Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in calves: feasibility and repeatability study

Abstract 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.