Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes

Non -ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACSs) are a group of clinical conditions characterized by acute myocardial ischemia. Conventional echocardiography is generally used to evaluate cardiac function using wall motion analysis and left ventricular ejection fraction but may be insufficient to explore all the complex features of NSTE-ACSs, which may vary substantially from patient to patient in terms of severity of ischemia and extent of involved myocardium. In the last years, speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has become a widely available technique for the non-invasive assessment of cardiac function and has been repeatedly applied in the setting of NSTE-ACSs. In this review we summarize current evidence about the use of STE in patients with NSTEACSs, trying to underline advantages and limitations in comparison with conventional echocardiography for: diagnosis of NSTE-ACS, differential diagnosis, identification of high-risk patients, and prediction of outcome.

Automated summary

NSTE-ACS represents a group of clinical conditions caused by acute myocardial ischemia, where conventional echocardiography may not be sufficient to explore all complex features. Speckle tracking echocardiography has become an important technique for assessing cardiac function, helping in diagnosis, differential diagnosis, identifying high-risk patients, and predicting outcomes for patients with NSTE-ACSs.