Two-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography
Commercially available software (TOMTEC Imaging Systems, Munich,
Germany) was used to obtain 2DSTE at frame rates between 40 to 80
frames/sec. Left ventricular GLS was obtained in the standard 2-, 3-,
and 4-chamber apical views by averaging the peak systolic strain in all
segments. A third, blinded reviewer analyzed LA strain on TOMTEC,
including measures of PALS and PACS. PALS was measured in 4- and
2-chamber views, the values of which were averaged to determine mean
PALS. Similarly, PACS was measured across 4- and 2-chamber views, and
averaged to determine mean PACS. Conduit strain was calculated as the
difference between PALS and PACS.