Normal reference values of left ventricular strain using three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography: results...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging
• Echocardiography

Background:

• Three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) is a valuable tool for assessing left ventricular (LV) function.
• Widespread clinical adoption of 3DSTE has been limited by the lack of established normal reference values for LV strain parameters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively establish normal reference values for global and regional LV strain parameters using 3DSTE.
• To define normative data in a large, healthy population for improved clinical interpretation.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, multicentre study involving 303 healthy subjects aged 18-82 years.
• 3DSTE was performed, and data were analyzed for LV volumes, ejection fraction (EF), mass, and global/regional circumferential, longitudinal, radial, and area strain.
• Subjects were stratified by age groups to ensure representative sampling.

Main Results:

• Normal ranges for global and regional LV strain using 3DSTE were successfully established.
• Small but significant differences in longitudinal and area strain were noted between sexes, and all strain parameters showed variations across age groups.
• Radial and longitudinal strains exhibited considerable differences across LV segments and walls, while circumferential and area strains showed more consistent normal ranges.

Conclusions:

• Normal ranges for LV strain using 3DSTE are now available for clinical application.
• Age and sex influence LV strain values, necessitating consideration of these factors in interpretation.
• Segment-specific normal ranges are crucial for radial and longitudinal strain analysis due to functional non-uniformity within the normal LV.