Strain Rate Imaging: Real World Scenario?

The indices to measure the deformation of the myocardium by non-invasive techniques has proven to be a decisive modality. Done by strain and strain rate, both of these approaches allow comprehensive assessment of myocardial function and thereby broadening the spectrum of its clinical applications. They provide an early detection and quantification of myocardial dysfunction of different etiologies, assess the viability of the myocardium and finally the data provided by strain and strain rate are helpful for therapeutic decisions as well as useful for follow-up evaluations of post cardiac interventions. Their feasibility in measurement of the parameters however is marred by technical challenges, susceptible to artifacts as well as observer variability. In this review the discussion elucidates the concepts of deformation imaging and also portrays comparatively two major deformation imaging methods (TDI-derived and speckle tracking 2D-strain derived). The focus shall be on the development of the technique and its limitations, together with current status of potential clinical applications. Despite the fact that further exploration is still awaited to bring an objectivity to the evaluation of the cardiovascular disease, presently considering of its applicability, these new tools of non-invasive cardiology have generated a great deal of interest amongst the cardiologist.