Evaluation of right atrial function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and ischemic cardiomyopathy using two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging

Abstract

Objective To evaluate right atrial function in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) and ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) by using two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2D-STI). Methods Study population consisted of 31 patients with IDCM, 30 with ICM and 30 healthy subjects. High frame rate two-dimensional images were recorded from the apical four chamber view. Right atrial global longitudinal strain (GLS) was measured using two-dimensional strain soft ware. Results Compared with the controls, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC), right ventricular fractional shortening (RVFS) and tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity(S') decreased (P<0.05), while right ventricular myocardial performance index(MPI) increased in IDCM and ICM group. There were no significant differences for all above echocardiographic parameters between IDCM and ICM patients. Compared with the controls, right atrial GLS decreased significantly in patients with IDCM and ICM, even much lower in patients with IDCM (P<0.001). Conclusions Measurement of right atrial strain using 2D-STI could be used for the assessment of right atrial dysfunction in patients with ICDM and ICM. Key words: Echocardiography; Cardiomyopathy, dilated; Atrial function, right; Speckle tracking imaging