25 cm/s were 88.9% and 80%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of mean LA‐RES (cutoff = 18.14%) for detecting LAAV < 25 cm/s and/or dense smoky pattern were 77.8% and 83.3%, respectively, and those of left atrial maximum volume indexed for body surface area(cutoff = 50.75 cc/m2), for discriminating LAAV < 25 cm/s and/or dense smoky pattern, were 73.3% and 83.3%, respectively. A meaningful correlation was witnessed between mean LA‐RES and left atrial ejection fraction (r = 0.736, P < 0.001), and left atrial expansion index (r = 0.743, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The average value of left atrial reservoir function using 2DSTE can be used as a predictive factor for detecting LAAV < 25 cm/s and/or dense SEC and thus recognizing high‐risk patients for cardioembolic events with moderate to severe mitral stenosis. In addition, assessment of LA function and LA volume can also be helpful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To analyze clinical predictors of mortality in wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis (wt-ATTR).Methods: In total, 191 patients (73.8 ± 0.5 years; 176 males, 15 females) with histologically proven wt-ATTR amyloidosis and genetic exclusion of a transthyretin gene variant were included. Comprehensive clinical characteristics, ECG, biomarkers, and echocardiography were analyzed retrospectively. Strain analyses were performed offline using TomTec Imaging Systems, Germany. Univariable and multivariable analyses predicting all-cause mortality were carried out.Results: Patients presented with significant heart failure (NYHA 2.5 ± 0.8; NT-proBNP 3644 (4981) pg/ml; LV ejection fraction 45.8 ± 15.0%). LogNT-proBNP correlated with indicators of disease severity. Similar results were obtained for basal and midventricular, but not apical longitudinal strain. During median follow-up of 26.2 ± 1.7 months 46 (25.5%) patients died (40 males, 23%; six females, 40%). In female patients 1-/2-year survival was lower [92.9/67.7%; median survival 30.6 (21.1–40.1) months] when compared to male patients [96.5%/86.6%; median survival 63.9 (45.8–82.0) months]. Parameters associated with survival were NT-proBNP, NYHA class, heart rate, midventricular longitudinal strain, mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE), Karnofsky Index, systolic blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate. Multivariable analysis revealed MAPSE and NT-proBNP as independent predictors of mortality in the whole cohort and midventricular strain in the subgroup of patients in sinus rhythm.Conclusions: No sex-specific bias was observed between male and female patients with wt-ATTR regarding age at onset and morphological characteristics. Multivariable analysis revealed MAPSE and NT-proBNP as independent predictors of survival in the whole cohort, whereas midventricular longitudinal strain was the only independent predictor in patients in sinus rhythm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) is a heterogeneous inherited disorder affecting the skeletal muscle and frequently also involve the heart and in LGMD; development of dilated cardiomyopathy is common and usually the predominant feature. Arrhythmias and conduction disease can be associated with the development of cardiomyopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deformation imaging by echocardiography is a well-established research tool which has been gaining interest from clinical cardiologists since the introduction of speckle tracking. Post-processing of echo images to analyze deformation has become readily available at the fingertips of the user. New parameters such as global longitudinal strain have been shown to provide added diagnostic value, and ongoing efforts of the imaging societies and industry aimed at harmonizing methods will improve the technique further. This review focuses on recent advances in the field of echocardiographic strain and strain rate imaging, and provides an overview on its current and potential future clinical applications.

Aim Long-term high-fat diet (HFD) induces both cardiac remodelling and myocardial dysfunction in murine models. The aim was to assess the time course and mechanisms of metabolic and cardiac modifications induced by short-term HFD in wild-type (WT) mice. Methods and results Thirty-three WT mice were subjected to HFD (60% fat, n = 16) and chow diet (CD, 13% fat, n = 17). Metabolic and echocardiographic data were collected at baseline and every 5 weeks for 20 weeks. Invasive haemodynamic data and myocardial samples were collected at 5 and 20 weeks. Echocardiographic data included left ventricular (LV) diameters and thickness, and systolic function using radial strain rate (SR). Histological assessment of cardiomyocyte and adipocyte sizes, interstitial fibrosis, and apoptosis index were performed. During follow-up, body weight, and glycaemia levels were higher in HFD than in CD mice, in association with an early adipose tissue remodelling. Despite no difference between both groups in blood pressure and LV mass at 5 weeks, an early LV dysfunction was observed in HFD mice as assessed by radial SR (21 ± 0.8 vs. 27 ± 0.8 unit/s, P <0.001) and haemodynamic assessment. During follow-up, both groups demonstrated a progressive systolic and diastolic LV dysfunction and remodelling including dilatation and hypertrophy, which were more severe in HFD mice. Compared with CD mice, the early LV impairment in HFD mice was coupled with a higher cardiomyocyte apoptosis level (0.95 vs. 0.02%, P <0.05) associated with an interstitial fibrosis process (2.3 vs. 0.2%, P <0.05), which worsen during follow- up. Conclusion The HFD promoted early metabolic and cardiac dysfunctions, and adipose and myocardial tissues remodelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Cardiac failure due to iron overload remains the most common cause of death in patients with beta-thalassemia major. This study aimed to evaluate myocardial function in children with beta-thalassemia major using standard echocardiography technique and strain rate imaging. Materials and Methods: Conventional echocardiographic analysis, tissue velocity imaging, and strain/strain rate imaging of the left ventricle were evaluated in 48 children with beta thalassemia major (19 girls, 29 boys; 8.39+-4.05 years) and 22 healthy children (11 girls, 11 boys; 8+-3.72 years). Results: Conventional echocardiographic examinations revealed that beta-thalassemia patients had larger left ventricular end-systolic diameter, end-diastolic and end-systolic volume, left ventricular mass index, and mitral early/late diastolic flow velocity ratio (p

BackgroundIvabradine selectively inhibits the pacemaker current of the sinoatrial node, slowing heart rate. Few studies have examined the effects of ivabradine on the mechanical properties of the heart after reperfused myocardial infarction (MI). Advances in ultrasound speckle‐tracking allow strain analyses to be performed in small‐animal models, enabling the assessment of regional mechanical function. Methods and ResultsAfter 1 hour of coronary occlusion followed by reperfusion, mice received 10 mg/kg per day of ivabradine dissolved in drinking water (n=10), or were treated as infarcted controls (n=9). Three‐dimensional high‐frequency echocardiography was performed at baseline and at days 2, 7, 14, and 28 post‐MI. Speckle‐tracking software was used to calculate intramural longitudinal myocardial strain (Ell) and strain rate. Standard deviation time to peak radial strain (SD Tpeak Err) and temporal uniformity of strain were calculated from short‐axis cines acquired in the left ventricular remote zone. Ivabradine reduced heart rate by 8% to 16% over the course of 28 days compared to controls (P

Background: Low-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography is increasingly used for identifying myocardial viability.Aim: We explored whether dobutamine-induced strain (S) and strain rate (SR) can identify myocardial viability following fibrinolytic therapy for ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), taking 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy as the 'gold standard' for diagnosis.Methods: We enrolled 60 consecutive patients presenting for myocardial viability assessment at least 4 weeks following STEMI. S and SR were measured by tissue Doppler imaging individually for all myocardial segments under low-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography. Patients underwent resting 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy using the standard imaging technique. Based on the results of 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy, the dobutamine-induced S and SR were compared between viable and non-viable segments. Receiver-operating characteristics curve was constructed to determine the cutoff value of the dobutamine-induced S and SR that best identifies viability.Results: The dobutamine-induced S and SR were significantly higher in viable compared with non-viable segments, a finding that was consistent for most individual myocardial segments (10 out of 16 for S and 11 out of 16 for SR). A cutoff value ranging from -8.5 to -9.6% for the S identified viability in apical and mid- segments, whereas a cutoff value ranging from -11.5 to -21.5% identified viability in basal segments. Similarly, a cutoff value ranging from -0.5 to -1.2 s-1 for the SR identified viability in apical and mid- segments, whereas a cutoff value ranging from -1.4 to -1.7 s-1 identified viability in basal segments. Conclusions: In patients undergoing viability assessment following fibrinolytic therapy for STEMI, the dobutamine-induced S and SR were higher in viable versus non-viable segments. A cutoff value of dobutamine-induced S and SR identified viability in most individual myocardial segments.

Background Strain rate imaging (SRI) is proposed for assessing atrial function. There are limited studies on the role of SRI in assessing the left atrial (LA) function in patients with mitral stenosis (MS). We decided to assess LA early diastolic strain to evaluate LA conduit function in two groups of patients with MS. Methods A total of 49 patients with moderate to severe MS, scheduled for percutaneous transluminal mitral commissurotomy, were categorized into two groups: normal sinus rhythm (NSR, n=24) and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF, n=25). Early diastolic strain was measured via SRI in four mid-left atrial walls by transthoracic echocardiography. Results Left atrial volume was significantly higher in AF group. LA early diastolic strain was significantly reduced in AF patients in three walls: interatrial septum (−6.78±6.22% vs −11.44±6.35%, P=.016), anterior wall (−4.47±4.30% vs −12.52±10.62%, P=.002), and inferior wall (−2.87±3.23% vs −9.73±9.67%, P=.003). After adjustment for age, heart rate, LA volume, LA thrombus, and LAA emptying velocity, there was a significant correlation between the presence of AF and left atrial average early diastolic strain. This correlation was also remarkable between existence of AF and two LA walls (i.e., anterior and inferior walls of the LA). Conclusion There was reduced average early diastolic strain in the presence of AF compared to NSR in MS patients regardless of LA volume and age. In AF patients, there is not only a loss of atrial late diastolic contraction, but also there is a reduction in early diastolic shortening of LA myocardium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Evaluation of left ventricular ( LV) myocardial deformation by speckle tracking echocardiography ( STE) is useful for clinical and research purposes. However, strain measurements depend on the used software. Normative data for QLAB 10 (Philips) are scarce. Additionally, little is known about the influence of anthropometric factors. We aimed to establish normal adult STE-derived strain and strain rate values and to evaluate associations with anthropometrics. Methods One hundred fifty-five healthy subjects aged 20 to 72 years (≥28 subjects per decile) were prospectively gathered and examined with electrocardiography and two-dimensional echocardiography. With STE, we assessed peak systolic LV global longitudinal strain ( GLS), segmental longitudinal strain, and strain rate from the three standard apical views. Results We included 147 healthy subjects (age 44.6±13.7 years, 50% female, GLS −20.8±2.0%). Men had significantly lower GLS than women (−20.1±1.8% vs −21.5±2.0%, P<.001). GLS was significantly lower in subjects with age above 55 years ( P=.029), higher blood pressure ( P<.001), higher body surface area ( BSA, P<.001), larger LV end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes (both P<.001), lower LV ejection fraction ( P<.001), and some indices of diastolic function. After multivariable regression analysis, the correlation with systolic blood pressure, E-wave, and LV end-systolic volume remained significant. The systolic strain rates of most segments correlated with BSA. Conclusions Our study resulted in normative LV GLS values assessed with QLAB 10. Male sex, higher BSA, and higher blood pressure negatively influence GLS. Therefore, these factors should be taken into account for strain interpretation in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) is characterized by the progressive replacement of ventricular myocytes with variable amounts of fibrous and adipose tissue. Several studies have suggested that speckle tracking echocardiographic (STE) parameters such as strain (S) and strain rate (SR) may prove useful in the early detection of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate RV myocardial function using the STE method in both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with ARVD and to assess its potential role in the differential diagnosis of these two presentations. Methods We recruited 34 patients with ARVD. Seventeen patients were symptomatic, and seventeen were asymptomatic. Results The RV free wall global longitudinal S and SR were significantly lower in symptomatic patients with ARVD than in asymptomatic patients. According to a cutoff value of 1.35 per seconds for RV global SR, the sensitivity and specificity for predicting ARVD were 88% and 77%, respectively. According to a cutoff value of 17.3% for RV S, the sensitivity and specificity for predicting ARVD were 82% and 77%, respectively. Conclusion In conclusion, we present strong evidence that STE-derived global S and SR in the RV free wall are decreased in symptomatic patients with ARVD compared with asymptomatic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the dynamic change of left ventricular longitudinal function in a rabbit model of myocardium ischemia-reperfusion with morphine preconditioning through strain rate imaging(SRI). Methods: A myocardiumischemia-reperfusion model was induced by occlusion and recanalization of coronary artery in forty male New Zealand white rabbits, which were randomly divided into the sham operated group (SH), morphine preconditioning ischemia reperfusion group (MF) and normal saline preconditioning ischemia reperfusion group (NS). Routine echocardiography datas and dynamic images were collected on 1 day before and within 28 days after the operation. All of these images were analyzed off-line using TDI software to survey the parameters, including the systolic velocity and systolic strain rate. Results: On the 1st day after operation, the global and regional systolic function of left ventricle of group MF and group NS were lower than those preoperation and in group SH (P<0.05), as time went, the above-mentioned parameters decreased gradually after ischemia reperfusion (P<0.05), which were more obviously in group NS (P<0.05). Conclusions: It was objective and accurate to detect the variance of regional myocardial function in myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury using strain rate imaging. Strain rate imaging becomes a reliable and non-invasive method of evaluating myocardial function in clinic. Morphine preconditioning could apparently attenuate the myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury in rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To explore the feasibility of quantitative evaluation of pulmonary function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using tissue velocity imaging (TVI) and strain rate imaging (SRI) via transthoracic lung ultrasonography.Material and Methods: Eighty inpatients with clinically diagnosed COPD underwent pulmonary function test and transthoracic lung ultrasound on the same day. Lung ultrasound variables and pulmonary function parameters were analyzed.Results: All patients with COPD had faster breathing and significant reduced lung function compared with healthy participants (p<0.05). The lung ultrasound parameters, velocity (max-min, cm/s), displacement (max-min, mm), strain (max-min, %) and strain rate (max-min, 1/s) were significantly higher in patients with COPD (p<0.05). A good negative correlation was found between lung ultrasound variables and pulmonary function parameters in patients with COPD. Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that the velocity (max-min, cm/s) was the only independent determinant of FEV1/FVC (%). With the use of FEV1/FVC<70% as the criteria of irreversible pulmonary function impairment to distinguish an abnormal pulmonary function, the area under the ROC was 0.99 for the velocity (max-min, cm/s) of the lung tissue in the process of breathing. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of the cut off value (1.19 cm/s) was 97.63%, 100%, 100%, 80%, and 98%, respectively (p<0.001).Conclusions: Tissue velocity imaging via transthoracic lung ultrasound is a useful modality in the assessment of pulmonary function in patients with COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background--Primary aldosteronism (PA) causes excess left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction; whether this occurs also in secondary aldosteronism (SA) without hypertension is unknown. We investigated the cardiac modifications in patients with preserved LV ejection fraction who had PA or SA. Methods and Results--We measured several Doppler echocardiography-derived variables, including tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) parameters and strain rate analysis, in 262 patients with PA, 117 with SA because of liver cirrhosis, and in 61 control healthy subjects. SA and PA patients showed markedly elevated aldosterone levels (67 versus 39 ng/ dL, respectively; normal values <15 ng/dL) but contrasting values of plasma renin activity (15.00 versus 0.56 ng/mL/h; P<0.001). Compared with PA, SA patients showed higher heart rate, and lower blood pressure and vascular resistance values. Both PA and SA showed increased LV diameters, LV volumes, stroke volume, stroke work, and septal peak systolic tissue velocity, and had more LV hypertrophy (61% and 39%, respectively) and diastolic dysfunction (35% and 36%, respectively) than healthy subjects. Peak systolic septal strain (20% versus 23%; P=<0.001) and midwall fractional shortening (15.9% versus 16.7%; P=0.001) were lower in PA than in SA patients. Conclusions--Primary and secondary hyperaldosteronism correlate with LV enlargement and high prevalence of LV hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction; a subclinical systolic dysfunction is evident only in PA. In SA, the high rate of LV hypertrophy, in spite of low peripheral resistances and low-to-normal blood pressure, could be accounted for the high renin and aldosterone values, and the work overload associated with a hyperdynamic circulatory state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]