Vendor differences in 2D-speckle tracking global longitudinal strain: an update on a 10-year standardization effort

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Echocardiography
• Strain Analysis

Background:

• Inter-vendor variability in global longitudinal strain (GLS) measurements has been a challenge in echocardiography.
• Assessing GLS consistency is crucial for reliable clinical application and diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate current inter-vendor differences in global longitudinal strain (GLS) measurements.
• To compare the current consistency of GLS measurements with data from 10 years prior.

Main Methods:

• 372 echocardiographic exams were analyzed from 62 subjects using ultrasound systems from six manufacturers.
• Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was measured using vendor-specific and vendor-agnostic software solutions.
• Test-retest reproducibility was assessed for GLS measurements.

Main Results:

• Contemporary semi-automated clinical software demonstrated minimal inter-vendor differences in GLS measurements (average maximum bias of 0.6% strain units).
• Minimal detectable change for GLS was 2.5% (endocardial) and 2.4% (mid-/full-wall) with contemporary software.
• Test-retest variability for GLS was comparable to LV ejection fraction (6.6% vs. 6.5%).

Conclusions:

• Global longitudinal strain (GLS) measurements have significantly improved in consistency across vendors compared to a decade ago.
• Mid-/full-wall strain analysis is now widely available in contemporary echocardiography software.
• The improved consistency enhances the reliability of GLS for clinical decision-making.