Correlation of automated function imaging (AFI) to conventional strain analyses of regional and global right ventricular function.
BACKGROUND
Automated function imaging is a software tool available to facilitate the efficiency of workflow when analyzing left ventricular strain. In this study, automated function imaging was compared with a conventional approach for the analysis of right ventricular strain in normal and pressure-overloaded right ventricles.


METHODS
Twelve pigs were subjected to graded acute right ventricular systolic pressure overload. Intraclass and interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) with 95% confidence intervals were used for statistical evaluation, with grading based on the kappa statistic as follows: ICC >0.75 = excellent, 0.4 to 0.75 = good, and <0.40 = poor.


RESULTS
Intraobserver and interobserver variability for both regional and global strains consistently ranged from good to excellent (ICC, 0.50-0.99), with good agreement between the conventional and automated methods.


CONCLUSIONS
Automated function imaging correlates well with conventional strain analysis of the right ventricle. Automated function imaging is a practical tool for measuring regional and global longitudinal strain in both normal and pressure-overloaded right ventricles.
Calleja
Anna M
AM
Translational Ultrasound Research Laboratory, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Scottsdale, Arizona 85259, USA.
Jiamsripong
Panupong
P
Alharthi
Mohsen S
MS
Cha
Stephen
S
Cho
Eun Joo
EJ
McMahon
Eileen M
EM
Mookadam
Farouk
F
Khandheria
Bijoy K
BK
Belohlavek
Marek
M
D000465:Algorithms; D000818:Animals; D001185:Artificial Intelligence; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D054459:Elasticity Imaging Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D013552:Swine; D018497:Ventricular Dysfunction, Right / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*