Speckle tracking strain echocardiography: What sonographers need to know!

Introduction: Strain is a unitless measurement of dimensional or deformational change; speckle-tracking echocardiography is the most widely used technique to assess strain, with demonstrated clinical utility in a variety of settings. Objectives: This paper reviews the diagnostic and prognostic impact of echocardiographic assessment of left ventricle myocardial strain and what sonographers need to know in a daily practice. Methods: This paper have the most updated American society of echocardiography recommendations on a speckle tracking strain echocardiography, and included experiences of a large academic center, standardization as well as tips needed to perform a strain in a daily clinical practice. Conclusion: With good feasibility, reproducibility and evidence in support, speckle tracking strain echocardiography can be used as a standard echocardiography parameter in clinical practice