P697Regional analysis of 3D-derived speckle tracking for the assessment of myocardial deformation in breast cancer patients submitted to anthracycline chemotherapy

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Coutinho Cruz ◽  
G Portugal ◽  
L Moura-Branco ◽  
A Galrinho ◽  
A T Timoteo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Speckle Tracking ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Myocardial Deformation ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Segmental Analysis ◽  
2D And 3D ◽  
Anthracycline Chemotherapy

Abstract Introduction Serial echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and 2D left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) is the gold standard in screening for cancer therapeutics-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD). Myocardial deformation assessed with 3D speckle tracking is not currently used in this setting, because of the lack of standardization and cut-off values, in spite of a potential for a greater reliability. Methods Prospective study of female breast cancer patients submitted to anthracycline chemotherapy with or without adjuvant immunotherapy and/or radiotherapy who underwent serial monitoring by 2D and 3D transthoracic echocardiography (ETT). Standard ETT measures and 3D-derived volumetric measures were assessed. Speckle tracking was used to estimate 2D-derived GLS – average and 18 segments – and 3D-derived GLS, global circumferential strain (GCS), global area strain (GAS) and global radial strain (GRS) – average and 17 segments. CTRCD was defined as an absolute decrease in 2D or 3D LVEF >10% to a value <54% or a relative decrease in 2D GLS >15%. Variables were compared using the t-student paired test and the Wilcoxon sign-rank test, when appropriate. Results 106 patients (mean age 54.6±12.9 years, 33.0% immunotherapy, 16.5% radiotherapy, baseline LVEF 64.5% ± 8.5%, baseline 2D GLS −21.0±2.8) were included. During a mean follow-up of 16.5±9.6 months, an average of 3.9 echocardiographic examinations were performed per patient and 28 patients (26.4%) developed CTRCD. Overall, 3D regional longitudinal strain was determined in 88.9% of the segments analyzed, with lower success rates in the inferobasal (75.0%), the posterobasal (77.7%) and the laterobasal (82.4%) walls. When comparing variables before and during treatment, there was a significant difference in 2D-derived LVEF (64.5 vs. 57.6 p<0.001), 3D-derived LVEF (60.1 vs. 55.7 p 0.002), 2D-derived GLS (−20.6 vs. −18.2 p<0.001), 3D-derived GLS (−13.8 vs. −12.9 p 0.035), 3D-derived GRS (31.9 vs. 33.4 p 0.024), but not in GCS (−14.5 vs. −13.2 p 0.656) and GAS (−21.5 vs. −22.1 p 0.640). Figure 1 shows the segmental analysis of 2D and 3D strain parameters. In 2D GLS, 11 out of 18 segments showed decreased contractility during follow-up (mainly anterior septum and anterior, lateral and inferior walls). In 3D-derived strain parameters, only 3 out 17 for GLS, 2 out of 17 for GCS, 1 out 17 for GRS and none for GAS showed decreased contractility during follow-up. Segmental analysis of 2D and 3D strain Conclusion In this population, there was worsening of 3D GLS and GRS, besides conventional values, such as LVEF and 2D GLS, during anthracycline-based cancer treatment. 3D-derived myocardial deformation parameters show promise in the setting of CTRCD, since 2D and 3D regional strain parameters might shed a light onto the mechanisms of CTRCD, such that subendocardial myocardial fibers seem to be more affected than medial and subepicardial fibers.

scholarly journals Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Breast Cancer Patients from Southern Sri Lanka: An Echocardiographic Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Jayasinghe Arachchige Nirosha Sandamali ◽  
Ruwani Punyakanthi Hewawasam ◽  
Madappuli Arachchige Chaminda Sri Sampath Fernando ◽  
Kamani Ayoma Perera Wijewardana Jayatilaka ◽  
Ranji Duleep Madurawe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Anthracycline Therapy ◽  
Echocardiographic Parameters ◽  
Chemotherapy Dose ◽  
Anthracycline Dose ◽  
Anthracycline Chemotherapy

Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity has never been investigated in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients using echocardiographic findings. A prospective cohort study was performed. All newly diagnosed breast cancer patients who were administered with anthracycline and cyclophosphamide (AC schedule) for the first time were enrolled in the study. In the hospital setting, anthracycline is administered only as a combination therapy, and only this combination was selected to limit the effect of other cardiotoxic chemotherapy agents. Records of echocardiography were obtained: one day before anthracycline chemotherapy (baseline), one day after the first chemotherapy dose, one day after the last chemotherapy dose, and six months after the completion of anthracycline chemotherapy. Following parameters were recorded from the echocardiography results: ejection fraction (EF, %), fractioning shortening (FS, %), posterior wall thickness, left ventricle (PWT, mm), the thickness of interventricular septum (IVS, mm), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD, mm), and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD, mm). Statistical analysis of the echocardiography results was performed using ANOVA at four stages. A p value <0.05 was considered significant. Subclinical cardiac dysfunction was defined as a fall of EF >10% during the follow-up echocardiography. There was no significant change ( p > 0.05 ) between the baseline echocardiographic parameters and one day after the 1st anthracycline dose. However, significant differences ( p < 0.05 ) were observed between the baseline echocardiographic parameters and one day after the last anthracycline dose and six months after the completion of anthracycline therapy with a gradual and progressive deterioration in functional parameters including EF, FS, PWT, and IVS over time. There were 65 patients out of 196 (33.16%) who developed subclinical cardiac dysfunction six months after the completion of anthracycline chemotherapy. The prevalence of subclinical anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity was relatively higher in these patients. An equation was also developed based on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to predict the anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity of a patient six months after the completion of anthracycline chemotherapy. We believe that this will help in the monitoring of patients who undergo anthracycline therapy for cardiotoxicity. It is recommended to carry out a long-term follow-up to detect early-onset chronic progressive cardiotoxicity in all patients who were treated with anthracycline therapy.

scholarly journals Early detection of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction after breast cancer radiation therapy using speckle-tracking echocardiography: association between cardiac exposure and longitudinal strain reduction (BACCARAT study)

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentin Walker ◽  
Olivier Lairez ◽  
Olivier Fondard ◽  
Atul Pathak ◽  
Baptiste Pinel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Endocrine Therapy ◽  
Speckle Tracking ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Speckle Tracking Echocardiography ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Radiation Doses ◽  
Lv Dysfunction

Abstract Background Breast cancer (BC) radiotherapy (RT) can induce cardiotoxicity, with adverse events often observed many years after BC RT. Subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction can be detected early after BC RT with global longitudinal strain (GLS) measurement based on 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography. This 6-month follow-up analysis from the BACCARAT prospective study aimed to investigate the association between cardiac radiation doses and subclinical LV dysfunction based on GLS reduction. Methods The patient study group consisted of 79 BC patients (64 left-sided BC, 15 right-sided BC) treated with RT without chemotherapy. Echocardiographic parameters, including GLS, were measured before RT and 6 months post-RT. The association between subclinical LV dysfunction, defined as GLS reduction > 10%, and radiation doses to whole heart and the LV were performed based on logistic regressions. Non-radiation factors associated with subclinical LV dysfunction including age, BMI, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and endocrine therapy were considered for multivariate analyses. Results A mean decrease of 6% in GLS was observed (− 15.1% ± 3.2% at 6 months vs. − 16.1% ± 2.7% before RT, p = 0.01). For left-sided patients, mean heart and LV doses were 3.1 ± 1.3 Gy and 6.7 ± 3.4 Gy respectively. For right-sided patients, mean heart dose was 0.7 ± 0.5 Gy and median LV dose was 0.1 Gy. Associations between GLS reduction > 10% (37 patients) and mean doses to the heart and the LV as well as the V20 were observed in univariate analysis (Odds Ratio = 1.37[1.01–1.86], p = 0.04 for Dmean Heart; OR = 1.14 [1.01–1.28], p = 0.03 for Dmean LV; OR = 1.08 [1.01–1.14], p = 0.02 for LV V20). In multivariate analysis, these associations did not remain significant after adjustment for non-radiation factors. Further exploratory analysis allowed identifying a subgroup of patients (LV V20 > 15%) for whom a significant association with subclinical LV dysfunction was found (adjusted OR = 3.97 [1.01–15.70], p = 0.048). Conclusions This analysis indicated that subclinical LV dysfunction defined as a GLS decrease > 10% is associated with cardiac doses, but adjustment for non-radiation factors such as endocrine therapy lead to no longer statistically significant relationships. However, LV dosimetry may be promising to identify high-risk subpopulations. Larger and longer follow-up studies are required to further investigate these associations. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02605512, Registered 6 November 2015 - Retrospectively registered

P2460Prospective evaluation of atrial function by 2D Speckle Tracking analysis in HER-2 positive breast cancer patients during Trastuzumab therapy

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Setti ◽  
G Dolci ◽  
C Bergamini ◽  
A Schiavone ◽  
L F Cerrito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Strain Rate ◽  
Speckle Tracking ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Her2 Breast Cancer ◽  
2D Speckle Tracking ◽  
Her 2 ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background Trastuzumab (TZ) is a key therapy for HER2+ breast cancer (BC) patients, with well known possible negative effect on left ventricular (LV) function. A decrease in LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) has been demonstrated to be a good predictor of subsequent TZ-related cardiotoxicity (CT). Early left atrial (LA) enlargement preceding LV dysfunction has also been documented. Limited data are available about LA function in this setting. Aim To investigate LA function by deformation indexes (strain rate) in BC patients treated with TZ. Methods HER-2 positive BC metastasis-free patients referring to our echo-lab were prospectively recruited. Patients underwent consecutive transthoracic echocardiography before starting TZ and then every 3 months, up to 12. LV volumes, LV ejection fraction (LVEF) with Simpson biplane methods, LA volume and diastolic parameters were measured; 2D-Speckle Tracking analysis was performed and GLS and peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) were analyzed using Philips' QLAB software. Different lab tests and clinical data were also collected. Results 64 patients formed the study population. 40 (62.5%) had a complete 12 months follow up (FU). 53 patients (82.8%) were previously treated with anthracyclines. Mean age was 55.05±12.1 years. CT, as defined by current ESC guidelines, occurred in 6 patients (9.3%). Mean GLS was −21.4±2% and mean baseline PALS was 51.1±12%. GLS analysis was feasible in 91% of patients and PALS analysis in 84%, with excellent reproducibility for GLS (intra-observer ICC 0.93, p=0.8; inter-observer ICC 0.83, p=0.7). Even if during FU cardiotoxicity showed a low prevalence, a drop in LVEF over time was anyway documented, with major worsening at 6 months. Our study confirms previous data reporting a trend of decrease in GLS (p for time = 0.06), with an early drop during the first six months of TZ therapy and a subsequent “plateau” phase; we also reported a significant decrease of PALS over time (p for time = 0.008), with a continuous gradual decrease for the whole FU. A significant positive correlation between baseline PALS and LVEF at 6 months follow up was shown (R2 0.2; p=0.006). Similar result was obtained analyzing the correlation between LAVI and LVEF at 6 months (R2 0,19; p=0,02). Conclusion 2D speckle tracking analysis is feasible and adds useful information about LV and LA functional remodeling. Actual recommendations for CT identification are based upon a joint evaluation of LVEF and GLS, but our study demonstrates that significant variations in GLS and PALS can occur independently of development of CT. Moreover baseline PALS and LAVI predict the trend of LVEF at 6 months of FU, time of the major mean LVEF drop documented. The assessment of LA function by deformation indexes (strain rate) could add further information for daily clinical practice, possibly improving the detection of early CT. More studies are needed to further investigate these exploratory data.

Abstract 12440: Global Longitudinal Strain With 2D-Speckle Tracking Predicts Chemotherapy-related Systolic Dysfunction Independenty of Basal Assessment in Patients With Breast Carcinoma

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Guerra ◽  
Marco Marchesini ◽  
Daniele Contadini ◽  
Alessio Menditto ◽  
Marco Morelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Speckle Tracking ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Systolic Dysfunction ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
2D Speckle Tracking

Introduction: Recent developments in anticancer therapies for breast carcinoma allowed an improvement in patient survival, notwithstanding a parallel increase of cardiovascular morbidity. Systolic dysfunction and heart failure represent a relevant problem in these patients due to insidious onset and the potential irreversible nature of cardiac damage. Therefore, strong and early predictors of chemoteraphy-realted systolic dysfunction are been sought. Hypothesis: To investigate global longitudinal strain (GLS) assessed by 2D-speckle tracking as a potential early marker of systolic dysfunction in chemoteraphy-treated breast cancer patients. Methods: Population include sixty-nine patients, referred to our unit for cardiologic assessment prior to neo-adjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. Patients with prior heart failure and atrial fibrillation were excluded. The protocol included a baseline echocolorDoppler and 2D-strain evaluation before the beginning of chemotherapy and subsequent serial controls every 3 months. In patients developing systolic dysfunction, further unscheduled assessment were made at the cardiologist discretion. Results: Nineteen (27.5%) patients were classified as having cardiotoxicity according to CREC and ESMO criteria. ROC curve analysis showed that a 3-month GLS <-16% predicted subsequent development of systolic dysfunction with good sensitivity and specificity (80% and 90% respectively), with a negative predictive value of 92%. Cardiotoxicity occurred in 8 patients at 6 months and in 11 patients within 9 months; among all of those, 84% of patients already showed a GLS <-16% at 3-month, and 100% at 6-month, confirming the early diagnostic potential of GLS. After chemotherapy suspension and introduction of cardioprotective drugs, GLS remained depressed longer than left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) over 1-year follow-up. Conclusions: Strain imaging with 2D-speckle tracking allows the identification of patients at high risk of developing systolic dysfunction. An absolute cut-off value of -16% can provide a useful, time-independent clinical tool to improve follow-up management and concentrate resources on high-risk patients.

Early change in left atrial and left ventricular strain predicts sinus rhythm maintenance after cardioversion

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Kupczynska ◽  
D Miskowiec ◽  
B Michalski ◽  
L Szyda ◽  
K Wierzbowska-Drabik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sinus Rhythm ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Speckle Tracking ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Recurrence Risk ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Mechanical Function ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) impairs mechanical function of the heart, especially atria and restoration of sinus rhythm (SR) leads to improvement of mechanics. The predicting role of changes in strain parameters for AF recurrence is not established yet. Purpose To analyse changes in left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) mechanical function after conversion to SR and their prognostic values for AF recurrence during 24 months follow-up. Methods Prospective study involved 59 patients after successful electrical cardioversion (EC) because of nonvalvular AF (mean age 65±4 years, 47% female). Speckle tracking analysis (STE) was applied to calculate longitudinal strain of LV and LA before EC and within 24 hours after restoration of SR and additionally total left heart strain (TS) defined as a sum of absolute peak LV and LA strain. We calculated change in strain between AF and SR analyses expressed as delta (Δ). During follow-up we noticed AF recurrence in 42 (71%) patients, most of them (93%) during 1st year after EC. Median time of AF recurrence was 3 months. Results We noticed significant immediate post-EC improvement in peak LA longitudinal strain (PALS) and LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) (table). Unlike CHA2DS2-VASc score, strain parameters were predictors of AF recurrence. Every 1% increment in ΔLVGLS was related with 13% increase in AF recurrence risk (p=0.02) and every 1% increment in ΔPALS and ΔTS were related with 9% decrease in AF recurrence risk (p=0.007 and p=0.0014, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed ΔTS as a strongest predictor with 9% decrease in AF risk per every 1% increment. The criterion of ΔTS ≤7.5% allows to predict AF recurrence with 81% sensitivity and 63% specificity. Conclusions Speckle tracking measurements are able to detect early mechanical changes in LA even within 24 hours of SR and these absolute changes in LVGLS as well as PALS can predict AF recurrence, with optimal stratification by novel parameter - TS. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals Association Between 2D- and 3D-Speckle-Tracking Longitudinal Strain and Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Evidence of Diffuse Myocardial Fibrosis in Heart Transplant Recipients

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Sun ◽  
Xuehua Shen ◽  
Jing Wang ◽  
Shuangshuang Zhu ◽  
Yanting Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Myocardial Fibrosis ◽  
Heart Transplant ◽  
Speckle Tracking ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Myocardial Strain ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
2D And 3D

Objective: This study aimed to: (1) evaluate the association between myocardial fibrosis (MF) quantified by extracellular volume fraction (ECV) and myocardial strain measured by two-dimensional (2D)- and three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3D-STE) and (2) further investigate which strain parameter measured by 2D- and 3D-STE is the more robust predictor of MF in heart transplant (HT) recipients.Methods: A total of 40 patients with HT and 20 healthy controls were prospectively enrolled. Left ventricular (LV)-global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), and global radial strain (GRS) were measured by 2D- and 3D-STE. LV diffuse MF was defined by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-ECV.Results: The HT recipients had a significantly higher native T1 and ECV than healthy controls (1043.8 ± 34.0 vs. 999.7 ± 19.7 ms, p &lt; 0.001; 26.6 ± 2.7 vs. 24.3 ± 1.8%, p = 0.02). The 3D- and 2D-STE-LVGLS and LVGCS were lower (p &lt; 0.005) in the HT recipients than in healthy controls. ECV showed a moderate correlation with 2D-LVGLS (r = 0.53, p = 0.002) and 3D-LVGLS (r = 0.60, p &lt; 0.001), but it was not correlated with 2D or 3D-LVGCS, or LVGRS. Furthermore, 3D-LVGLS and 2D-LVGLS had a similar correlation with CMR-ECV (r = 0.60 vs. 0.53, p = 0.670). A separate stepwise multivariate linear analysis showed that both the 2D-LVGLS (β = 0.39, p = 0.019) and 3D-LVGLS (β = 0.54, p &lt; 0.001) were independently associated with CMR-ECV.Conclusion: CMR marker of diffuse MF was present in asymptomatic patients with HT and appeared to be associated with decreased myocardial strain by echocardiography. Both the 2D- and 3D-LVGLS were independently correlated with diffuse LVMF, which may provide an alternative non-invasive tool for monitoring the development of adverse fibrotic remodeling during the follow-up of HT recipients.

scholarly journals Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients Experiencing Cardiotoxicity during Breast Cancer Therapy

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Calleja ◽  
Frédéric Poulin ◽  
Ciril Khorolsky ◽  
Masoud Shariat ◽  
Philippe L. Bedard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Prognostic Value ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Lv Dysfunction ◽  
Her2 Breast Cancer

Background. Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction during cancer therapy related cardiotoxicity and its prognostic implications have not been examined.Aim. We sought to determine the incidence and prognostic value of RV dysfunction at time of LV defined cardiotoxicity.Methods. We retrospectively identified 30 HER2+ female patients with breast cancer treated with trastuzumab (± anthracycline) who developed cardiotoxicity and had a diagnostic quality transthoracic echocardiography. LV ejection fraction (LVEF), RV fractional area change (RV FAC), and peak systolic longitudinal strain (for both LV and RV) were measured on echocardiograms at the time of cardiotoxicity and during follow-up. Thirty age balanced precancer therapy and HER2+ breast cancer patients were used as controls.Results. In the 30 patients with cardiotoxicity (mean ± SD age 54 ± 12 years) RV FAC was significantly lower (42 ± 7 versus 47 ± 6%,P=0.01) compared to controls. RV dysfunction defined by global longitudinal strain (GLS < −20.3%) was seen in 40% (n=12). During follow-up in 16 out of 30 patients (23 ± 15 months), there was persistent LV dysfunction (EF < 55%) in 69% (n=11). Concomitant RV dysfunction at the time of LV cardiotoxicity was associated with reduced recovery of LVEF during follow-up although this was not statistically significant.Conclusion. RV dysfunction at the time of LV cardiotoxicity is frequent in patients with breast cancer receiving trastuzumab therapy. Despite appropriate management, LV dysfunction persisted in the majority at follow-up. The prognostic value of RV dysfunction at the time of cardiotoxicity warrants further investigation.

277 Temporal trends of advanced 2D-speckle tracking echocardiography in trastuzumab treated patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_G) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Springhetti ◽  
Corinna Bergamini ◽  
Lorenzo Niro ◽  
Luisa Ferri ◽  
Giovanni Benfari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Speckle Tracking ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Atrial Function ◽  
Left Atrial Function ◽  
2D Speckle Tracking ◽  
Her 2 ◽  
Positive Breast Cancer

Abstract Aims Trastuzumab (TZ) is widely used for his key role in HER2 positive breast cancer. However, it may have different side effects on the cardiovascular system. One of the most concerning complication is cardiotoxicity. Many studies have highlighted the importance of the screening for subclinical myocardial dysfunction using left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS). However, there are few studies investigating the left atrial function in relation to the development of early cardiac damage. Aim of this study is to analyse the modification of GLS and PALS in patients undergoing therapy with TZ in a follow-up period of 12 months. The eventual fluctuation of left atrial function under chemotherapy was evaluated and the correlation between subclinical atrial disfunction and early left ventricular impairment was searched. Methods One hundred and five women affected by non-metastatic HER-2 positive breast cancer treated with TZ were enrolled. Each patient underwent a complete echocardiography every 3 months, for a total of five exams pro patient. Thirty-seven patients (35%) were excluded from the left atrial function analysis while LV function evaluation was performed in 83 patients (21%). Exclusion criteria were poor quality imaging and lack of a complete Follow-up with consequent missing data. 2D-Speckle tracking analysis was performed at baseline and at each examination using Tomtec software in order to analyse both atrial and left ventricular function. Subclinical LV disfunction was defined as a GLS reduction of ≥ 15% compared to the baseline value. Left atrial impairment was arbitrary defined as a PALS reduction of ≥ 25% compared to the initial value. Finally, trends of GLS and PALS during 12 months-Follow-up periods were analysed. Results A total of 48.9% patients developed subclinical LV dysfunction. Similarly, 48.3% patients showed a left atrial impairment. Interestingly a significant (P = 0.0001) reduction in GLS was observed during the follow-up, particularly in the first 6 months of treatment. PALS showed a similar trend with a significant decrease during the whole 12 months-follow-up (P = 0.0001) and mostly in the first 6 months. Only 11% patients showed a significant reduction of LVEF defined as an absolute reduction of LVEF &gt;10% from baseline. Conclusions In HER 2 positive breast cancer patients treated with Trastuzumab development of left atrial impairment in not uncommon and PALS modifications follow a similar pattern to GLS variations during the treatment course, suggesting a possible cardiotoxic effect of such therapy on both atrial and left ventricular myocardium and physiology. However, the potential role of an early atrial impairment detection in predicting subsequent cardiotoxicity in terms of significant LVEF reduction still needs to be tested with further studies.

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