Echocardiographic Assessment of Myocardial Mechanics: Velocity, Strain, Strain Rate and Torsion

Abstract

Echocardiography has been routinely used for assessment of cardiac mechanics. M-Mode and two dimensional echocardiography provide semi-quantitative data in the context of ventricular function and have limited ability in defining subtle changes in the function. Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) and Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), two newer techniques, have emerged greater concerns for their role in quantification of ventricular systolic and diastolic function. These methods are more objective and provide more reproducible results. This chapter focuses on the technical properties of DTI, STE and tortional parameters and their clinical implication.