New techniques for the quantification of myocardial function: Acoustic quantification, color kinesis, Doppler, and strain rate imaging

In this article, the authors discuss different semi-quantitative methods fo r the analysis of global and regional myocardial function. Analysis of endo cardial motion and direct measurements of myocardial velocities are the bas ic principles. The former is a two-dimensional technique which, however, re quires good image quality and which is influenced by motion artefacts. The latter technique has a better signal to noise ratio and offers the opportun ity to sufficiently quantify diastole. Strain rate imaging is a new and int eresting way to display and evaluate regional myocardial deformation.