Two-dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography and Its Application to Children

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking imaging is a relatively new method to evaluate cardiac function by echocardiography. Myocardial deformation was calculated by frame-by-frame tracking of the change in the location of the speckle in the region of interest on the ultrasound image. A quantitative assessment for wall motion abnormalities was made possible by strain value measurements. In recent years, the impact of left ventricular strain assessments, particularly “global longitudinal strains,” using speckle tracking echocardiography has been demonstrated, particularly in the prediction of prognosis and cardiac events in heart failure and early detection of subclinical myocardial damage in several myocardial diseases. Moreover, few investigations have analyzed ventricular strain in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease. The latest ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus allows more easy and accurate strain measurement using the speckle tracking method. Future clinical application is expected in the field of pediatric cardiology. This study reports the basic concepts, methodology, and latest investigations, including pediatric cardiovascular issues, related to speckle tracking echocardiography.