Abstract 14147: Septal Longitudinal Strain Predicts Long-Term Mortality in Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Abstract

Background Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with an increased risk of short- and long-term mortality. Since interventricular septal systolic function contributes to a third of right ventricular (RV) cardiac output, we sought to investigate the potential value of septal strain in PE. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted with acute pulmonary embolism. Patients underwent echocardiography during admission and included left ventricular (LV) speckle tracking, by which global longitudinal strain (GLS) and regional strain were acquired. Multivariable adjustments were made for age, sex, simplified PE index (sPESI), abnormal cardiac biomarkers (troponin or proBNP) and RV systolic function. The endpoint was all-cause death. Results The cohort consisted of 186 patients (mean age 68 years, 54% men), of whom 49 (26%) died during a median follow up of 3.5 years (IQR: 2.9-6.7 years). All LV systolic measures were univariable predictors of death (LVEF: HR: 1.04 (1.02-1.06), per 1% decrease; GLS: HR: 1.15 (1.07-1.22), per 1% absolute decrease; septal strain: HR: 1.15 (1.08-1.23), per 1% absolute decrease] (figure). RV systolic function was also associated with death [TAPSE: HR: 1.06 (1.01-1.12), per 1mm decrease). After multivariable adjustments, only septal strain remained significantly associated with outcome (HR: 1.09 (1.01-1.19), p=0.029, per 1% absolute decrease). Furthermore, septal strain significantly increased C-statistics when added to a base model of sPESI score, abnormal biomarkers and presence of hypotension (base model C-stat: 0.76; base model and septal strain C-stat: 0.83, p for increment = 0.006). Conclusion Septal strain is associated with death in acute PE and provides prognostic information beyond conventional risk assessment.