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Mørch J, Kolnes EH, Greve G, Omdal TR, Ebbing C, Kessler J, Khan U. Increasing region of interest width reduces neonatal circumferential strain. Echocardiography 2024; 41:e15873. [PMID: 38985125 DOI: 10.1111/echo.15873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is growing interest in speckle tracking echocardiography-derived strain as a measure of left ventricular function in neonates. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding the effect of image acquisition and processing parameters on circumferential strain measurements. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using different region of interest (ROI) widths on speckle tracking derived circumferential strain in healthy neonates. METHODS Thirty healthy-term-born neonates were examined with speckle-tracking echocardiography in the short-axis view. Circumferential strain values were acquired and compared using two different ROI widths. Furthermore, strain values in the different vendor-defined wall layers were also compared. RESULTS Increasing ROI width led to a decrease in global circumferential strain (GCS) in the midwall and epicardial layers, the respective decreases in strain being -23.4 ± .6% to -22.0 ± 1.1%, p < .0001 and 18.5 ± 1.7% to -15.6 ± 2.0%, p < .0001. Segmental analyses were consistent with these results, apart from two segments in the midwall. There was no statistically significant effect on strain for the endocardial layer. A gradient was seen where strain increased from the epicardial to endocardial layers. CONCLUSION Increasing ROI width led to a decrease in GCS in the midwall and epicardium. There is an increase in circumferential strain when moving from the epicardial toward the endocardial layer. Clinicians wishing to implement circumferential strain into their practice should consider ROI width variation as a potential confounder in their measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Mørch
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Gottfried Greve
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tom Roar Omdal
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Cathrine Ebbing
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jörg Kessler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Umael Khan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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2
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Hjertaas JJ, Einarsen E, Gerdts E, Kokorina M, Moen CA, Urheim S, Saeed S, Matre K. Impact of aortic valve stenosis on myocardial deformation in different left ventricular levels: A three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography study. Echocardiography 2023; 40:1028-1039. [PMID: 37543718 DOI: 10.1111/echo.15668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global systolic left ventricular (LV) myocardial function progressively declines as degenerative aortic valve stenosis (AS) progresses. Whether this results in uniformly distributed deformation changes from base to apex has not been investigated. METHODS Eighty-five AS patients underwent three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography in this cross-sectional study. Patients were grouped by peak jet velocity into mild (n = 32), moderate (n = 31), and severe (n = 22) AS. 3D speckle tracking derived strain, rotation, twist, and torsion were obtained to assess global LV function and myocardial function at the apical, mid, and basal levels. RESULTS Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was lower in patients with severe AS (-16.1 ± 2.4% in mild, -15.5 ± 2.5% in moderate, and -13.5 ± 3.0% in severe AS [all p < .01]). Peak basal and mid longitudinal strain (LS), basal rotation and twist from apical to basal level followed the same pattern, while peak apical LS was higher in moderate AS compared to severe AS (all p < .05). In multivariate analyses, lower GLS was particularly associated with male sex, higher body mass index and peak aortic jet velocity, lower basal LS with higher filling pressure (E/e') and LV mass, lower mid LS with higher RWT and presence of AS symptoms, and lower apical LS with male sex and higher systolic blood pressure, respectively (all p < .05). CONCLUSION Using 3D speckle tracking echocardiography reveals regional and global changes in LV mechanics in AS related to the severity of AS, LV remodeling and presence of cardiovascular risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eigir Einarsen
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eva Gerdts
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marina Kokorina
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Stig Urheim
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Sahrai Saeed
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Knut Matre
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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3
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Fibrosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: role of novel echo techniques and multi-modality imaging assessment. Heart Fail Rev 2021; 26:1297-1310. [PMID: 33990907 DOI: 10.1007/s10741-020-10058-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) represents one of the primary cardiomyopathies and may lead to heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Among various histologic features of the disease examined, assessment of myocardial fibrosis may offer valuable information, since it may be considered the common nominator for all HCM connected complications. Late gadolinium-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR) has emerged as the reference noninvasive method for visualizing and quantifying myocardial fibrosis in patients with HCM. T1 mapping, a promising new CMR technique, may provide an advantage over conventional LGE-CMR, by permitting a more valid quantification of diffuse fibrosis. On the other hand, echocardiography offers a significantly more portable, affordable, and easily accessible solution for the study of fibrosis. Various echocardiographic techniques ranging from integrated backscatter and contrast-enhanced ultrasound to two- (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) deformation and shear wave imaging may offer new insights into substrate characterization in HCM. The aim of this review is to describe thoroughly all different modalities that may be used in everyday clinical practice for HCM fibrosis evaluation (with special focus on echocardiographic techniques), to concisely present available evidence and to argue in favor of multi-modality imaging application. It is essential to understand that the role of various imaging modalities is not competitive but complementary, since the information provided by each one is necessary to illuminate the complex pathophysiologic pathways of HCM, offering a personalized approach and treatment in every patient.
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Effect of Temporal and Spatial Smoothing on Speckle-Tracking-Derived Strain in Neonates. Pediatr Cardiol 2021; 42:743-752. [PMID: 33492429 PMCID: PMC8110490 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-020-02536-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Clinical application of strain in neonates requires an understanding of which image acquisition and processing parameters affect strain values. Previous studies have examined frame rate, transmitting frequency, and vendor heterogeneity. However, there is a lack of human studies on how user-regulated spatial and temporal smoothing affect strain values in 36 neonates. This study examined nine different combinations of spatial and temporal smoothing on peak systolic left ventricular longitudinal strain in 36 healthy neonates. Strain values were acquired from four-chamber echocardiographic images in the software-defined epicardial, midwall, and endocardial layers in the six standard segments and average four-chamber stain. Strain values were compared using repeated measure ANOVAs. Overall, spatial smoothing had a larger impact than temporal smoothing, and segmental strain values were more sensitive to smoothing settings than average four-chamber strain. Apicoseptal strain decreased by approximately 4% with increasing spatial smoothing, corresponding to a 13-19% proportional change (depending on wall layer). Therefore, we recommend clinicians be mindful of smoothing settings when assessing segmental strain values.
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5
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Pagourelias ED, Mirea O, Duchenne J, Unlu S, Van Cleemput J, Papadopoulos CE, Bogaert J, Vassilikos VP, Voigt JU. Speckle tracking deformation imaging to detect regional fibrosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a comparison between 2D and 3D echo modalities. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2020; 21:1262-1272. [PMID: 32294170 DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jeaa057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS We aimed at directly comparing three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) deformation parameters in hypertrophic hearts and depict which may best reflect underlying fibrosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), defined by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). METHODS AND RESULTS We included 40 HCM [54.1 ± 14.3 years, 82.5% male, maximum wall thickness (MWT) 19.3 ± 4.8 mm] and 15 hypertensive (HTN) patients showing myocardial hypertrophy (58.1 ± 15.6 years, 80% male, MWT 12.8 ± 1.4 mm) who have consecutively undergone 2D-, 3D-speckle tracking echocardiography and LGE CMR. Deformation parameters (2D and 3D) presented overall poor to moderate correlations, with 3D_longitudinal strain (LS) and 3D_circumferential strain (CS) values being constantly higher compared to 2D derivatives. By regression analysis, hypertrophy substrate (HCM vs. hypertension) and hypertrophy magnitude were the parameters to influence 2D-3D LS and CS strain correlations (R2 = 0.66, P < 0.001 and R2 = 0.5, P = 0.001 accordingly). Among segmental deformation indices, 2D_LS showed the best area under the curve [AUC = 0.78, 95% confidence intervals (CI) (0.75-0.81), P < 0.0005] to detect fibrosis, with 3D deformation parameters showing similar AUC (0.65) and 3D_LS presenting the highest specificity [93.1%, 95% CI (90.6-95.1)]. CONCLUSIONS In hypertrophic hearts, 2D and 3D deformation parameters are not interchangeable, showing modest correlations. Thickness, substrate, and tracking algorithm calculating assumptions seem to induce this variability. Nevertheless, among HCM patients 2D_peak segmental longitudinal strain remains the best strain parameter for tissue characterization and fibrosis detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efstathios D Pagourelias
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospital Leuven, Catholic University Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,Third Cardiology Department, Hippokrateion University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Konstantinoupoleos 49, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Oana Mirea
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospital Leuven, Catholic University Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jürgen Duchenne
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospital Leuven, Catholic University Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Serkan Unlu
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospital Leuven, Catholic University Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Van Cleemput
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospital Leuven, Catholic University Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christodoulos E Papadopoulos
- Third Cardiology Department, Hippokrateion University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Konstantinoupoleos 49, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Jan Bogaert
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Leuven, Catholic University Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vasilios P Vassilikos
- Third Cardiology Department, Hippokrateion University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Konstantinoupoleos 49, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Jens-Uwe Voigt
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospital Leuven, Catholic University Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Amzulescu MS, De Craene M, Langet H, Pasquet A, Vancraeynest D, Pouleur AC, Vanoverschelde JL, Gerber BL. Myocardial strain imaging: review of general principles, validation, and sources of discrepancies. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2020; 20:605-619. [PMID: 30903139 PMCID: PMC6529912 DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jez041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial tissue tracking imaging techniques have been developed for a more accurate evaluation of myocardial deformation (i.e. strain), with the potential to overcome the limitations of ejection fraction (EF) and to contribute, incremental to EF, to the diagnosis and prognosis in cardiac diseases. While most of the deformation imaging techniques are based on the similar principles of detecting and tracking specific patterns within an image, there are intra- and inter-imaging modality inconsistencies limiting the wide clinical applicability of strain. In this review, we aimed to describe the particularities of the echocardiographic and cardiac magnetic resonance deformation techniques, in order to understand the discrepancies in strain measurement, focusing on the potential sources of variation: related to the software used to analyse the data, to the different physics of image acquisition and the different principles of 2D vs. 3D approaches. As strain measurements are not interchangeable, it is highly desirable to work with validated strain assessment tools, in order to derive information from evidence-based data. There is, however, a lack of solid validation of the current tissue tracking techniques, as only a few of the commercial deformation imaging softwares have been properly investigated. We have, therefore, addressed in this review the neglected issue of suboptimal validation of tissue tracking techniques, in order to advocate for this matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Amzulescu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Cliniques Universitaires St. Luc, Pôle de Recherche Cardiovasculaire (CARD), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Av Hippocrate 10/2806, B Brussels, Belgium
| | - M De Craene
- Philips Research, Medical Imaging (Medisys), 33 rue de Verdun, CS60055, Suresnes Cedex, France
| | - H Langet
- Clinical Research Board, Philips Research, 33 rue de Verdun, CS60055, Suresnes Cedex, France
| | - A Pasquet
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Cliniques Universitaires St. Luc, Pôle de Recherche Cardiovasculaire (CARD), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Av Hippocrate 10/2806, B Brussels, Belgium
| | - D Vancraeynest
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Cliniques Universitaires St. Luc, Pôle de Recherche Cardiovasculaire (CARD), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Av Hippocrate 10/2806, B Brussels, Belgium
| | - A C Pouleur
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Cliniques Universitaires St. Luc, Pôle de Recherche Cardiovasculaire (CARD), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Av Hippocrate 10/2806, B Brussels, Belgium
| | - J L Vanoverschelde
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Cliniques Universitaires St. Luc, Pôle de Recherche Cardiovasculaire (CARD), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Av Hippocrate 10/2806, B Brussels, Belgium
| | - B L Gerber
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Cliniques Universitaires St. Luc, Pôle de Recherche Cardiovasculaire (CARD), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Av Hippocrate 10/2806, B Brussels, Belgium
- Corresponding author. Tel: +32 (2) 764 2803; Fax: +32 (2) 764 8980. E-mail:
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7
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Hjertaas JJ, Matre K. A left ventricular phantom for 3D echocardiographic twist measurements. BIOMED ENG-BIOMED TE 2020; 65:209-218. [DOI: 10.1515/bmt-2019-0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractTraditional two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) studies have shown a wide range of twist values, also for normal hearts, which is due to the limitations of short-axis 2D ultrasound. The same limitations do not apply to three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound, and several studies have shown 3D ultrasound to be superior to 2D ultrasound, which is unreliable for measuring twist. The aim of this study was to develop a left ventricular twisting phantom and to evaluate the accuracy of 3D STE twist measurements using different acquisition methods and volume rates (VR). This phantom was not intended to simulate a heart, but to function as a medium for ultrasound deformation measurement. The phantom was made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and casted using 3D printed molds. Twist was obtained by making the phantom consist of two PVA layers with different elastic properties in a spiral pattern. This gave increased apical rotation with increased stroke volume in a mock circulation. To test the accuracy of 3D STE twist, both single-beat, as well as two, four and six multi-beat acquisitions, were recorded and compared against twist from implanted sonomicrometry crystals. A custom-made software was developed to calculate twist from sonomicrometry. The phantom gave sonomicrometer twist values from 2.0° to 13.8° depending on the stroke volume. STE software tracked the phantom wall well at several combinations of temporal and spatial resolution. Agreement between the two twist methods was best for multi-beat acquisitions in the range of 14.4–30.4 volumes per second (VPS), while poorer for single-beat and higher multi-beat VRs. Smallest offset was obtained at six-beat multi-beat at 17.1 VPS and 30.4 VPS. The phantom proved to be a useful tool for simulating cardiac twist and gave different twist at different stroke volumes. Best agreement with the sonomicrometer reference method was obtained at good spatial resolution (high beam density) and a relatively low VR. 3D STE twist values showed better agreement with sonomicrometry for most multi-beat recordings compared with single-beat recordings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Just Hjertaas
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Knut Matre
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
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8
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Muraru D, Niero A, Rodriguez-Zanella H, Cherata D, Badano L. Three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography: benefits and limitations of integrating myocardial mechanics with three-dimensional imaging. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther 2018. [PMID: 29541615 DOI: 10.21037/cdt.2017.06.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) is an advanced imaging technique designed for left ventricular (LV) myocardial deformation analysis based on 3D data sets. 3DSTE has the potential to overcome some of the intrinsic limitations of two-dimensional STE (2DSTE) in the assessment of complex LV myocardial mechanics, offering additional deformation parameters (such as area strain) and a comprehensive quantitation of LV geometry and function from a single 3D acquisition. Albeit being a relatively young technique still undergoing technological developments, several experimental studies and clinical investigations have already demonstrated the reliability and feasibility of 3DSTE, as well as several advantages of 3DSTE over 2DSTE. This technique has provided new insights into LV mechanics in several clinical fields, such as the objective assessment of global and regional LV function in ischemic and non-ischemic heart diseases, the evaluation of LV mechanical dyssynchrony, as well as the detection of subclinical cardiac dysfunction in cardiovascular conditions at risk of progression to overt heart failure. However, 3DSTE generally requires patient's breathhold and regular rhythm for enabling an ECG-gated multi-beat 3D acquisition. In addition, the measurements, normal limits and cut-off values pertaining to 3D strain parameters are currently vendor-specific and highly dependent on the 3D ultrasound equipment used. Technological advances with improvement in spatial and temporal resolution and a standardized methodology for obtaining vendor-independent 3D strain measurements are expected in the future for a widespread application of 3DSTE in both clinical and research arenas. The purpose of this review is to summarize currently available data on 3DSTE methodology (feasibility, accuracy and reproducibility), strengths and weaknesses with respect to 2DSTE, as well as the main clinical applications and future research priorities of this emerging technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denisa Muraru
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alice Niero
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Hugo Rodriguez-Zanella
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Echocardiography Laboratory, National Institute of Cardiology, "Ignacio Chávez", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Diana Cherata
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Department of Cardiology, "Filantropia" Municipal Hospital, Craiova, Romania
| | - Luigi Badano
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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9
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Bouchez S, Heyde B, Barbosa D, Vandenheuvel M, Houle H, Wang Y, D'hooge J, Wouters PF. In-vivo validation of a new clinical tool to quantify three-dimensional myocardial strain using ultrasound. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2016; 32:1707-1714. [PMID: 27535041 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-016-0962-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) strain analysis based on real-time 3-D echocardiography (RT3DE) has emerged as a novel technique to quantify regional myocardial function. The goal of this study was to evaluate accuracy of a novel model-based 3D tracking tool (eSie Volume Mechanics, Siemens Ultrasound, Mountain View, CA, USA) using sonomicrometry as an independent measure of cardiac deformation. Thirteen sheep were instrumented with microcrystals sutured to the epi- and endocardium of the inferolateral left ventricular wall to trace myocardial deformation along its three directional axes of motion. Paired acquisitions of RT3DE and sonomicrometry were made at baseline, during inotropic modulation and during myocardial ischemia. Accuracy of 3D strain measurements was quantified and expressed as level of agreement with sonomicrometry using linear regression and Bland-Altman analysis. Correlations between 3D strain analysis and sonomicrometry were good for longitudinal and circumferential strain components (r = 0.78 and r = 0.71) but poor for radial strain (r = 0.30). Accordingly, agreement (bias ± 2SD) was -5 ± 6 % for longitudinal, -5 ± 7 % for circumferential, and 15 ± 19 % for radial strain. Intra-observer variability was low for all components (intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) of respectively 0.89, 0.88 and 0.95) while inter-observer variability was higher, in particular for radial strain (ICC = 0.41). The present study shows that 3D strain analysis provided good estimates of circumferential and longitudinal strain, while estimates of radial strain were less accurate between observers.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bouchez
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - B Heyde
- Laboratory on Cardiovascular Imaging and Dynamics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - D Barbosa
- Laboratory on Cardiovascular Imaging and Dynamics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M Vandenheuvel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - H Houle
- Ultrasound Division, Siemens Medical Solutions, Mountain View, CA, USA
| | - Y Wang
- Ultrasound Division, Siemens Medical Solutions, Mountain View, CA, USA
| | - J D'hooge
- Laboratory on Cardiovascular Imaging and Dynamics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - P F Wouters
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
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10
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Khan U, Hjertaas JJ, Greve G, Matre K. Optimal Acquisition Settings for Speckle Tracking Echocardiography-Derived Strains in Infants: An In Vitro Study. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2016; 42:1660-1670. [PMID: 27085385 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2016.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Revised: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of frame rate and probe frequency on the accuracy of speckle tracking echocardiography-derived strain measurements in infants. An infant-sized left ventricle phantom with sonomicrometer crystals was made from polyvinyl alcohol. The examined stroke rates were 60, 120 and 180 strokes per min (SPM). Longitudinal strain and circumferential strain measurements were analyzed from a total of 1860 cine loops. These cine loops were acquired using two pediatric probes of different frequencies at both fundamental and harmonic imaging modes. Both probes were examined at different settings (in total, 30 different frame rate-frequency combinations). At optimal settings, both longitudinal and circumferential strain displayed high accuracy. Frequency settings did not have a consistent effect on accuracy, while low frame rates led to less accurate measurements. We recommend a frame rate/heart ratio >1 frame per second/beats per min, especially for circumferential strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umael Khan
- Bergen Hypertension and Cardiac Dynamics Group, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Johannes Just Hjertaas
- Bergen Hypertension and Cardiac Dynamics Group, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Gottfried Greve
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Knut Matre
- Bergen Hypertension and Cardiac Dynamics Group, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
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11
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Banerjee J, Klink C, Niessen WJ, Moelker A, van Walsum T. 4D Ultrasound Tracking of Liver and its Verification for TIPS Guidance. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MEDICAL IMAGING 2016; 35:52-62. [PMID: 26168435 DOI: 10.1109/tmi.2015.2454056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In this work we describe a 4D registration method for on the fly stabilization of ultrasound volumes for improving image guidance for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) interventions. The purpose of the method is to enable a continuous visualization of the relevant anatomical planes (determined in a planning stage) in a free breathing patient during the intervention. This requires registration of the planning information to the interventional images, which is achieved in two steps. In the first step tracking is performed across the streaming input. An approximate transformation between the reference image and the incoming image is estimated by composing the intermediate transformations obtained from the tracking. In the second step a subsequent registration is performed between the reference image and the approximately transformed incoming image to account for the accumulation of error. The two step approach helps in reducing the search range and is robust under rotation. We additionally present an approach to initialize and verify the registration. Verification is required when the reference image (containing planning information) is acquired in the past and is not part of the (interventional) 4D ultrasound sequence. The verification score will help in invalidating the registration outcome, for instance, in the case of insufficient overlap or information between the registering images due to probe motion or loss of contact, respectively. We evaluate the method over thirteen 4D US sequences acquired from eight subjects. A graphics processing unit implementation runs the 4D tracking at 9 Hz with a mean registration error of 1.7 mm.
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12
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Zhou X, Thavendiranathan P, Chen Y, Cheng L, Qian Z, Liu S, Houle H, Zhi G, Vannan MA. Feasibility of Automated Three-Dimensional Rotational Mechanics by Real-Time Volume Transthoracic Echocardiography: Preliminary Accuracy and Reproducibility Data Compared with Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2015; 29:62-73. [PMID: 26363710 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2015.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Three-dimensional (3D) speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) for myocardial strain imaging may be superior to two-dimensional STE, especially with respect to rotational mechanics. Automated strain measurements from nonstitched 3D STE may improve work flow and clinical utility. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of model-based 3D STE for the automated measurement of voxel circumferential strain (Ecc) and myocardial rotation. METHODS Thirty-five individuals (12 healthy volunteers, 12 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, and 11 patients with hypertensive left ventricular [LV] hypertrophy) were prospectively studied. The latter two groups did not have significant coronary artery disease on coronary arteriography. Tagged cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and feature-tracking CMR were used as reference standards. Regional (apex and mid left ventricle) and slice (within a region) Ecc and rotation were measured by real-time volume transthoracic echocardiography (nonstitched) using an automated algorithm. RESULTS Compared with both CMR techniques, apical and mid-LV Ecc (concordance correlation coefficients [CCCs], 0.84-0.95 and 0.48-0.68) and rotation (CCCs, 0.70-0.95 and 0.42-0.68) showed excellent, good, and moderate agreement, respectively. At the LV base, rotation showed poor agreement with CMR methods (CCC, 0.04-0.21), consistent with previous descriptions, but calculated LV twist showed moderate to good correlation with CMR techniques (CCC, 0.61-0.84). However, the 95% CI for measurements between techniques was wide, emphasizing the challenges in comparing voxel deformation by 3D echocardiography with CMR, compounded by differences in approaches to measuring deformation, and matching regional and slice measurements between techniques. Reproducibility (n = 10, including test-retest variability) of automated 3D strain and rotation measurements was good to excellent (coefficient of variation < 10%) and was comparable with that of CMR methods (coefficient of variation < 10%) in the same patients. CONCLUSIONS The data from this study show that automated measurements of voxel rotational mechanics by real-time volume transthoracic echocardiography is feasible and comparable with tagged CMR and feature-tracking CMR strain measurements, albeit with wide limits of agreement, emphasizing the differences between the modalities. Furthermore, this automated 3D speckle-tracking echocardiographic approach shows excellent reproducibility, including test-retest variability, comparable with that of the CMR methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhou
- PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | - Zhen Qian
- Piedmont Heart Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Helene Houle
- Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Mountain View, California
| | - Guang Zhi
- PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
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Lin D, French BA, Xu Y, Hossack JA, Holmes JW. An ultrasound-driven kinematic model for deformation of the infarcted mouse left ventricle incorporating a near-incompressibility constraint. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2015; 41:532-541. [PMID: 25542490 PMCID: PMC4297537 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Revised: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Mathematical models of varying complexity have proved useful in fitting and interpreting regional cardiac displacements obtained from imaging methods such as ultrasound speckle tracking or MRI tagging. Simpler models, such as the classic thick-walled cylinder model of the left ventricle (LV), can be solved quickly and are easy to implement, but they ignore regional geometric variations and are difficult to adapt to the study of regional pathologies like myocardial infarctions. Complex, anatomically accurate finite-element models work well, but are computationally intensive and require specialized expertise to implement. We developed a kinematic model that offers a compromise between these two traditional approaches, assuming only that displacements in the left ventricle are polynomial functions of initial position and that the myocardium is nearly incompressible, while allowing myocardial motion to vary spatially as would be expected in an ischemic or dyssynchronous LV. Model parameters were determined using an objective function with adjustable weights to account for confidence in individual displacement components and desired strength of the incompressibility constraint. The model accurately represented the motion of both normal and infarcted mouse LVs during the cardiac cycle, with normalized root mean square errors in predicted deformed positions of 8.2 ± 2.3% and 7.4 ± 2.1% for normal and infarcted hearts, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Brent A French
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Yaqin Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - John A Hossack
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Holmes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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Muraru D, Cucchini U, Mihăilă S, Miglioranza MH, Aruta P, Cavalli G, Cecchetto A, Padayattil-Josè S, Peluso D, Iliceto S, Badano LP. Left Ventricular Myocardial Strain by Three-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography in Healthy Subjects: Reference Values and Analysis of Their Physiologic and Technical Determinants. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2014; 27:858-871.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2014.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Zhu M, Streiff C, Panosian J, Zhang Z, Song X, Sahn DJ, Ashraf M. Regional strain determination and myocardial infarction detection by three-dimensional echocardiography with varied temporal resolution. Echocardiography 2014; 32:339-48. [PMID: 24815184 DOI: 10.1111/echo.12632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) is a promising method for strain determination; however, there are temporal resolution concerns. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of 3DE on longitudinal and circumferential strain (LS, CS) determination and infarction detection under variable frame rates (FR) and "heart rates" (stroke rates [SR]) conditions. METHODS Latex balloons were sewn into the left ventricle (LV) of 20 freshly harvested pig hearts which were then passively driven by a pulsatile pump apparatus at stroke volumes (SV) 30-70 mL. The hearts were pumped at 2 normal limits of human heart rate. Full-volume data were acquired before and after a simulated myocardial infarction (MI) at the 2 most commonly used FRs. LS and CS values were evaluated against sonomicrometry. RESULTS Longitudinal strain and CS derived from high FR acquisitions showed statistically superior correlations with sonomicrometry data (LS: R(2) = 0.85, CS: R(2) = 0.84) than strain values from low FR (LS: R(2) = 0.78, CS: R(2) = 0.76) (all P < 0.01). After MI induction, LS and CS at different FRs were significantly decreased while maintaining excellent correlations with sonomicrometry data (all P < 0.001). There is no statistical difference of strain values between different SR acquisitions. CONCLUSION Three-dimensional wall-motion tracking has the ability to accurately determine regional myocardial deformation and detect MI. Different heart rates within a physiologically relevant range have no effect on 3D strain accuracy. Strain values calculated from higher frame rate acquisitions were found to have a slightly better accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meihua Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
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