Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 25, 2026
Transthoracic Speckle Tracking Echocardiography for the Quantitative Assessment of Left Ventricular Myocardial Deformation
Published on: October 20, 2016
First experience with three-dimensional speckle tracking (3D wall motion tracking) in fetal echocardiography
C Enzensberger1, J Degenhardt2, A Tenzer2
1Department of OB&GYN, Philipps University, Division of Prenatal Medicine, Marburg.
Objectives:
Fetal cardiac function can be quantified by different methods. This is the first approach of real three-dimensional(3 D)-based speckle tracking echocardiography in the fetus to assess different cardiac strain parameters.
Methods:
We present preliminary results of fetal global myocardial strain analyses. For fetal echocardiography a Toshiba Artida system was used. Based on an apical or basal four-chamber view of the fetal heart, raw data volumes with a high temporal resolution were acquired and digitally stored.
Results:
8 individual healthy fetuses with an echocardiogram performed between 21 and 37 weeks of gestation were included. The mean temporal resolution was 31.2 ± 4.3 volumes per second (vps). Basic parameters such as longitudinal and circumferential strain as well as advanced 3 D myocardial motion patterns such as area strain, rotation, twist and torsion were assessed.
Conclusion:
Currently the assessment of fetal myocardial deformation parameters by 3 D speckle tracking seems to be technically feasible only in individual cases. In the future further development of this technique is necessary to improve its application in fetal echocardiography.
