Three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography – a further step in the non-invasive three-dimensional cardiac imaging

Abstract

Three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography is a new cardiac imaging methodology, which allows three-dimensional non-invasive evaluation of the myocardial mechanics. The aim of this review is to present this new tool emphasizing its diagnostic potentials and demonstrating its limitations, as well.

Left ventricular deformation abnormalities in a patient with calpainopathy—a case from the three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR-Path Study

“…3DSTE is a novel development in echocardiography, allowing the parallel assessment of volumetric cyclic changes and the analysis of deformation via strain assessments of heart chambers, by the use of the same 3D model created from the same digitally acquired 3D dataset (18). Exact validated volumetric and functional parameters can be assessed at the same time within a relatively short period of time, followed by a detailed analysis of the volumetric and functional features of the atria and ventricles (21).…”

“…In the past, only different invasive techniques, including microsonometry or tagged magnetic resonance imaging were suitable for the quantification of LV rotations and twist; however, due to their invasive nature, availability, and cost, their determination remained problematic (22). 3DSTE solved this problem, allowing the assessment of quantitative deformation features and rotational mechanics at the same time (18). Normally, the LV base rotates clockwise, whereas the LV apex rotates counterclockwise, due to the fact that myocardial fibers on the subepicardial side run in a left-handed direction (22,23).…”

“…The patient was enrolled into the MAGYAR-Path Study (Motion Analysis of the heart and Great vessels bY three-dimensionAl speckle-tRacking echocardiography in Pathological cases), in which, among other factors, the potential diagnostic and prognostic significance of 3DSTE-derived variables were assessed in different pathological conditions (18). Routine cardiological examination included physical examination, ECG, 2D Doppler echocardiography, and 3DSTE.…”

Correlations between three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography-derived left atrial functional parameters and aortic stiffness in healthy subjects – Results from the MAGYAR-Healthy Study

“…Arterial stiffness was found to be associated with LA size in different patient populations (12). Three-dimensional (3D) speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) seems to be an optimal choice for non-invasive quantification of LV and LA volumes and deformation parameters by 3D volumetric and strain analysis (1,4,7,8,11,13,15,(17)(18)(19)22). The aim of the present study was to determine whether correlations exist between 3DSTE-derived LA volume-based and strain parameters characterizing all phasic functions of the LA and echocardiographic aortic elastic properties in healthy subjects.…”

Volumetric and functional assessment of a left ventricular aneurysm from a single acquisition by three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (from the MAGYAR-Path Study)

“…[1][2][3] The aim of this case is to highlight the diagnostic importance of 3DSTE in volumetric and functional assessment of an LV aneurysm (LVA).…”