Imaging Cardiac Sarcoidosis: The Incremental Benefit of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

Mini‐Abstract Echocardiography is the front‐line investigation for assessment of cardiac morphology and function. Assessment of ventricular systolic function has traditionally been defined by the ejection fraction ( EF ). However, EF is influenced by preload and after load and is inadequate as a sole indicator of systolic performance. Studies have also shown its inability to detect early myocardial dysfunction. We present images from a patient with pulmonary sarcoidosis referred for echocardiography after developing palpitations. Two‐dimensional‐echocardiography was unremarkable but speckle tracking echocardiography ( STE ) revealed significantly abnormal regional myocardial strains. The images highlight the potential of STE to reveal early myocardial involvement in sarcoidosis.