Feasibility and reference intervals assessed by conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiography in normal hamsters

Author(s)

Barros Filho, Antonio C. L. ^[1] ; Moreira, Henrique T. ^[1] ; Dias, Beatriz P. ^[1] ; Ribeiro, Fernando F. F. ^[1] ; Tanaka, Denise M. ^[1] ; Schmidt, Andre ^[1] ; Maciel, Benedito C. ^[1] ; Simoes, Marcus V. ^[1] ; Marin-Neto, Jose A. ^[1] ; Romano, Minna M. D. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Med Sch Ribeirao Preto, Cardiol Ctr, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PHYSIOLOGICAL REPORTS; v. 9, n. 5 MAR 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to determine feasibility, reference intervals, and reproducibility of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) in adult Syrian hamsters. Background: Syrian hamster is an experimental model for several heart diseases. Echocardiography allows the evaluation of structure and function with bidimensional conventional techniques and STE. However, there is no data regarding reference values for bidimensional LVEF and myocardial strain in hamsters. Methods: A total of 135 female Syrian hamsters were anesthetized and studied with a small animal dedicated echocardiography system. Echocardiography measurements were obtained from M-mode and B-mode images. Feasibility and 95% reference intervals were obtained for LVEF using three different approaches: LVEF\_Teichholz (from M-mode linear measurements), LVEF\_BMode (from area-length method), and LVEF\_STE (from strain), and for global longitudinal (GLS), circumferential (GCS), and radial (GRS) endocardial strain. Reproducibility was assessed as intra-class correlation coefficients. Results: Feasibility of LVEF and endocardial strain was high (95% in FEVE\_Teichholz, 93% in the LVEF\_BMode, 84% in the LVEF\_STE, 84% from PSLAX, and 80% from PSSAX). Values of LVEF\_Teichholz were significantly higher than values of LVEF\_BMode, and LVEF\_STE-derived methods (59.0 5.8, 53.8 +/- 4.7, 46.3 +/- 5.7, p < 0.0001). The 95% reference intervals for GLS, GCS, and GRS were respectively -13.6(-7.5;-20.4)%, -20.5 +/- 3.1%, and + 34,7 +/- 7.0%. Intra-class correlation coefficients were 0.49 - 0.91 for LVEF measurements, 0.73 - 0.92 for STE, with better results for LVEF\_Teichholz and GLS. Conclusions: Evaluation of LVEF by several methods and STE parameters is feasible in hamsters. Reference intervals for LVEF and STE obtained for this experimental animal model can be applied at future research. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/25403-9 - Investigations on the pathogenesis, pathophysiology and therapy in humans and in an experimental model with the chronic cardiomyopathy of Chagas Disease
• Grantee: José Antonio Marin-Neto
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants