Left atrium strain by speckle tracking: evaluation of its global and segmental reproducibility

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate intra and inter-observer reproducibility of speckle tracking left atrial strain reservoir function using a protocol for its global and segmental analysis.
Methods: a protocol for acquisition and measurement of left atrial strain was created (bull’s-eye type), for its global and segmental analysis. Reproducibility was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient in twenty participants from the GEnotipo, Fenotipo y Ambiente de la HiperTensión arterial en el UruguaY cohort. For global assessment intra-observer reproducibility graded excellent [0.92 (IC: 0.81-0.97)] while inter-observer reached good reproducibility [0.82 (IC: 0.59-0.92)]. Left atrial strain segmental analysis was not reproducible. Mean (±SD) left atrial strain was 31.0±7.5% for 4 chamber view, 34.6±9.9% for 2 chamber view and 36.8±13.9% for 3 chamber view. Global left atrial strain considering three views was 34.1±7.8%, and 32.8±6.5% considering 4 and 2 chamber views.
Conclusion: left atrial strain acquisition and analysis protocol for reservoir function was reproducible for its global but not for its segmental analysis.