New echocardiographic techniques for evaluating left ventricular myocardial function.
Ultrasound imaging of the heart continues to play an important role in diagnosis and management of patients with cardiovascular diseases. Recent advances in ultrasound technology and introduction of newer imaging modalities have enabled improved assessment of left ventricular myocardial function. Tissue Doppler imaging and 2-dimensional speckle tracking allow more objective quantification of myocardial function in the form of tissue velocities, displacement, strain, and strain rate. Similarly, contrast-enhanced echocardiography and 3-dimensional echocardiography have provided a unique insight into left ventricular form and function that was not possible by unenhanced 2-dimensional echocardiography. In this review, the authors discuss the clinical application of these new imaging techniques in the assessment of left ventricular myocardial function.
Marcucci
Carlo
C
Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
Lauer
Ryan
R
Mahajan
Aman
A
D002306:Cardiac Volume; D003287:Contrast Media; D018618:Echocardiography, Doppler, Color / Q000379:methods*; D018619:Echocardiography, Doppler, Pulsed / Q000379:methods*; D019560:Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D006321:Heart / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D009200:Myocardial Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left / Q000502:physiology*
D003287:Contrast Media