Left ventricular longitudinal strain: a useful tool in the evaluation of patients with Takotsubo syndrome

Abstract

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction In contrast with the usual type of Takotsubo syndrome (TS), where apical wall motion abnormality occurs, the less common patterns (mid-ventricular, basal, and focal) are often misdiagnosed. Purpose In this retrospective study we examined the role of global (GLS) and territorial longitudinal strain with speckle tracking in the evaluation of patients with TS. Methods Patients with TS were examined at the echocardiography laboratory of our general hospital, from August 2019 until August 2022. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and GLS were calculated and territorial longitudinal strain was assessed. Results Out of 21 patients with TS (19 females), of median age 67.5 years (range 33.0 – 87.0 years), 11 (52.4%) had apical distribution, 6 (28.6%) mid-ventricular, 2 (9.5%) basal and 2 (9.5%) focal. Of those, 3 were excluded from the study due to insufficient echocardiographic image quality. Patients with apical pattern had median LVEF 37% (range 23–51%) and GLS −7.6% (−5.8 to −12.5%), patients with mid-ventricular pattern had median LVEF 40% (35–50%) and GLS −14.2% (−9.3 to −16.5%) and patients with basal pattern had median LVEF 52% (47–56%) and GLS −16.5% (−14.6 to −18.4%). In the first case of focal distribution, wall motion abnormality was found at the anterior septal wall, and LVEF was calculated 46% and GLS −12.8%. In the second case, abnormality was found at the inferoposterior wall and LVEF was calculated 56% and GLS −17.3%. Patients with apical TS had median strain of basal territory −11.7%, mid territory −3.7% and apical territory +3.6%. Patients with mid ventricular TS had median strain of basal territory −10.2%, mid territory −6.5% and apical territory −19.7%. Patients with basal TS had median strain of basal territory −4.3%, mid territory −16.4% and apical territory −29.1%. Conclusion GLS and territorial longitudinal strain reflect the reduction in left ventricular systolic function and the distribution of wall motion abnormalities in patients with TS, which further supports the initial diagnosis.