International Journal of Medical Reviews

International Journal of Medical Reviews

2D- Speckle Tracking Echocardiography: A Review of the Literature

Document Type : Narrative Review

Authors
1 Cardiothoracic Centre, Ho Teaching Hospital, Ho, Ghana
2 Department of Cardiology, University of Ghana Medical Centre, Accra, Ghana
Abstract
2D speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) is an advanced, non-invasive cardiac imaging technique that uses ultrasound to assess myocardial strain, which measures myocardial tissue deformation and detects cardiac dysfunction, even before symptoms appear. It is particularly useful in evaluating left ventricular function across longitudinal, radial, and circumferential planes, with global longitudinal strain (GLS) being the most commonly used. STE has numerous clinical applications, including the assessment of coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, valvular heart disease, and heart failure. For instance, in coronary artery disease, STE identifies ischemic regions and correlates well with cardiac MRI for infarct sizing. It is also valuable in cardio-oncology, detecting early cardiac dysfunction from treatments. Additionally, STE is beneficial in managing high-risk pregnancies, familial hypercholesterolemia, and kidney disease. Future advancements may involve standardizing methodologies and integrating 3D STE for enhanced insights, reinforcing STE’s importance in early detection and management of cardiac conditions.
Keywords

Volume 12, Issue 3
Summer 2025
Pages 968-978

  • Receive Date 15 May 2025
  • Accept Date 13 July 2025