Antiquated ejection fraction: Basic research applications for speckle tracking echocardiography

Abstract

For years, ejection fraction has been an essentially ubiquitous measurement for assessing the cardiovascular function of animal models in research labs. Despite technological advances, it remains the top choice among research labs for reporting heart function to this day, and is often overstated in applications. This unfortunately may lead to misinterpretation of data. Clinical approaches have now surpassed research methods, allowing for deeper analysis of the tiers of cardiovascular performance (cardiovascular performance, heart performance, systolic and diastolic function, and contractility). Analysis of each tier is crucial for understanding heart performance, mechanism of action, and disease diagnosis, classification, and progression. This review will elucidate the differences between the tiers of cardiovascular function and discuss the benefits of measuring each tier via speckle tracking echocardiography for basic scientists.

Long-Axis Biplane Echocardiography Sensitively Detects the Progressing Functional Deterioration of Mouse Heart

“…However, current echocardiographic techniques for mice (eg, the conventional short-axis M mode) lack sensitivity to detect subtle changes in heart performance. 1 Although the modified biplane Simpson method of discs is recommended for echocardiographic assessment in humans, 2 this approach has not been utilized in mice due to challenges in obtaining on-axis apical 4-chamber views. 3 To address this limitation, we developed a novel methodology of apical 4-chamber long-axis (A4CLAX) views.…”

“…To closely replicate clinical strain-imaging methodologies, we incorporated speckle tracking–based strain analysis 1,5 in the parasternal long-axis and A4CLAX views (Figure [E]). This analysis revealed that 14G-Homo LV exhibited significantly lower global longitudinal strain than WT hearts and indicated a deteriorating trend in the posterior/anterior walls at 3 months and in the septal/lateral walls at 4 months (Figure [F]).…”