Defining cardiac function by use of 3D-speckle-tracking-echo – 3D-speckle-tracking-echo in healthy hearts

Aims: Various cardiac function-parameters have been studied by use of different 2D echocardiographic approaches, including TDI and speckle tracking, which have method-inherent limitations such as angle dependency and through-plane motion. 3D speckle-tracking echocardiography is a novel method which may overcome some of these limitations. The aim of our 3D-study was to examine strain, rotation and twist in healthy hearts. Methods: 49 healthy volunteers were included (age 44±13 years, systolic ejection fraction 61.5±3.0%). An ECG-gated full volume data-set was recorded with a 3D probe from an apical window (Toshib…