Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in calves: feasibility and repeatability study.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the feasibility and repeatability of two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography for the evaluation of left ventricular function in healthy calves.


ANIMALS
12 Holstein calves, 62 ± 11.6 days old; 75.25 ± 5.4 Kg.


METHODS
Observational study. Right parasternal short-axis views at papillary muscle level were recorded in standing calves and subsequently analyzed by two-dimensional speckle tracking for global and regional radial and circumferential strains and strain rates and radial displacement. Echocardiographic examinations were performed by 2 observers to evaluate intra- and interobserver repeatability and variability.


RESULTS
Two-dimensional speckle tracking was feasible in all calves. Automated tracking was better in systole than in diastole. Repeatability of the technique was good in calves. Systolic radial strain and strain rate peak values showed little variability compared with systolic circumferential strain and strain rate and to all diastolic measurements. Variability of the interobserver measurements was greater than the intraobserver measurements.


CONCLUSIONS
Two-dimensional speckle tracking is feasible in calves. As in other species, evaluation of systolic radial left ventricular function is more reliable than circumferential and diastolic left ventricular function.
['Lecoq|L|L|', 'Moula|N|N|', 'Amory|H|H|', 'Rollin|F|F|', 'Leroux|A|A|']
D000818:Animals D002417:Cattle D004452:Echocardiography D005240:Feasibility Studies D005260:Female D008297:Male D015203:Reproducibility of Results D016277:Ventricular Function, Left
Ventricular function 2DST Bovine Cardiac function