June 22, 2015 — Epsilon Imaging Inc. announced that several studies were presented at the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) 2015 conference, June 13-16, on its EchoInsight automated measurement suite for improved analysis and interpretation in echo.
Based on the ASE guidelines, the suite includes automated linear, area and volumetric measurements designed to save time and improve standardization in echo analysis. Developed specifically for the clinical environment, EchoInsight is vendor-neutral and now includes an automated measurement suite, practical application-specific strain imaging, and rapid study comparison and trending for comprehensive assessment and patient monitoring in echo.
ASE 2015 research studies included:
- “The Use of Two-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Strain in Monitoring Cardiotoxicity in Older Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)," presented by Nausheen Akhter, et al. from Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The study analyzed 25 AML patients enrolled in the ECOG2906 study (standard cytarabine and daunorubicin vs. clofarabine [Genzyme/Sanofi]). Echo studies were performed before and after induction of therapy. 2-D speckle-tracking echo was performed using EchoInsight. The study concluded four-chamber longitudinal strain can be used to follow cardiotoxicity in patients undergoing induction 7+3 chemotherapy. Patients treated with 7+3 were noted to have both subclinical and clinically significant changes in left ventricular (LV) function. These changes were not seen in the clofarabine group. These findings suggest that changes in LV function occur shortly after exposure to relatively low doses of anthracycline in older patients with AML.
- “Relation between Left Atrial (LA) Deformation Imaging in Varying Degrees of Left Ventricular (LV) Diastolic Dysfunction (DD),” presented by Amita Singh, M.D., Karima Addetia, Roberto Lang, et al., from the University of Chicago Medicine. In this study 100 age-matched patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >50 percent and no significant valvulopathy were assessed, including: 25 normal subjects (NL) and three groups of 25 patients each with grades 1, 2 and 3 diastolic dysfunction (DD), as defined by ASE guidelines. Mitral inflow E velocity, E-wave deceleration time, A-velocity, lateral and medial mitral annular E’ velocities, E/(mean E’), LA volumes (biplane Simpson), and 2-D speckle tracking derived LA longitudinal strain (EchoInsight) were measured throughout the cardiac cycle (and atrial stiffness defined as (E/E’/peak LA strain)). The study concluded in subjects with LV DD and preserved EF, changes in LA deformation and stiffness with worsening DD reflect a progressive decline in LA function, which is not as easily identified by conventional Doppler and LA volume measurements.
- “Left Atrial Strain Predicts Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence in Patients with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation and Preserved Ejection Fraction Treated With Catheter Ablation,” presented by Mislav Vrsalovic, Theodore Kolias, et al. from University of Michigan. 92 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) and preserved EF underwent first catheter ablation (CA) and echo ≤ 30 days prior to CA. Left atrial and ventricular global longitudinal strains (GLS) were measured with 2-D speckle tracking (EchoInsight), and patients were followed for AF recurrence. The study concluded left atrial GLS is a strong and independent predictor of AF recurrence after first CA therapy in patients with persistent AF and preserved EF.
- “Echocardiographic Evaluation Of Right Ventricular Function in Patients with McConnell’s Sign: The Added Benefits of Right Ventricular Free Wall Strain,” presented by Anuj Mediratta, Karima Addetia, Roberto Lang, et al. from University of Chicago Medicine. 156 transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) studies were reviewed with McConnell’s sign (MS) and a diagnostic study (computed tomography or V/Q scan) was given within 48 hours to evaluate for acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Echo images were analyzed with EchoInsight to measure right ventricular (RV) fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), early tricuspid annular velocity S’ and 2-D speckle-tracking derived RV free-wall longitudinal strain (LS) and segmental free-wall strain of apex, mid and basal RV. The study concluded that patients with MS have reduced global RV free wall strain, segmental strain including the apex. Qualitative assumption of normal RV apical function in MS is likely related more to left ventricular apex contractility with tethering of the RV apex rather than normal RV apex function.
For more information: www.epsilon-imaging.com
August 27, 2024 
