Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in calves: feasibility and repeatability study

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Cardiology
• Echocardiography
• Cardiac Physiology

Background:

• Left ventricular function assessment is crucial in bovine health.
• Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) offers advanced analysis of cardiac mechanics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the feasibility and repeatability of 2DSTE for evaluating left ventricular function in healthy calves.
• To compare the reliability of different 2DSTE parameters (radial, circumferential strain, and strain rate).

Main Methods:

• An observational study involving 12 Holstein calves (62 ± 11.6 days old, 75.25 ± 5.4 Kg).
• Right parasternal short-axis views were recorded and analyzed using 2DSTE for global and regional strains and strain rates.
• Intra- and interobserver repeatability were assessed by two experienced observers.

Main Results:

• 2DSTE was feasible in all calves, with better automated tracking during systole than diastole.
• Good repeatability was observed for the technique in calves.
• Systolic radial strain and strain rate showed less variability than systolic circumferential or diastolic measurements.

Conclusions:

• 2DSTE is a feasible technique for evaluating left ventricular function in calves.
• Systolic radial left ventricular function assessment using 2DSTE is more reliable than circumferential or diastolic function evaluation in this species.