Introduction .– The biplane Simpson remains the gold standard for the evaluation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, it allows only a semi-quantitative assessment of the myocardial function without accurate quantification of the regional function. The speckle tracking echocardiography offers, not only regional deformation evaluation, but also global function assessment using the global longitudinal strain, which is correlated with LVEF given by biplane Simpson (LVEF Simpson).

Objectives .– The aim of this study is to describe the method based on an algorithm for the detection of myocardial motion allowing quantitative analysis of global longitudinal strain (GLS) and to compare the LVEF resulting from GLS (LVEF GLS) to the LVEF Simpson.

Methods .– One hundred and sixty-eight patients are scheduled for echocardiography because of diverse pathologies (coronary disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, valvular disease.), for preoperative non cardiac surgery, or for systematic exams. First, LVEF Simpson was calculated. Then, global longitudinal strain was obtained from the apical 2, 3 and 4 chamber views. Subsequently, LVEF GLS was calculated with Lim formula.

Results .– LVEF Simpson = 61 ± 14% (min = 20%, max = 80%). GLS = 17.5 ± 5.2% (min = 1.4%, max = 25.4%). LVEF GLS = 62 ± 15% (min = 14%, max = 86%) with good correlation between the two methods ( r = 0.87, P < 0.001). This correlation is verified in LVEF > 50% as well as in LVEF < 50%.

Conclusion .– The recommended echocardiographic method for LVEF assessment is the biplane Simpson but it is subjective based on visual endocardial thickening. The speckle tracking is a new method offering the opportunity to track myocardial deformation with excellent reproducibility independently of both cardiac translation and the insonation angle. It is user-independent, less time-consuming and feasible.