From speckle tracking echocardiography to torsion: research tool today, clinical practice tomorrow

Speckle tracking is the latest available technology in echocardiography. However, the technology is still mainly used as a research tool. The potential applications of speckle tracking are many, including cardiac synchronization, regional wall motion analysis, and in the areas of cardiac mechanic studies. This review presents the background theory of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and how this technology can be extended to velocity vector analysis, strain, and torsion measurements. The interpretations of these measurements are covered. We also present some potential applications in the critical care setting.

Speckle tracking is almost always available in high-end ultrasound machines. The technology has been applied to velocity vector analysis, strain and strain rate measurements, and twist and torsion analysis. Torsion analysis and velocity vector analyses are impossible without using speckle tracking. Speckle tracking-derived strain is superior to tissue Doppler strain because it is angle-independent. A number of studies demonstrated that STE is useful in left and right heart assessments and can be used in assessing preload and afterload.

Speckle tracking can be used to measure instantaneous myocardial contractility, strain, and left ventricular torsion. It is still a research tool at present, but shows the promise of being a clinical tool in the future.