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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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Omdal TR, Khan U, Ebbing C, Kessler J, Karlsen HO, Leirgul E, Matre K, Greve G. The influence of region of interest width in fetal 2D-speckle tracking echocardiography late in pregnancy. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2022; 38:719-725. [PMID: 34734368 PMCID: PMC11129966 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-021-02455-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Speckle tracking echocardiography is a promising method for assessment of myocardial function in fetal and neonatal hearts, but further studies are necessary to validate and optimize the settings for use in fetal cardiology. Previous studies have shown that the definition of the region of interest (ROI) affects strain values in adults. The aim of this study was to investigate how different widths of ROI influences measurements of four-chamber longitudinal systolic strain in fetuses late in pregnancy. Thirty-one singleton, healthy fetuses born to healthy mothers underwent an echocardiographic examination during gestational week 37. Speckle tracking was performed with two different settings for ROI width; the narrowest and second most narrow, provided both widths were assessed as suitable for the myocardial wall thickness of the fetus. We found an inverse correlation between the ROI width and the strain values. Four-chamber longitudinal strain changed from - 20.7 ± 3.6% to - 18.0 ± 4.4% (p < 0.001) with increasing ROI width. Further, strain decreased from the endocardium to the epicardium with multilayer measurements. Different widths of ROI influenced the strain measurements significantly in the fetal heart, comparable to what has been reported in adults. A standardization of the ROI setting could improve the interpretation, and reduce variability in fetal strain measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Roar Omdal
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Umael Khan
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 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
| | | | - Elisabeth Leirgul
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021, Bergen, Norway
| | - Knut Matre
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Gottfried Greve
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Haeger C, Hammer K, Braun J, Oelmeier K, Köster HA, Möllers M, Koch R, Steinhard J, Klockenbusch W, Schmitz R. Importance of frame rate for the measurement of strain and synchrony in fetuses using speckle tracking echocardiography. J Perinat Med 2022; 50:176-184. [PMID: 34710317 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2021-0215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the influence of frame rate settings on longitudinal strain (LS) and mechanical synchrony (SYN) values in Speckle Tracking Echocardiography (STE) of healthy fetuses. METHODS In this prospective study, we collected transversal or apical four-chamber-views of 121 healthy fetuses between 20 and 38 weeks of gestation using three different frame rate (FR) settings (≥ 110, 100 ± 10, 60 ± 10 frames per second). We assessed the segmental and the global LS of both ventricles (2C) and of the left ventricle (LV) offline with QLab 10.8 (Philips Medical Systems, Andover, MA, USA). Inter- and intraventricular SYN were calculated as time difference in peak myocardial strain between the mid-segments of left and right ventricle (interventricular, 2C_Syn) and lateral wall and septum of the left ventricle (intraventricular, LV_Syn), respectively. RESULTS In 84.3% STE was feasible at all three FR settings. The LS increased in both views at higher FRs to a statistically noticeable extent. SYN measurements and the absolute differences at patient level between the FR settings showed no statistically noticeable alterations. CONCLUSIONS STE is feasible at low and high FR settings. SYN emerges to be a robust parameter for fetal STE as it is less affected by the FR. High FRs enable high temporal resolutions and thus an accurate examination of fetal hearts. Future research for the technical implementation of tailored fetal STE software is necessary for reliable clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Haeger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Kerstin Hammer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Janina Braun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Kathrin Oelmeier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Helen Ann Köster
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Mareike Möllers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Raphael Koch
- Institute of Biostatistics and Clinical Research, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Johannes Steinhard
- Department of Fetal Cardiology, Heart and Diabetes Center North Rhine-Westphalia, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Walter Klockenbusch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Ralf Schmitz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Khan U, Omdal TR, Matre K, Greve G. Speckle tracking derived strain in neonates: planes, layers and drift. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2021; 37:2111-2123. [PMID: 33710496 PMCID: PMC8286954 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-021-02200-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study was to assess the effect of using a four chamber versus a three plane model on speckle tracking derived global longitudinal strain, the effects of drift compensation, the effect of assessing strain in different layers and finally the interplay between these aspects for the assessment of strain in neonates. Speckle tracking derived longitudinal strain was obtained from 22 healthy neonates. ANOVA, Bland-Altman analyses, coefficients of variation and assessment of intraclass correlation coefficients were conducted to assess the effect of the abovementioned aspects as well as assess both inter-observer and intra-observer variability. Neither the use of the three plane model versus the four chamber model nor the use of drift compensation had a substantial effect on global longitudinal strain (less than 1%, depending on which layer was being assessed). A gradient was seen with increasing strain from the epicardial to endocardial layers, similar to what is seen in older subjects. Finally, drift compensation introduced more discrepancy in segmental strain values compared to global longitudinal strain. Global longitudinal strain in healthy neonates remains reasonably consistent regardless of whether the three plane or four chamber model is used and whether drift compensation is applied. Its value increases when one moves from the endocardial to the epicardial layer. Finally, drift compensation introduces more discrepancy for regional measures of longitudinal strain compared to global longitudinal strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umael Khan
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies veg 87, 5021, Bergen, Hordaland, Norway.
| | - Tom R Omdal
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies veg 87, 5021, Bergen, Hordaland, Norway
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Knut Matre
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies veg 87, 5021, Bergen, Hordaland, Norway
| | - Gottfried Greve
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies veg 87, 5021, Bergen, Hordaland, Norway
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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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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Blessberger H, Bergler-Klein J, Graf S, Syeda B, Wagner H, Kammler J, Steinwender C, Binder T. Speckle Tracking-Derived Longitudinal Strain: Validation and Influence of Scanner Settings. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2021; 47:154-162. [PMID: 33077338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Speckle tracking-based strain analysis is an evolving technique for the assessment of left ventricular function. We evaluated the influence of machine settings on global longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLPSS) values in an everyday patient population (n = 35). In each patient, the four-chamber view was recorded multiple times with different machine parameters. Ejection fraction ranged between 10% and 76% and correlated well with GLPSS (r = -0.778). GLPSS was not altered systematically by modifications of gain and frame rate. Conversely, higher transducer frequencies (mean effect: 1.102%/MHz, p < 0.001, and 0.662%/MHz, p = 0.033, for harmonic and fundamental imaging frequencies, respectively) and lower sector depth (mean effect: -0.156%/cm, p < 0.001) were associated with a slight-but statistically significant-reduction in absolute GLPSS values. Intra- and inter-observer variability exhibited satisfactory repeatability. GLPSS analysis proved to be reproducible and robust in our patient cohort if common settings for adult echocardiography were applied.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jutta Bergler-Klein
- Department of Internal Medicine II-Cardiology, Vienna General Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Senta Graf
- Department of Internal Medicine II-Cardiology, Vienna General Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bonni Syeda
- Department of Internal Medicine II-Cardiology, Vienna General Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helga Wagner
- Institute of Applied Statistics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Juergen Kammler
- Department of Cardiology, Kepler University Hospital Linz, Linz, Austria; Department of Internal Medicine II, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Clemens Steinwender
- Department of Cardiology, Kepler University Hospital Linz, Linz, Austria; Department of Internal Medicine II, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Thomas Binder
- Department of Internal Medicine II-Cardiology, Vienna General Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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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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What is Left Ventricular Strain in Healthy Neonates? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Pediatr Cardiol 2020; 41:1-11. [PMID: 31673733 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-019-02219-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Reference values for left ventricular systolic strain in healthy neonates are necessary for clinical application of strain. The objectives of this systematic review were to identify echocardiographic studies that presented left ventricular strain values in healthy neonates, perform a meta-analysis for speckle tracking-derived global longitudinal strain, and identify areas that require further investigation. A structured search was applied to MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials in search of echocardiographic studies that presented left ventricular strain in healthy neonates. 244 studies were identified, of which 16 studies including speckle tracking and tissue Doppler strain in the longitudinal, radial, and circumferential directions passed the screening process. Out of these 16 studies, a meta-analysis was performed on the 10 studies that reported speckle tracking global longitudinal strain. Mean speckle tracking-derived global longitudinal strain was 21.0% (95% Confidence Interval 19.6-22.5%, strain given as positive values). When the studies were divided into subgroups, mean speckle tracking global longitudinal strain from the four-chamber view was 19.5% (95% Confidence Interval 18.0-21.0%) and that derived from all three apical views was 22.5% (95% CI 20.6-24.7%), indicating that global longitudinal strain from the four-chamber view is slightly lower than global longitudinal strain from all three apical views. Neonatal strain values were close to strain values in older subjects found in previous meta-analyses. Further studies are recommended that examine strain rate, segmental strain values, strain derived from short axis views, and strain in the first few hours after birth.
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Enzensberger C, Rostock L, Graupner O, Götte M, Wolter A, Vorisek C, Herrmann J, Axt-Fliedner R. Wall motion tracking in fetal echocardiography-Application of low and high frame rates for strain analysis. Echocardiography 2018; 36:386-393. [PMID: 30585350 DOI: 10.1111/echo.14238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Compared to adults, fetal heart rates (HR) are elevated necessitating higher frame rates (FR) for strain analysis by speckle tracking echocardiography. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of high FR compared to low FR on strain analysis in 2D speckle tracking. METHODS Fetal echocardiography was prospectively performed and acquired from the apical or basal four-chamber views of the heart. Images were optimized for clear delineation of myocardial walls and stored in either raw Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) cine-loop format for offline analysis with a low FR of 60 frames per second (fps) or in the original FR (acoustic FR = AFR). For each loop, right (RV) and left (LV) ventricular fetal longitudinal peak systolic strain (LPSS) values were assessed by 2D Wall Motion tracking. RESULTS One hundred and three healthy fetuses were included with a mean gestational age of 26.3 ± 5.5 weeks. Mean AFR was 127 ± 26 fps. A mean FR/HR ratio was assessed of 0.42 and 0.90 between the low FR and AFR group, respectively. Relating to LPSS values, there was a significant difference between low FR and AFR for both ventricles (LV: -16.5% ± 3.9% (low FR) vs -13.6% ± 3.5% (AFR); and RV: -15.1% ± 3.6% (low FR) vs -12.6% ± 3.7% (AFR), both P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Fetal LV and RV LPSS values derived with high AFR were significantly lower than corresponding LPSS values analyzed with low FR of 60 fps. Future studies are needed to clarify the clinical importance of this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Enzensberger
- Department of OB/GYN, Division of Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Laura Rostock
- Department of OB/GYN, Division of Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Oliver Graupner
- Department of OB/GYN, University Hospital, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität, München, Germany
| | - Malena Götte
- Department of OB/GYN, Division of Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Aline Wolter
- Department of OB/GYN, Division of Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Carina Vorisek
- Department of OB/GYN, Division of Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Roland Axt-Fliedner
- Department of OB/GYN, Division of Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital UKGM, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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El-Khuffash A, Schubert U, Levy PT, Nestaas E, de Boode WP. Deformation imaging and rotational mechanics in neonates: a guide to image acquisition, measurement, interpretation, and reference values. Pediatr Res 2018; 84:30-45. [PMID: 30072804 PMCID: PMC6257225 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-018-0080-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Advances in neonatal cardiac imaging permit a more comprehensive assessment of myocardial performance in neonates that could not be previously obtained with conventional imaging. Myocardial deformation analysis is an emerging quantitative echocardiographic technique to characterize global and regional ventricular function in neonates. Cardiac strain is a measure of tissue deformation and strain rate is the rate at which deformation occurs. These measurements are obtained in neonates using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) or two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). There is an expanding body of literature describing longitudinal reference ranges and maturational patterns of strain values in term and preterm infants. A thorough understanding of deformation principles, the technical aspects, and clinical applicability is a prerequisite for its routine clinical use in neonates. This review explains the fundamental concepts of deformation imaging in the term and preterm population, describes in a comparative manner the two major deformation imaging methods, provides a practical guide to the acquisition and interpretation of data, and discusses their recognized and developing clinical applications in neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afif El-Khuffash
- 0000 0004 0617 7587grid.416068.dDepartment of Neonatology, The Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland ,0000 0004 0488 7120grid.4912.eDepartment of Pediatrics, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ulf Schubert
- 0000 0004 1937 0626grid.4714.6Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Philip T. Levy
- 0000 0001 2355 7002grid.4367.6Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO USA ,grid.429583.1Department of Pediatrics, Goryeb Children’s Hospital, Morristown, NJ USA
| | - Eirik Nestaas
- 0000 0004 1936 8921grid.5510.1Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway ,0000 0004 0389 8485grid.55325.34Department of Cardiology and Center for Cardiological Innovation, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway ,0000 0004 0627 3659grid.417292.bDepartment of Paediatrics, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Willem P. de Boode
- grid.461578.9Department of Neonatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Amalia Children’s Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Olsen FJ, Svendsen JH, Køber L, Højberg S, Haugan K, Jensen JS, Biering-Sørensen T. Impact of transducer frequency setting on speckle tracking measures. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2017; 34:457-463. [PMID: 29101521 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-017-1254-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Speckle tracking echocardiography is an emerging technique, which is currently being included in clinical guidelines. We sought to investigate the impact of transducer frequency settings on speckle tracking derived measures. The study comprised of 22 subjects prospectively enrolled for a randomized controlled trial (LOOP-study, Clinicaltrials.gov:NCT02036450). Patients were above 70 years of age with increased risk of stroke, and had an echocardiogram performed, which included focused images of the left ventricle. Focused images were obtained with the transducer frequency set at both 1.7/3.3 and 1.5/3.0 MHz. The images were obtained immediately after each other at the exact same position for the two settings. Speckle tracking was performed in three apical projections, allowing for acquisition of layered global longitudinal strain (GLS) and strain rate measures. Concordance between the frequency settings was tested for endo-, mid-, and epicardial GLS and strain rates by coefficients of variation, bias coefficients and visually displayed by Bland-Altman plots. Bland-Altman plots did not reveal any significant over- or underestimation of any speckle tracking measure. Bias coefficients showed that none of the measurements differed significantly between the two settings (bias for GLSendo = - 0.07 ± 2.94, p = 0.91; GLSmid = 0.02 ± 2.70, p = 0.98, GLSepi = 0.07 ± 2.53, p = 0.90). Coefficients of variation were as follows: GLSendo = 15.11%, GLSmid = 15.28%, GLSepi = 17.26%, systolic strain rate = 15.66%, early diastolic strain rate = 38.46%, late diastolic strain rate = 11%. Changing between transducer frequency settings does not systematically derange speckle tracking measures. One can safely reduce the transducer frequency without compromising the validity of speckle tracking derived measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flemming Javier Olsen
- Department of Cardiology, Herlev & Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Niels Andersens Vej 65, 2900, Hellerup, Denmark.
| | - Jesper Hastrup Svendsen
- Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Køber
- Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Højberg
- Department of Cardiology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ketil Haugan
- Department of Cardiology, Roskilde Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jan Skov Jensen
- Department of Cardiology, Herlev & Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Niels Andersens Vej 65, 2900, Hellerup, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tor Biering-Sørensen
- Department of Cardiology, Herlev & Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Niels Andersens Vej 65, 2900, Hellerup, Denmark
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