Journal article

Publication year: 2017

Pages: 898-905

Journal: Echocardiography

Volume number: 34

Issue number: 6

ISSN: 0742-2822

eISSN: 1540-8175

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1111/echo.13542

Publisher: Wiley

Abstract: 

Background: Frame rates (FR) used for strain analysis assessed by speckle tracking in fetal echocardiography show a considerable variation. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the FR on strain analysis in 2D speckle tracking.

Methods: Fetal echocardiography was performed prospectively on a Toshiba Aplio 500 system and a Toshiba Artida system, respectively. Based on an apical or basal four-chamber view of the fetal heart, cine loops were stored with a FR of 30 fps (Aplio 500) and 60 fps (Artida/Aplio 500). For both groups (30fps and 60fps), global and segmental longitudinal peak systolic strain (LPSS) values of both, left (LV) and right ventricle (RV), were assessed by 2D wall-motion tracking.

Results: A total of 101 fetuses, distributed to three study groups, were included. The mean gestational age was 25.2 +/- 5.0 weeks. Mean global LPSS values for RV in the 30 fps group and in the 60 fps group were -16.07% and -16.47%, respectively. Mean global LPSS values for LV in the 30 fps group and in the 60 fps group were -17.54% and -17.06%, respectively. Comparing global and segmental LPSS values of both, the RV and LV, did not show any statistically significant differences within the two groups.

Conclusion: Performance of myocardial 2D strain analysis by wall-motion tracking was feasible with 30 and 60 fps. Obtained global and segmental LPSS values of both ventricles were relatively independent from acquisition rate.

Harvard Citation style: Enzensberger, C., Achterberg, F., Graupner, O., Wolter, A., Herrmann, J. and Axt-Fliedner, R. (2017) Wall-motion tracking in fetal echocardiography-Influence of frame rate on longitudinal strain analysis assessed by two-dimensional speckle tracking, Echocardiography, 34(6), pp. 898-905. https://doi.org/10.1111/echo.13542

APA Citation style: Enzensberger, C., Achterberg, F., Graupner, O., Wolter, A., Herrmann, J., & Axt-Fliedner, R. (2017). Wall-motion tracking in fetal echocardiography-Influence of frame rate on longitudinal strain analysis assessed by two-dimensional speckle tracking. Echocardiography. 34(6), 898-905. https://doi.org/10.1111/echo.13542