Application progress of two dimensional speckle tracking imaging in assessment of left atrial function

Left atrial function has attracted significant attention clinically as it is an important indicator of many diseases. Early detection of left atrial dysfunction is of great importance for appropriate therapy and good prognosis. Two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2DSTI) is a new technology used to assess myocardium motion and it can detect myocardium dysfunction earlier than conventional echocardiography. This review focuses on the progress of 2DSTI used to assess left atrial functions.