Echocardiographic deformation imaging, particularly global longitudinal strain via speckle tracking, provides superior prognostic and diagnostic value over traditional left ventricular ejection fraction.
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.
Mirea et al. (Fri,) conducted a review in Left ventricular dysfunction. Echocardiographic strain and strain rate imaging (Speckle-tracking echocardiography) vs. Conventional echocardiography (LVEF) was evaluated. Echocardiographic deformation imaging, particularly global longitudinal strain via speckle tracking, provides superior prognostic and diagnostic value over traditional left ventricular ejection fraction.