Quantitative analysis of left ventricular layer-specific strain using speckle tracking imaging in normal subjects

Objective To quantitatively evaluate left ventricular layer-specific strain using speckle tracking imaging, and their relationship with age and gender in nornal subjects. Methods GE Vivid E9 equipment with EchoPAC BT12 workstation were used. One hundred and nineteen healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Results Left ventricular global longitudinal and circumferential strain was highest in the endocardium and lowest in the epicardium. Longitudinal and circumferential 3-layer strain was highest in the apex and lowest in the base. Age and gender had little influence on the left ventricular layer-specific strain. Conclusions Speckle tracking imaging can quantitatively assess left ventricular layer-specific strain, providing another useful modality for evaluating cardiac function. Key words: Echocardiography; Ventricular function, left; Strain