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

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.