Longitudinal strain and strain rate by two-dimensional speckle tracking in non-sedated healthy cats

Aims The aim of the study was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) remodeling and systolic function using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiographic (2D STE) imaging in children at a long-term (more than 36 months, 107.5±57.8 months) after balloon valvuloplasty for aortic stenosis (BAV). Methods and results 40 patients (mean age 9,68 years, 75% male) after BAV and 62 control subjects matched to the age and heart rate were prospectively evaluated. The 2D STE assessment of LV longitudinal and circumferential strain and strain rate was performed. Left ventricular eccentric hypertrophy (LVEH) was diagnosed in 75% of patients in the study group. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was normal in all patients. In study group, global longitudinal strain (GLS), global longitudinal strain rate (GLSr) were significantly lower compared with the controls: GLS (-19.7±2.22% vs. -22.3±1.5%, P< 0.001), GLSr (-0.89±0.15/s vs. -1.04 ±0.12/s, P < 0.001). Regional (basal, middle and apical segments) strain and strain rate were also lower compared with control group. Global circumferential strain (GCS), global circumferential strain rate (GCSr) as well as regional (basal, middle and apical segments) strain and strain rate were normal. Multivariable logistic regression analysis included: instantaneous peak systolic Doppler gradient across aortic valve (PGmax), grade of aortic regurgitation (AR), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), left ventricular relative wall thickness (LVRWT), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd), peak systolic mitral annular velocity of the septal and lateral corner (S’spt, S’lat), LVEF before BAV and time after BAV and showed that the only predictor of reduced GLS was LV eccentric hypertrophy [odds ratio 6.9; (95% CI: 1.37–12.5), P = 0.045]. Conclusion Patients at long-term observation after BAV present the subclinical LV systolic impairment, which is associated with the presence of its remodeling. Longitudinal deformation is the most sensitive marker of LV systolic impairment in this group of patients.

Download Full-text

Abstract 4246: Dobutamine-induced Reserve of the Two-dimensional Longitudinal Strain Rate Predicts Clinical and Neurohumoral Improvement After Levosimendan Treatment in Acutely Decompensated Chronic Heart Failure

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.118.suppl_18.s_853 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽

Author(s):

Vasiliki Bistola ◽

Ioannis Paraskevaidis ◽

Ignatios Ikonomidis ◽

Ioannis Parissis ◽

Gerasimos Filippatos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Strain Rate ◽

Speckle Tracking ◽

Longitudinal Strain ◽

Nyha Class ◽

Radial Strain ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Contractile Reserve ◽

Systolic Strain ◽

Strain And Strain Rate ◽

Longitudinal Strain Rate

Objective: Levosimendan improves symptoms and the hemodynamic profile in patients with acutely decompensated chronic heart failure (ADCHF). We aimed to investigate: the association of low dose dobutamine (DSE)-induced changes of two-dimensional strain parameters with the corresponding changes of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral (LVOT VTI) in patients with ADCHF, and whether left ventricular contractile reserve assessed by both conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography is associated with clinical and neurohumoral improvement after levosimendan treatment. Methods: Thirty one consecutive patients with ADCHF (mean age 65 ± 10 years, NYHA class 3.6 ± 0.3, LVEF 22 ± 6%) were studied by DSE (peak dose 20 μg/kg/min) prior to 24-hour infusion of levosimendan (0.01 μg/kg/min, without bolus). The LVEF, LVOT VTI, mean longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain and strain rate using speckle tracking imaging were measured. Results: Twenty-three patients (74%) had evidence of contractile reserve (increase of LVEF > 10% and LVOT VTI > 20% after peak dobutamine dose, CR+), and 8 (26%) showed no reserve (CR−). CR+ versus CR- patients demonstrated greater improvement of NYHA class (mean NYHA change: −1.0±0.5 vs −0.5±0.3 NYHA class, p=0.01), and reduction of b-type natriuretic peptide levels (− 34±30 vs + 4±31%, p <0.01) 48 hours after completion of treatment. By multivariate analysis, mean longitudinal systolic strain rate reserve (resting - peak longitudinal strain rate ΔLSR (%)) was the best predictor of improvement of NYHA class (p= 0.039) and BNP (p= 0.042) after levosimendan administration among the reserve of: LV FS, EF, LVOT VTI, longitudinal strain, circumferential and radial strain and strain rate. Conclusion: Dobutamine-induced reserve of 2-dimentional speckle tracking longitudinal systolic strain rate is associated with clinical and neurohumoral improvement after treatment with levosimendan in patients with ADCHF.

Download Full-text