A semiautomatic tracking algorithm for mitral annular plane excursion: A mode for cardiac function evaluation

Reduced long-axis deformation as derived from the temporal excursion of the mitral annular plane correlates well with left ventricle systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Since this parameter is barely compensated at the onset of ventricular dysfunction, it is proposed as an early marker of a dysfunction. The lack of a rapid, yet accurate tool for the evaluation of mitral annular plane excursion (MAPE) prevents this measurement from being used routinely in the clinic. Here, a semiautomatic tracking algorithm of the mitral annulus was developed. Describing the MAPE in clear geometrical terms together with state-of-the-art speckle tracking and speckle reduction algorithms, facilitated the development of such an algorithm. The performance of the algorithm was evaluated using a cohort of 48 apical views of subjects chosen randomly from a set of routine examinations done at Rambam Hospital. The curves obtained using the proposed algorithm were compared using a cross-correlation test with the standard global strain. The average cross-correlation coefficient obtained was 0.92, with standard deviation of 0.07.