Role of speckle-tracking echocardiography in evaluation of right heart disease

Accurate assessment of left and right ventricular systolic functions plays an important role in the prognostication and management of patients with cardiovascular disease. Speckle tracking echocardiography is a novel, simple and reproducible technique for the assessment of left and right ventricular functions. Compared with conventional parameters, speckle tracking technique is more accurate and sensitive, which can be used to detect subclinical ventricular systolic dysfunction and provide incremental prognostic value beyond traditional echocardiographic parameters. This review discusses the clinical application of speckle tracking echocardiography in the evaluation of right heart disease.