Quantification of left ventricular longitudinal strain, strain rate, velocity, and displacement in healthy horses by 2-dimensional speckle tracking.
Abstract: The quantification of equine left ventricular (LV) function is generally limited to short-axis M-mode measurements. However, LV deformation is 3-dimensional (3D) and consists of longitudinal shortening, circumferential shortening, and radial thickening. In human medicine, longitudinal motion is the best marker of subtle myocardial dysfunction. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and reliability of 2-dimensional speckle tracking (2DST) for quantifying equine LV longitudinal function. Methods: Ten healthy untrained trotter horses; 9.6 ± 4.4 years; 509 ± 58 kg. Methods: Prospective study. Repeated echocardiographic examinations were performed by 2 observers from a modified 4-chamber view. Global, segmental, and averaged peak values and timing of longitudinal strain (SL), strain rate (SrL), velocity (VL), and displacement (DL) were measured in 4 LV wall segments. The inter- and intraobserver within- and between-day variability was assessed by calculating the coefficients of variation for repeated measurements. Results: 2DST analysis was feasible in each exam. The variability of peak systolic values and peak timing was low to moderate, whereas peak diastolic values showed a higher variability. Significant segmental differences were demonstrated. DL and VL presented a prominent base-to-midwall gradient. SL and SrL values were similar in all segments except the basal septal segment, which showed a significantly lower peak SL occurring about 60 ms later compared with the other segments. Conclusions: 2DST is a reliable technique for measuring systolic LV longitudinal motion in healthy horses. This study provides preliminary reference values, which can be used when evaluating the technique in a clinical setting.
Copyright © 2011 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Publication Date: 2011-03-09 PubMed ID: 21382074DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2010.0663.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research focuses on the use of the 2-dimensional speckle tracking (2DST) method to measure the function of the left ventricle in healthy horses. The study aims to ascertain the feasibility and reliability of this technique.
Research Background
- The study was prompted by limitations in traditional methods of assessing left ventricular (LV) function in horses, primarily through short-axis M-mode measurements.
- It’s essential to note that LV deformation is three-dimensional – encompassing longitudinal shortening, circumferential shortening, and radial thickening. This is crucial when observing cardiovascular health.
- In human medicine, longitudinal motion has been recognised as a reliable marker for subtle myocardial dysfunction, leading researchers to test this approach in equine medicine.
Research Methodology
- This research is a prospective study involving ten healthy, untrained trotting horses aged approximately 9.6 years and weighing around 509 kg.
- The horses underwent repeated echocardiographic examinations, carried out by two distinct observers. This was done from a modified 4-chamber view.
- The study measured global, segmental, and average peak values, as well as the timing of longitudinal strain (SL), strain rate (SrL), velocity (VL), and displacement (DL) in four LV wall segments.
- To decide the consistency of the measurements, the study assessed the inter- and intraobserver variability within and between the days, and this calculation depended on the coefficients of variation for repeated measurements.
Research Findings
- The study found that speckle-tracking analysis was viable in each exam. It indicates the practical use of the technique in a real-world setting.
- The variability of peak systolic values and peak timing was generally low, suggesting consistent measurements. Conversely, peak diastolic values showed a higher level of variability.
- A remarkable gradient was found in DL and VL, from base to midwall. Notably, SL and SrL values were similar in all segments, barring the basal septal segment. This segment demonstrated a conspicuously lower peak SL, occurring approximately 60ms later compared to other segments.
Conclusion
- Conclusively, the research determined that the 2DST method is a dependable technique for measuring systolic LV longitudinal motion in healthy horses.
- It offers preliminary reference values that can inform further investigation and use of the 2DST method in clinical settings.
Cite This Article
APA
Decloedt A, Verheyen T, Sys S, De Clercq D, van Loon G.
(2011).
Quantification of left ventricular longitudinal strain, strain rate, velocity, and displacement in healthy horses by 2-dimensional speckle tracking.
J Vet Intern Med, 25(2), 330-338.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2010.0663.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium. annelies.decloedt@ugent.be
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Echocardiography / methods
- Echocardiography / veterinary
- Female
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Horses / physiology
- Male
- Prospective Studies
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / diagnosis
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / diagnostic imaging
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / veterinary
- Ventricular Function, Left / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 7 times.- Gehlen H, Fisch J, Merle R, Trachsel DS. Preliminary study on the effects of pergolide on left ventricular function in the horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction.. J Vet Sci 2021 Sep;22(5):e64.
- Decloedt A, Ven S, De Clercq D, Rademakers F, van Loon G. Assessment of left ventricular function in horses with aortic regurgitation by 2D speckle tracking.. BMC Vet Res 2020 Mar 20;16(1):93.
- Howlett LA, O'Sullivan K, Sculthorpe N, Richards J. The effect of varying intensities of lower limb eccentric muscle contractions on left ventricular function.. Eur J Appl Physiol 2020 Feb;120(2):539-548.
- Gehlen H, Bildheim LM. Speckle-tracking analysis of myocardial deformation in correlation to age in healthy horses.. J Vet Sci 2018 Sep 30;19(5):676-682.
- Flethøj M, Schwarzwald CC, Haugaard MM, Carstensen H, Kanters JK, Olsen LH, Buhl R. Left Ventricular Function After Prolonged Exercise in Equine Endurance Athletes.. J Vet Intern Med 2016 Jul;30(4):1260-9.
- Berli AS, Jud Schefer R, Steininger K, Schwarzwald CC. The use of strain, strain rate, and displacement by 2D speckle tracking for assessment of systolic left ventricular function in goats: applicability and influence of general anesthesia.. Cardiovasc Ultrasound 2015 Mar 17;13:11.
- Kusunose K, Penn MS, Zhang Y, Cheng Y, Thomas JD, Marwick TH, Popović ZB. How similar are the mice to men? Between-species comparison of left ventricular mechanics using strain imaging.. PLoS One 2012;7(6):e40061.
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