Layer-specific speckle tracking analysis of left ventricular systolic function and synchrony in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Abstract Background This study investigated the value of layer-specific strain analysis by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) for evaluating left ventricular (LV) systolic function and synchrony in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods A total of 34 MHD patients and 35 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Dynamic images were collected at the LV apical long-axis, the four- and two- chamber, and the LV short-axis views at the basal, middle, and apical segments. The layer-specific speckle tracking (LST) technique was used to analyze the longitudinal strain (LS) and circumferential strain (CS) of LV sub-endocardium, mid-myocardium, sub-epicardium, global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), the LV 17 segment time to peak LS (TTP), and the peak strain dispersion (PSD). The differences in these parameters were compared between control and MHD groups, and the correlation between PSD and each LS parameter was examined. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the efficacy of three myocardial layer LS and CS in the assessment of LV systolic dysfunction in MHD patients. Results MHD patients had comparable left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), but significantly smaller LV GLS, GCS, and three-layer LS and CS compared to the control group. The three myocardial layer LS of the basal segment, middle segment, and apex segment was significantly reduced in the MHD patients compared to the normal subjects, while the three myocardial layer CS of the basal segment, middle segment, and apex segment was significantly reduced in the MHD patients compared to the normal subjects, except for the sub-endocardium of the middle and apex segment. MHD patients had significantly higher TTP of LV 17 segments and PSD compared to controls, and had delayed peak time in most segments. In addition, PSD of MHD patients was positively correlated with sub-endocardial and mid-myocardial LS and GLS, but not with sub-epicardial LS. The area under the curves (AUCs) of sub-endocardial, mid-myocardial, and sub-epicardial LS in MHD patients were 0.894, 0.852, and 0.870, respectively; the AUCs of sub-epicardial, mid-myocardial, and sub-endocardial CS were 0.852, 0.837, and 0.669, respectively. Conclusions LST may detect early changes of all three-layer LS and CS and PSD in MHD patients, and is therefore a valuable tool to diagnose LV systolic dysfunction in MHD patients.

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Layer-specific speckle tracking analysis of left ventricular systolic function and synchrony in maintenance hemodialysis patients

10.21203/rs.2.14616/v2 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Chang Liu ◽

Zining Yan ◽

Li Fan ◽

Jun Huang ◽

Dan Shen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Speckle Tracking ◽

Longitudinal Strain ◽

Circumferential Strain ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Systolic Dysfunction ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Maintenance Hemodialysis ◽

Middle Segment ◽

Basal Segment ◽

Myocardial Layer

Abstract Background: This study investigated the value of layer-specific strain analysis by twodimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) for evaluating left ventricular (LV) systolic function and synchrony in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods: A total of 34 MHD patients and 35 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Dynamic images were collected at the LV apical long-axis, the four- and twochamber, and the LV short-axis views at the basal, middle, apical segments. The layerspecific speckle tracking (LST) was used to analyze the longitudinal strain (LS) and circumferential strain (CS) of LV sub-endocardium, mid-myocardium, subepicardium, global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), the LV 17 segment time to peak LS (TTP), the peak strain dispersion (PSD). The differences in these parameters were compared between control and MHD, and the correlation between PSD and each LS parameter was examined. The receiver operator characteristic curve was used to evaluate the efficacy of three myocardial layer LS and CS in the assessment of LV systolic dysfunction in MHD. Results: MHD had comparable left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), but significantly smaller GLS, GCS, and three-layer LS and CS compared to the control. The three layer LS of the basal segment, middle segment, and apex segment was significantly reduced in the MHD compared to the normal, while the three myocardial layer CS of the basal segment, middle segment, and apex segment was significantly reduced in the MHD compared to the normal, except for the sub-endocardium of middle and apex segment. MHD had significantly higher TTP of LV 17 segments and PSD compared to controls, and had delayed peak time in most segments. In addition, PSD of MHD was positively correlated with subendocardial and mid-myocardial LS and GLS, but not with subepicardial LS. The area under the curves (AUCs) of sub-endocardial, mid-myocardial, and sub-epicardial LS in MHD were 0.894, 0.852, and 0.870, respectively; the AUCs of sub-epicardial, midmyocardial, and sub-endocardial CS were 0.852, 0.837, and 0.669, respectively. Conclusion: LST may detect the early changes of all three-layer LS and CS and PSD in MHD, and is a valuable tool to diagnose LV systolic dysfunction in MHD.

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Layer-specific speckle tracking analysis of left ventricular systolic function and synchrony in maintenance hemodialysis patients

10.21203/rs.2.14616/v3 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Chang Liu ◽

Zining Yan ◽

Li Fan ◽

Jun Huang ◽

Dan Shen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Speckle Tracking ◽

Longitudinal Strain ◽

Circumferential Strain ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Systolic Dysfunction ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Maintenance Hemodialysis ◽

Middle Segment ◽

Basal Segment ◽

Myocardial Layer

Abstract Background: This study investigated the value of layer-specific strain analysis by twodimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) for evaluating left ventricular (LV) systolic function and synchrony in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods: A total of 34 MHD patients and 35 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Dynamic images were collected at the LV apical long-axis, the four- and twochamber, and the LV short-axis views at the basal, middle, apical segments. The layerspecific speckle tracking (LST) was used to analyze the longitudinal strain (LS) and circumferential strain (CS) of LV sub-endocardium, mid-myocardium, subepicardium, global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), the LV 17 segment time to peak LS (TTP), the peak strain dispersion (PSD). The differences in these parameters were compared between control and MHD, and the correlation between PSD and each LS parameter was examined. The receiver operator characteristic curve was used to evaluate the efficacy of three myocardial layer LS and CS in the assessment of LV systolic dysfunction in MHD. Results: MHD had comparable left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), but significantly smaller GLS, GCS, and three-layer LS and CS compared to the control. The three layer LS of the basal segment, middle segment, and apex segment was significantly reduced in the MHD compared to the normal, while the three myocardial layer CS of the basal segment, middle segment, and apex segment was significantly reduced in the MHD compared to the normal, except for the sub-endocardium of middle and apex segment. MHD had significantly higher TTP of LV 17 segments and PSD compared to controls, and had delayed peak time in most segments. In addition, PSD of MHD was positively correlated with subendocardial and mid-myocardial LS and GLS, but not with subepicardial LS. The area under the curves (AUCs) of sub-endocardial, midmyocardial, and sub-epicardial LS in MHD were 0.894, 0.852, and 0.870, respectively; the AUCs of sub-epicardial, midmyocardial, and sub-endocardial CS were 0.852, 0.837, and 0.669, respectively. Conclusion: LST may detect the early changes of all three-layer LS and CS and PSD in MHD, and is a valuable tool to diagnose LV systolic dysfunction in MHD.

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Layer-specific speckle tracking analysis of left ventricular systolic function and synchrony in maintenance hemodialysis patients

10.21203/rs.2.14616/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Chang Liu ◽

Zining Yan ◽

Li Fan ◽

Jun Huang ◽

Dan Shen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Speckle Tracking ◽

Longitudinal Strain ◽

Circumferential Strain ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Systolic Dysfunction ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Maintenance Hemodialysis ◽

Middle Segment ◽

Basal Segment ◽

Myocardial Layer

Abstract Background: This study investigated the value of layer-specific strain analysis by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) for evaluating left ventricular (LV) systolic function and synchrony in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods: A total of 34 MHD patients and 35 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Dynamic images were collected at the LV apical long-axis, the four- and two- chamber, and the LV short-axis views at the basal, middle, apical segments. The layer-specific speckle tracking (LST) was used to analyze the longitudinal strain (LS) and circumferential strain (CS) of LV sub-endocardium, mid-myocardium, sub-epicardium, global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), the LV 17 segment time to peak LS (TTP), the peak strain dispersion (PSD). The differences in these parameters were compared between control and MHD, and the correlation between PSD and each LS parameter was examined. The receiver operator characteristic curve was used to evaluate the efficacy of three myocardial layer LS and CS in the assessment of LV systolic dysfunction in MHD. Results: MHD had comparable left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), but significantly smaller GLS, GCS, and three-layer LS and CS compared to the control. The three layer LS of the basal segment, middle segment, and apex segment was significantly reduced in the MHD compared to the normal, while the three myocardial layer CS of the basal segment, middle segment, and apex segment was significantly reduced in the MHD compared to the normal, except for the sub-endocardium of middle and apex segment. MHD had significantly higher TTP of LV 17 segments and PSD compared to controls, and had delayed peak time in most segments. In addition, PSD of MHD was positively correlated with sub-endocardial and mid-myocardial LS and GLS, but not with sub-epicardial LS. The area under the curves (AUCs) of sub-endocardial, mid-myocardial, and sub-epicardial LS in MHD were 0.894, 0.852, and 0.870, respectively; the AUCs of sub-epicardial, mid-myocardial, and sub-endocardial CS were 0.852, 0.837, and 0.669, respectively. Conclusion: LST may detect the early changes of all three-layer LS and CS and PSD in MHD, and is a valuable tool to diagnose LV systolic dysfunction in MHD.

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Evaluation of Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients with Isolated Mitral Valve Stenosis Using Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

European Heart Journal Supplements ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/suab069.007 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (Supplement_D) ◽

Author(s):

Mohamed ElGendi ◽

Mohamed Ayman ◽

Mohamed Sadaka ◽

Gehan Magdi

Keyword(s):

Speckle Tracking ◽

Longitudinal Strain ◽

Circumferential Strain ◽

Speckle Tracking Echocardiography ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Systolic Dysfunction ◽

Mean Value ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

2D Speckle Tracking ◽

Lv Systolic Function

Abstract Aim The aim was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) systolic function in patients with isolated mitral stenosis (MS) using 2D speckle tracking echocardiography. Methods 24 patients (39.50 ± 5.55 years, 17 females) with isolated MS (MVA: 1.35 ± 0.16 cm2) with preserved LV systolic function and sinus rhythm were compared to 12 matched healthy control subjects (36.42 ± 5.99 years, 8 females). Conventional echocardiography was performed to both groups. Longitudinal strain and Circumferential strain echocardiography were obtained. Peak systolic strain was measured from the mean strain proﬁle for a total of 17 segments of the LV for the longitudinal strain and 16 segments for the circumferential strain. Global longitudinal (G.L.) and circumferential strain (G.C.) were calculated separately as the average of the sum of the studied segments. Results The global longitudinal strain of the cases group ranged from -11 – -17% with a mean value of -14.67 ± -1.69% and that of the control group ranged from -15 – -20% with a mean value of -17.83 ± -1.53% with a statistically significant difference between the two groups. In our study, there was a negative but non-significant correlation between LV GLSS and LA diameter (r = -0.054, p = 0.802), Echo score (r = -0.018, p = 0.933) and PASP (r = 0.021, p = 0.922) in patients group. Also, the correlation was negative but non-significant between LV GCSS and LA diameter (r = -0.142, p = 0.507), Echo score (r = -0.200, p = 0.349) and PASP (r = -0.155, p = 0.471) in patients group. Conclusion • 2D speckle tracking echocardiography can detect subclinical LV systolic dysfunction which cannot be recognized by 2D conventional echocardiography. • Isolated rheumatic MS may be associated with subclinical LV systolic dysfunction.

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Comparison of left ventricular systolic function by 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography between normal pregnant women and pregnant women with preeclampsia

Journal of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Research ◽

10.15171/jcvtr.2019.50 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 309-313

Author(s):

Atoosa Mostafavi ◽

Yaser Tase Zar ◽

Farahnaz Nikdoust ◽

Seyed Abdolhossein Tabatabaei

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Speckle Tracking ◽

Circumferential Strain ◽

Speckle Tracking Echocardiography ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Ventricular Systolic Function ◽

2D Speckle Tracking ◽

The Mean ◽

The Right

Introduction: In light of previous studies reporting the significant effects of preeclampsia on cardiac dimensions, we sought to evaluate changes in the left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic functions in patients with preeclampsia with a view to investigating changes in cardiac strain. <br /> Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated healthy pregnant women and pregnant women suffering from preeclampsia who were referred to our hospital for routine healthcare services. LV strain was measured by 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography. <br /> Results: Compared with the healthy group, echocardiography in the group with preeclampsia showed a significant increase in the LV end-diastolic diameter (47.43 ± 4.94 mm vs 44.84 ± 4.30 mm; P = 0.008), the LV end-systolic diameter (31.16 ± 33.3 mm vs 29.20 ± 3.75 mm; P = 0.008), and the right ventricular diameter (27.93 ± 1.71 mm vs 24.53 ± 23.3; P = 0.001). The mean global longitudinal strain was -18.69 ± 2.8 in the group with preeclampsia and -19.39 ± 3.49 in the healthy group, with the difference not constituting statistical significance (P = 0.164). The mean global circumferential strain in the groups with and without preeclampsia was -20.4 ± 12.4 and -22.68 ± 5.50, respectively, which was significantly lower in the preeclampsia group (P = 0.028).<br /> Conclusion: The development of preeclampsia was associated with an increase in the right and left ventricular diameters, as well as a decrease in the ventricular systolic function, demonstrated by a decline in global circumferential strain.

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Progression of Left Ventricular Myocardial Dysfunction in Systemic Sclerosis: A Speckle-tracking Strain Echocardiography Study

The Journal of Rheumatology ◽

10.3899/jrheum.171207 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 46 (4) ◽

pp. 405-415 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Suzanne E. van Wijngaarden ◽

Samira Ben Said-Bouyeri ◽

Maarten K. Ninaber ◽

Tom W.J. Huizinga ◽

Martin J. Schalij ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Muscle Weakness ◽

Speckle Tracking ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Systolic Dysfunction ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Proximal Muscle Weakness ◽

Proximal Muscle ◽

Lv Ejection Fraction ◽

Lv Diastolic Dysfunction ◽

Echocardiographic Speckle Tracking

Objective.Cardiac involvement is a main cause of mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Its detection remains challenging using conventional echocardiography and little is known about its potential progression. This study assessed changes in cardiac performance over time in a prospective cohort of patients with SSc, including echocardiographic speckle-tracking strain analysis.Methods.The study included 234 patients with SSc [196 women, age 52 ± 14 yrs, 165 limited SSc, time since diagnosis 5.2 yrs, interquartile range (IQR) 2.9–11.3]. Clinical variables, laboratory tests, pulmonary function tests, and echocardiographic measures were recorded at baseline and followup (median 2.3 yrs, IQR 1.3–3.9). Additionally, left ventricular (LV) systolic function was assessed with global longitudinal strain (GLS) by echocardiographic speckle-tracking analysis.Results.At followup, GLS had significantly worsened (−21% ± 2 vs −19% ± 2, p < 0.001) while LV ejection fraction had not changed (62% ± 7 vs 61% ± 8, p = 0.124). In particular, 39 patients showed a significant deterioration of GLS as defined by a ≥ 15% decrease, which was accompanied by a concomitant worsening of proximal muscle weakness, lung fibrosis, renal function, LV diastolic function, and right ventricular systolic function. Baseline variables associated with ≥ 15% deterioration in GLS were proximal muscle weakness (OR 3.437, 95% CI 1.13–10.43, p = 0.020), decreased DLCO (OR 3.621, 95% CI 1.25–10.51, p = 0.049), and LV diastolic dysfunction (OR 2.378, 95% CI 1.07–5.27, p = 0.033).Conclusion.In patients with SSc, progression of LV systolic dysfunction was demonstrated by GLS but not by LV ejection fraction. Proximal muscle weakness, DLCO, and LV diastolic dysfunction may identify patients at risk for progressive LV systolic dysfunction and in need of closer cardiac monitoring.

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Left ventricular systolic function impairment in children after balloon valvuloplasty for congenital aortic stenosis assessed by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0248862 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. e0248862

Author(s):

Krzysztof Godlewski ◽

Paweł Dryżek ◽

Elżbieta Sadurska ◽

Bożena Werner

Keyword(s):

Strain Rate ◽

Speckle Tracking ◽

Longitudinal Strain ◽

Circumferential Strain ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Global Longitudinal Strain ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Strain And Strain Rate ◽

Eccentric Hypertrophy

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.

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Assessment of left ventricular function and peripheral vascular arterial stiffness in patients with dipper and non-dipper hypertension

Journal of Investigative Medicine ◽

10.1136/jim-2017-000513 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 66 (2) ◽

pp. 319-324 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Yan Chen ◽

Ju-Hua Liu ◽

Zhe Zhen ◽

Yuan Zuo ◽

Qingshan Lin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Arterial Stiffness ◽

High Blood Pressure ◽

Speckle Tracking ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Systolic Dysfunction ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Strain Analysis ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Increased Risk

A non-dipper pattern of high blood pressure is associated with increased risk of organ damage and cardiovascular disease in patients with hypertension. The aim of the study was to evaluate the left ventricular (LV) remodeling and function and arterial stiffness in a dipper/non-dipper pattern of high blood pressure in patients with hypertension. A total of 183 hypertensive patients with no history of adverse cardiovascular events were divided into two groups based on 24 hours ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM): 66 patients with a dipper pattern and 117 patients with non-dipper pattern. Detailed transthoracic echocardiogram was performed and analyzed with advance speckle tracking 3-orthogonal direction strain analysis to assess LV systolic function and tissue Doppler-derived E/E′ for LV diastolic function assessment. Cardio ankle vascular index (CAVI) was used to evaluate arterial stiffness. Compared with patients with dipper hypertension, those with non-dipper hypertension had increased LV mass index, higher prevalence of eccentric and concentric LV hypertrophy, more impaired LV diastolic and systolic function and peripheral arterial stiffness. Multivariable analysis revealed that a non-dipper pattern was independently associated with LV systolic dysfunction evaluated by speckle tracking-derived strain analysis. In conclusion, a non-dipper pattern of hypertension is an independent risk factor for LV systolic dysfunction. Treatment that could reverse this non-dipper pattern may reduce cardiac damage in these patients.

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Subclinical LV Dysfunction Detection Using Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Hypertensive Patients with Preserved LV Ejection Fraction

Clinical Medicine Insights Cardiology ◽

10.4137/cmc.s38407 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

pp. CMC.S38407 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Amal Mohamed Ayoub ◽

Viola William Keddeas ◽

Yasmin Abdelrazek Ali ◽

Reham Atef El Okl

Keyword(s):

Ejection Fraction ◽

Speckle Tracking ◽

Longitudinal Strain ◽

Speckle Tracking Echocardiography ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Systolic Dysfunction ◽

Global Longitudinal Strain ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Control Group ◽

Hypertensive Patients

Background Early detection of subclinical left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in hypertensive patients is important for the prevention of progression of hypertensive heart disease. Methods We studied 60 hypertensive patients (age ranged from 21 to 49 years, the duration of hypertension ranged from 1 to 18 years) and 30 healthy controls, all had preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), detected by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). Results There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding ejection fraction (EF) by Simpson's method. Systolic velocity was significantly higher in the control group, and global longitudinal strain was significantly higher in the control group compared with the hypertensive group. In the hypertensive group, 23 of 60 patients had less negative global longitudinal strain than −19.1, defined as reduced systolic function, which is detected by 2D-STE (subclinical systolic dysfunction), when compared with 3 of 30 control subjects. Conclusion 2D-STE detected substantial impairment of LV systolic function in hypertensive patients with preserved LVEF, which identifies higher risk subgroups for earlier medical intervention.

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Catecholamines Induce Left Ventricular Subclinical Systolic Dysfunction: A Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography Study

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers11030318 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 318 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jan Kvasnička ◽

Tomáš Zelinka ◽

Ondřej Petrák ◽

Ján Rosa ◽

Branislav Štrauch ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Speckle Tracking ◽

Speckle Tracking Echocardiography ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Systolic Dysfunction ◽

Global Longitudinal Strain ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Lv Function ◽

Echocardiographic Parameters ◽

Lv Systolic Function ◽

Lower Magnitude

Background: Pheochromocytomas (PHEO) are tumors arising from chromaffin cells from the adrenal medulla, having the ability to produce, metabolize and secrete catecholamines. The overproduction of catecholamines leads by many mechanisms to the impairment in the left ventricle (LV) function, however, endocardial measurement of systolic function did not find any differences between patients with PHEO and essential hypertension (EH). The aim of the study was to investigate whether global longitudinal strain (GLS) derived from speckle-tracking echocardiography can detect catecholamine-induced subclinical impairments in systolic function. Methods: We analyzed 17 patients (10 females and seven males) with PHEO and 18 patients (nine females and nine males) with EH. The groups did not differ in age or in 24-h blood pressure values. Results: The patients with PHEO did not differ in echocardiographic parameters including LV ejection fraction compared to the EH patients (0.69 ± 0.04 vs. 0.71 ± 0.05; NS), nevertheless, in spackle-tracking analysis, the patients with PHEO displayed significantly lower GLS than the EH patients (−14.8 ± 1.5 vs. −17.8 ± 1.7; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with PHEO have a lower magnitude of GLS than the patients with EH, suggesting that catecholamines induce a subclinical decline in LV systolic function.

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