scholarly journals Myocardial work still reflect function while strain simply measure deformation when afterload increases

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
O J Sletten ◽  
J M Aalen ◽  
E W Remme ◽  
F H Khan ◽  
A Wajdan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Strain Analysis ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Public Institution ◽  
Lv Function ◽  
Stroke Work ◽  
Clinical Tool ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
European Society Of Cardiology

Abstract Introduction Global longitudinal strain is recommended by the European Society of Cardiology to detect subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, but is markedly load-dependent. Myocardial work was recently introduced as a clinical tool to study LV function by pressure-strain analysis. Since myocardial work incorporates afterload, it is assumed to be less afterload-dependent than strain, but the relationship with afterload is incompletely understood. Hypothesis Myocardial work is a better tool than strain, to measure myocardial function during elevated afterload. Methods In eleven anesthetized dogs, LV volume and longitudinal strain were measured by sonomicrometry, and pressure by micromanometry. Myocardial work was calculated by pressure-strain analysis. Additionally, stroke work was calculated as the area of the pressure-volume loop. Afterload was instantly increased by aortic constriction using a pneumatic cuff around the ascending aorta. Measurements were performed at baseline, during moderate- and marked afterload elevations. Results Table 1 summarizes the results. LV pressure (LVP) successively increased with moderate and marked afterload elevation, while longitudinal strain was successively reduced. Myocardial work and stroke work, on the other hand, increased with moderate afterload elevation, but was then reduced at marked afterload increase (Figure 1 and Table 1). Stroke volume and ejection fraction corresponded to strain and were reduced with afterload elevation. Conclusions Longitudinal strain and myocardial work have qualitatively different responses to increased afterload. While moderate changes in afterload cause reductions in strain that can be falsely interpreted as reductions in contractility, myocardial work increases as it incorporates the increased workload at moderately elevated afterload. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): The Norwegian Health Association

Abstract 2819: Identification and Characterization of Super-Responders to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: An Echocardiographic Study

Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amira Zaroui ◽  
Patricia Reant ◽  
Erwan Donal ◽  
Aude Mignot ◽  
Pierre Bordachar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Strain Analysis ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Cardiac Resynchronization ◽  
Lv Function ◽  
Resynchronization Therapy ◽  
Systolic Volume ◽  
End Systolic Volume

In some patients, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been recently shown to induce a spectacular effect on left ventricular (LV) function and inverted remodeling with nearby normalization of LV contraction. Objectives: To analyze and characterize super-responders (CRTSR) by echocardiography before CRT. 186 patients have been investigated before and 6 months after implantation of a CRT device with conventional indication according to ESC guidelines. Echocardiographies including measurements of LV dimensions, and contraction by 2-dimensional strain, and pressure assessment, mitral valve analysis were performed at baseline and at 6 months in an independent core-center lab. CRTSR were defined as a reduction of end-systolic volume of at least 15% and an ejection fraction (EF)>50% and were compared to normal responder patients (CRTNo, patients with a reduction of end-systolic volume of at least 15% but an EF <50%). 17/186 patients (9.1%) were identified as CRTSR, only 2 with ischemic cardiomyopathy (p<0.01). No difference was observed regarding NYHA status, EKG duration or EF between CRTSR and CRTNo at baseline. CRTSR presented with significant lower end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters (64±9mm vs 73±9mm (p<0.01) and 53±7.4mm vs 63±8.4mm (p<0.01), respectively), and end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes 161±44ml vs 210±76ml (p<0.02) and 123±43ml vs 163±69ml (p<0.01)) as well as a higher LV dP/dt max (714±251mmHg.s −1 vs 527±188 mmHg.s −1 (p<0.05)). Regarding strain analysis, CRTSR had significantly higher longitudinal values than CRTNo (−12.8±3% vs −9±2.6%, p<0.001) whereas no difference was observed for other components (p ns). Global longitudinal strain obtained by ROC curves was identified as the best parameter for predicting CRTSR with a cut-off value of −11% (Se=80%, Spe=87%, AUC=0.89, p<0.002) and was confirmed as an independent predictor by the logistic regression (RR: 21.3, p<0.0001). In a large multicenter study, CRT super-responders (EF>50%) were observed in 9% of the population and were associated with less-depressed LV function as determined by strain analysis. Global longitudinal strain appears to be the best predictor of CRTSR.

Layer-specific strain analysis by speckle tracking echocardiography reveals differences in left ventricular function between rats and humans

2010 ◽  
Vol 299 (3) ◽  
pp. H664-H672 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noa Bachner-Hinenzon ◽  
Offir Ertracht ◽  
Marina Leitman ◽  
Zvi Vered ◽  
Sara Shimoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Speckle Tracking ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Speckle Tracking Echocardiography ◽  
Heart Function ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Radial Strain ◽  
Strain Analysis ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Lv Function ◽  
Disease States

The rat heart is commonly used as an experimental model of the human heart in both health and disease states, assuming that heart function of rats and humans is alike. When studying a rat model, echocardiography is usually performed on sedated rats, whereas standard echocardiography on adult humans does not require any sedation. Since echocardiography results of sedated rats are usually inferred to alert humans, in the present study, we tested the hypothesis that differences in left ventricular (LV) function may be present between rats sedated by a low dose of ketamine-xylazine and alert humans. Echocardiography was applied to 110 healthy sedated rats and 120 healthy alert humans. Strain parameters were calculated from the scans using a layer-specific speckle tracking echocardiography program. The results showed that layer longitudinal strain is equal in rats and humans, whereas segmental strain is heterogeneous ( P < 0.05) in a different way in rats and humans ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, layer circumferential strain is larger in humans ( P < 0.001), and the segmental results showed different segmental heterogeneity in rats and humans ( P < 0.05). Radial strain was found to be homogeneous at the apex and papillary muscle levels in humans and heterogeneous in rats ( P < 0.001). Additionally, whereas LV twist was equal in rats and humans, in rats the rotation was larger at the apex ( P < 0.01) and smaller at the base ( P < 0.001). The torsion-to-shortening ratio parameter, which indicates the transmural distribution of contractile myofibers, was found to be equal in rats and humans. Thus, when evaluating LV function of sedated rats under ketamine-xylazine, it is recommended to measure the global longitudinal strain, LV twist, and torsion-to-shortening ratio, since no scaling is required when converting these parameters and inferring them to humans.

scholarly journals Cardiac magnetic resonance derived global longitudinal strain outperfoms established functional parameters in prognostication after ST-elevation myocardial infarction

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Holzknecht ◽  
M Reindl ◽  
C Tiller ◽  
I Lechner ◽  
T Hornung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Prognostic Value ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Independent Predictor ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Lv Function ◽  
St Elevation

Abstract Background Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is the parameter of choice for left ventricular (LV) function assessment and risk stratification of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI); however, its prognostic value is limited. Other measures of LV function such as global longitudinal strain (GLS) and mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) might provide additional prognostic information post-STEMI. However, comprehensive investigations comparing these parameters in terms of prediction of hard clinical events following STEMI are lacking so far. Purpose We aimed to investigate the comparative prognostic value of LVEF, MAPSE and GLS by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in the acute stage post-STEMI for the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Methods This observational study included 407 consecutive acute STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Comprehensive CMR investigations were performed 3 [interquartile range (IQR): 2–4] days after PCI to determine LVEF, GLS and MAPSE as well as myocardial infarct characteristics. Primary endpoint was the occurrence of MACE defined as composite of death, re-infarction and congestive heart failure. Results During a follow-up of 21 [IQR: 12–50] months, 40 (10%) patients experienced MACE. LVEF (p=0.005), MAPSE (p=0.001) and GLS (p&lt;0.001) were significantly related to MACE. GLS showed the highest prognostic value with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.71 (95% CI 0.63–0.79; p&lt;0.001) compared to MAPSE (AUC: 0.67, 95% CI 0.58–0.75; p=0.001) and LVEF (AUC: 0.64, 95% CI 0.54–0.73; p=0.005). After multivariable analysis, GLS emerged as sole independent predictor of MACE (HR: 1.22, 95% CI 1.11–1.35; p&lt;0.001). Of note, GLS remained associated with MACE (p&lt;0.001) even after adjustment for infarct size and microvascular obstruction. Conclusion CMR-derived GLS emerged as strong and independent predictor of MACE after acute STEMI with additive prognostic validity to LVEF and parameters of myocardial damage. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals Direct comparison of multilayer left ventricular global longitudinal strain using CMR feature tracking and speckle tracking echocardiography

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saikrishna Ananthapadmanabhan ◽  
Giau Vo ◽  
Tuan Nguyen ◽  
Hany Dimitri ◽  
James Otton
Keyword(s):  
Feature Tracking ◽  
Speckle Tracking ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Speckle Tracking Echocardiography ◽  
Imaging Modality ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Strain Analysis ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Multilayer Strain

Abstract Background Cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) are well-established strain imaging modalities. Multilayer strain measurement permits independent assessment of endocardial and epicardial strain. This novel and layer specific approach to evaluating myocardial deformation parameters may provide greater insight into cardiac contractility when compared to whole-layer strain analysis. The aim of this study is to validate CMR-FT as a tool for multilayer strain analysis by providing a direct comparison between multilayer global longitudinal strain (GLS) values between CMR-FT and STE. Methods We studied 100 patients who had an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), who underwent CMR imaging and echocardiogram at baseline and follow-up (48 ± 13 days). Dedicated tissue tracking software was used to analyse single- and multi-layer GLS values for CMR-FT and STE. Results Correlation coefficients for CMR-FT and STE were 0.685, 0.687, and 0.660 for endocardial, epicardial, and whole-layer GLS respectively (all p < 0.001). Bland Altman analysis showed good inter-modality agreement with minimal bias. The absolute limits of agreement in our study were 6.4, 5.9, and 5.5 for endocardial, whole-layer, and epicardial GLS respectively. Absolute biases were 1.79, 0.80, and 0.98 respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values showed moderate agreement with values of 0.626, 0.632, and 0.671 respectively (all p < 0.001). Conclusion There is good inter-modality agreement between CMR-FT and STE for whole-layer, endocardial, and epicardial GLS, and although values should not be used interchangeably our study demonstrates that CMR-FT is a viable imaging modality for multilayer strain

Abstract 12952: Global Longitudinal Strain is Simple, Effective & Sensitive Assessment of Cardiac Chamber Function in Patients With Acute-phase Myocarditis

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaun Khanna ◽  
Aditya Bhat ◽  
Henry H Chen ◽  
Kennith Gu ◽  
Gary Gan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Phase ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Myocardial Dysfunction ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Lv Function ◽  
Lv Mass ◽  
Echocardiographic Parameters ◽  
Cardiac Therapy

Introduction: Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease process with growing clinical relevance in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Acute-phase myocarditis is known to result in subclinical changes in left ventricular (LV) function despite normal LV ejection fraction (LVEF), as assessed by myocardial deformation indices. The presence of right ventricular (RV) and left atrial (LA) subclinical dysfunction however has not been well described in current literature. Hypothesis: Myocarditis patients have subclinical impairment of LV, RV and LA function as assessed by global longitudinal strain (GLS) on speckle tracking echocardiography. Methods: Consecutive patients with clinical diagnosis of myocarditis admitted to our institution during 2013-2018 were assessed (n=76). Patients who did not meet appropriate diagnostic criteria (n=14), had impaired LVEF or prior cardiac disease (n=8) or poor transthoracic echocardiogram images (n=14) were excluded from analysis. Clinical and echocardiographic parameters were compared to age- , gender- and risk factor- matched controls. GLS was performed by two independent observers using vendor independent software (TomTec Arena, Germany v4.6). Results: The final cohort consisted 40 patients with myocarditis (age 44.3±16.7, 60% male) and 40 matched controls (44.5±16.6, 60% male). No significant differences in baseline clinical characteristics were observed between groups. No differences in LVEF, indexed LV mass, RV fractional area change, indexed LA volume or TR pressure gradient (p>0.05 for all) were demonstrated between the two groups. Patients with myocarditis had a lower mean LV strain (GLS%: -16.4±2.9 vs -19.7±2.7, p=0.0001), a lower mean RV Free Wall Strain (FWS) (GLS%: -22.1±4.1 vs -26.2±6.9, p=0.03) and a lower mean LA reservoir strain (GLS%: 27.5±4.6 vs. 33.7±6.3, p<0.0001) when compared to controls. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate the presence of significant subclinical global myocardial dysfunction despite normal traditional echocardiographic indices, in patients with acute-phase myocarditis. Routine assessment of GLS may identify such patients for early targeted cardiac therapy.

scholarly journals P803 Myocardial work in acutely decompensated heart failure patients differs between HFrEF and HFpEF

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
F Sahiti ◽  
C Morbach ◽  
C Henneges ◽  
M Hanke ◽  
R Ludwig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Decompensated Heart Failure ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Lv Function ◽  
Acutely Decompensated Heart Failure

Abstract OnBehalf AHF Registry Background & Aim A novel echocardiographic method to non-invasively determine left ventricular (LV) myocardial work (MyW) based on speckle-tracking derived longitudinal strain and blood pressure has recently been validated against invasive reference measurements. MyW is considered less load-dependent than LV ejection fraction (EF) and LV longitudinal strain. We investigated MyW indices in patients with reduced ejection fraction (LVEF &lt;40%; HFrEF) and patients with preserved ejection fraction (LVEF ≥50%, HFpEF) admitted for acutely decompensated heart failure (AHF). Methods The AHF registry is a monocentric prospective follow-up study that comprehensively phenotypes consecutive patients hospitalized for AHF. Echocardiography was performed on the day of admission. MyW assessment was performed off-line using EchoPAC (GE, version 202). Here we present MyW indices and performed two-sided t-tests to analyze differences in numerical baseline covariates. Results We analyzed the echocardiograms of 94 AHF patients (72 ± 10 years; 36% female). 46 patients (49%) had an LVEF &lt;40%, while 48 patients (51%) presented with LVEF ≥50%. HFrEF patients were younger, less often female, and hat lower blood pressure (table). Consistent with lower LVEF, HFrEF patients had less negative global longitudinal strain and lower global constructive work, when compared to HFpEF patients. Since HFrEF patients also had higher global wasted work, this yielded a lower myocardial work efficiency compared to HFpEF patients (table). Conclusions This analysis in patients with AHF exhibited marked differences in MyW indices according to subgroups with HFrEF and HFpEF, thus adding information to the classical measures of LV function. Future research has to determine whether constructive and/or wasted MyW are valuable diagnostic or therapeutic targets in patients with AHF. Abstract P803 Figure.

scholarly journals P818 Association between baseline left ventricular longitudinal strain and follow-up left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
I H Jung ◽  
Y S Byun ◽  
J H Park
Keyword(s):  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Myocardial Dysfunction ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Reverse Remodeling ◽  
Lv Function ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements no Background Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) offers sensitive and reproducible measurement of myocardial dysfunction. The authors sought to evaluate whether LV GLS at the time of diagnosis may predict LV reverse remodeling (LVRR) in DCM patients with sinus rhythm and also investigate the relationship between baseline LV GLS and follow-up LVEF. Methods We enrolled patients with DCM who had been initially diagnosed, evaluated, and followed at our institute. Results During the mean follow-up duration of 37.3 ± 21.7 months, LVRR occurred in 28% of patients (n = 45) within 14.7 ± 10.0 months of medical therapy. The initial LV ejection fraction (LVEF) of patients who recovered LV function was 26.1 ± 7.9% and was not different from the value of 27.1 ± 7.4% (p = 0.49) of those who did not recover. There was a moderate and highly significant correlation between baseline LV GLS and follow-up LVEF (r = 0.717; p &lt;0.001). Conclusion There was a significant correlation between baseline LV GLS and follow-up LVEF in this population. Baseline Follow-up Difference (95% CI) p-value All patients (n = 160) LVEDDI, mm/m2 35.6 ± 6.6 35.6 ± 6.6 -2.7 (-3.4 to -2.0) &lt;0.001 LVESDI, mm/m2 30.3 ± 6.1 26.6 ± 6.6 -3.7 (-4.6 to -2.8) &lt;0.001 LVEDVI, mL/m2 95.0 ± 30.7 74.3 ± 30.2 -20.7 (-25.6 to -15.8) &lt;0.001 LVESVI, mL/m2 70.0 ± 24.8 50.2 ± 26.8 -19.8 (-24.2 to -15.4) &lt;0.001 LVEF, % 26.8 ± 7.5 33.9 ± 12.6 7.2 (5.2 to 9.2) &lt;0.001 LV GLS (-%) 9.2 ± 3.1 11.0 ± 4.8 1.8 (1.3 to 2.2) &lt;0.001 Patients without LVRR (n = 115) LVEDDI, mm/m2 34.9 ± 6.8 34.1 ± 6.8 -0.8 (-1.3 to -0.3) 0.002 LVESDI, mm/m2 29.5 ± 6.1 28.4 ± 6.4 -1.4 (-1.8 to -0.4) 0.002 LVEDVI, mL/m2 92.0 ± 30.5 83.4 ± 29.8 -8.6 (-12.4 to -4.8) &lt;0.001 LVESVI, mL/m2 67.1 ± 24.4 59.5 ± 25.3 -7.6 (-10.9 to -4.3) &lt;0.001 LVEF, % 27.1 ± 7.4 27.8 ± 7.4 0.7 (-0.2 to 1.6) 0.126 LV GLS (-%) 8.2 ± 2.9 8.7 ± 3.2 0.5 (0.7 to 3.6) &lt;0.001 Patients with LVRR (n = 45) LVEDDI, mm/m2 37.4 ± 5.5 29.8 ± 5.2 -7.5 (-9.1 to -6.0) &lt;0.001 LVESDI, mm/m2 32.2 ± 5.7 21.9 ± 4.4 -10.3 (-11.9 to -8.6) &lt;0.001 LVEDVI, mL/m2 102.7 ± 30.2 51.1 ± 15.0 -51.7 (-61.6 to -41.7) &lt;0.001 LVESVI, mL/m2 77.3 ± 24.5 26.4 ± 11.3 -50.9 (-58.8 to -43.1) &lt;0.001 LVEF, % 26.1 ± 7.9 49.4 ± 9.5 23.9 (20.4 to 27.5) &lt;0.001 LV GLS (-%) 11.9 ± 1.6 16.9 ± 2.7 5.1 (4.2 to 5.9) &lt;0.001 Baseline and Follow-up LV Functional Echocardiographic Data Abstract P818 Figure.

scholarly journals Left atrial strain in cardiac amyloidosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Aimo ◽  
I Fabiani ◽  
V Spini ◽  
V Chubuchny ◽  
E M Pasanisi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Amyloidosis ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Systolic Dysfunction ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Atrial Strain ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Atrial Contraction ◽  
Amyloid Light Chain ◽  
Atrial Strain

Abstract Background Patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA) display an enlarged and dysfunctional left atrium (LA), because of the effects of left ventricular (LV) diastolic and then systolic dysfunction, as well as the amyloid infiltration of LA wall. A single study reported impaired LA strain in CA, but differences among amyloid light-chain (AL) and transthyretin (ATTR) CA and the correlates of reduced LA strain have not been characterized. Methods We evaluated 426 consecutive patients undergoing a screening for suspected CA in 2 tertiary referral centres. Among them, 262 (61%) were diagnosed with CA (n=117 AL-CA, n=145 ATTR-CA). We measured peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) and peak atrial contraction strain (PACS) from 4- and 2-chamber (4C, 2C) views, and correlated them with maximum and minimum LA volumes, E/e' ratio, and LV global longitudinal strain (GLS). Results LA strain was much more severely impaired in patients with ATTR-CA than those without CA, and to a lesser extent than those with AL-CA (Figure). LA volumes were larger in patients with ATTR-CA than those without CA (maximal LA volume, p=0.042; minimal LA volume, p&lt;0.001), and those with AL-CA (both volumes, p&lt;0.001). LA strain values were more closely correlated with minimal than maximal LA volumes, and patients with AL-CA displayed stronger correlations than those with ATTR-CA or without CA; for example, Spearman's rho values for 4C-PALS vs. minimal LA volume were 0.595, 0.481, and 0.462, respectively (all p&lt;0.001). Furthermore, LA strain correlated with E/e' in patients with AL-CA, but not in those with ATTR-CA: 4C-PALS vs. E/e', rho 0.406, p=0.001 (AL-CA), p=0.401 (ATTR-CA), and p=0.097 (no CA). Finally, LA strain correlated most closely with LV GLS in patients with AL-CA: 4C-PALS vs. LV GLS, rho 0.431, p&lt;0.001 (AL-CA), rho 0.401, p&lt;0.001 (ATTR-CA), rho 0.219, p=0.042 (no CA). Conclusions LA volume increase and reduced LA strain is particularly prominent in patients with ATTR-CA. Patients with AL-CA seem to display closer relationships between LA strain, size and haemodynamic load, possibly reflecting the most acute disease course, and lower time for amyloid deposition in the LA wall. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

scholarly journals Heart transplantation and antibody-mediated rejection: role of myocardial strain as an early marker of cardiac dysfunction in patients with anti-HLA antibody

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Sciaccaluga ◽  
B.M Natali ◽  
G.E Mandoli ◽  
N Sisti ◽  
F.M Righini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Dysfunction ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Myocardial Strain ◽  
Strain Analysis ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Hla Antibodies ◽  
Antibody Mediated Rejection ◽  
Right Ventricular Strain ◽  
Hla Antibody

Abstract Background Antibody-mediated rejection of the transplanted heart is still currently diagnosed by endomyocardial biopsy whereas clinical elements, anti-Human Leukocite Antigens (HLA) antibody and graft dysfunction represents supplementary components. Purpose The aim of the study was to identify though a non-invasive imaging technique, such as advanced transthoracic echocardiography, early signs of altered cardiac function in patients with anti-HLA antibodies and no histological signs of antibody-mediated rejection. Methods The study population included 117 heart transplanted patients, in whom both acute and chronic rejection was excluded. They were divided into two groups “HLA+`' (45 patients) and “HLA−” (72 patients), based on the presence and the absence of circulating anti-HLA antibodies, respectively. The echocardiographic exam was performed within one week from the biopsy, including Speckle Tracking analysis. Results Deceleration Time of E wave was the strongest traditional echocardiographic parameter which correlated with circulating anti-HLA antibodies (165±39,5 vs 196,5±25; p&lt;0.001). Regarding strain analysis, both left ventricular global longitudinal strain (−16,1±3,4 vs −19,8±2,0; p&lt;0.001) and right ventricular strain (−17,2±0,7 vs −20,6±0,5; p=0.0002) differed significantly between the two subgroups (Figure 1). On the other hand, neither peak atrial longitudinal strain nor peak atrial contraction strain showed a significant correlation with anti-HLA antibodies. Conclusion The presence of circulating anti-HLA antibodies seems to be correlated with a mild cardiac dysfunction, even in the absence of antibody-mediated rejection. This subtle dysfunction is not completely detectable by standard echocardiographic parameters, whereas strain analysis has showed promising results since it revealed more clearly an impaired function of both ventricles in heart transplanted HLA+ patients, with potentially important clinical repercussion. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1

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