Speckle-Tracking Strain Echocardiography for the Assessment of Left Ventricular Structure and Function
Published: August 06, 2025
- Accurate assessment of left ventricular (LV) systolic function is essential for evaluating, managing, and prognosticating cardiac disease. Several imaging modalities are available, each with its strengths and limitations.
- Left ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) has emerged as a more sensitive and reproducible diagnostic and prognostic tool than traditional ejection fraction (EF). It offers lower inter- and intra-observer variability and detects early subendocardial dysfunction, even when EF remains normal.
- This scientific statement reviews the principles and technical considerations of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE)—the technique used to derive GLS—its application in various cardiac conditions, and the role of STE in cardiac resynchronization and implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy.
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