Assessment Of Global Longitudinal Strain Research Articles

Atrial fibrillation per se was a major determinant of global left ventricular longitudinal systolic strain.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) may cause systolic abnormality via inadequate diastolic filling and tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a very sensitive method for detecting subtle left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate whether AF patients had a more impaired GLS, AF was a major determinant of GLS, and determine the major correlates of GLS in AF patients.The study included 137 patients with persistent AF and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) above 50% and 137 non-AF patients matched according to age, gender, and LVEF. Comprehensive echocardiography with GLS assessment was performed for all cases.Compared with non-AF patients, AF patients had a more impaired GLS, a larger left atrial volume index, higher transmitral E wave velocity (E), and early diastolic mitral velocity (Ea) (all P < 0.001) but comparable E/Ea. After adjustment for baseline and echocardiographic characteristics, the presence of AF remained significantly associated with impaired GLS (β = 0.533, P < 0.001). In addition, multivariate analysis of AF patients indicated that faster heart rates and decreased E, Ea, and LVEF were associated with more impaired GLS.This study demonstrated that AF patients had a more impaired GLS than non-AF patients, although LVEF was comparable between the 2 groups. AF was a major determinant of GLS even after adjustment for relevant clinical and echocardiographic parameters.

Abstract 12217: A Hierarchical Model for Stage B Heart Failure Screening- Results of a Classification and Regression-Based Decision Tree

Purpose: In pts with stage A heart failure (SAHF), the identification of stage B HF relies on echo, but application of this to community based screening is limited by access and cost. We sought to use clinical characteristics and functional capacity to select at risk subjects for echo. Methods: 308 asymptomatic subjects ≥65 years with the presence of ≥ 1 HF risk factor (hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obesity, previous chemotherapy, family history of heart failure and history of cardiac disease but not in HF) were recruited from the local community. All subjects underwent baseline risk quantification using ARIC risk score, functional assessment by 6 minute-walk test (6MW) and a comprehensive echocardiogram including conventional diastology and speckle tracking analysis for global longitudinal strain (GLS) and diastolic strain (DS). New HF was assessed at 14±4 m, based on 3 independent cardiologists using Framingham criteria. A classification and regression-based decision tree (CART) was built using baseline characteristics as independent variables. Results: In the CART model, a 3-level decision tree model was chosen to predict 19 pts (6%) who developed new HF at 1 year. The best predictor was 6MW followed by ARIC risk score (Figure). Using this model, 190 individuals (6MW≤330, or ARIC score&gt;4.75%) were classified as high risk (9.5% events) and 118 (38%) were classified as low risk (0.8% events). GLS, DS and conventional diastolic measures (e’, E/e’) were significantly impaired in the high risk group (Figure). The AUC of the combined CART model with GLS was 0.72 (95% CI: 0.62-0.82, p=0.001) for new HF. Conclusion: Pts with SAHF with low HF risk and preserved exercise capacity have preserved LV function and a low event rate. GLS assessment in SAHF may be considered in pts with &gt;4.75% 4 year risk, or 6MW≤330m.

Global longitudinal strain software upgrade: Implications for intervendor consistency and longitudinal imaging studies

Speckle tracking can be used to measure left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS). To study the effect of speckle tracking software product upgrades on GLS values and intervendor consistency. Subjects (patients or healthy volunteers) underwent systematic echocardiography with equipment from Philips and GE, without a change in their position. Off-line post-processing for GLS assessment was performed with the former and most recent upgrades from these two vendors (Philips QLAB 9.0 and 10.2; GE EchoPAC 12.1 and 13.1.1). GLS was obtained in three myocardial layers with EchoPAC 13.1.1. Intersoftware and intervendor consistency was assessed. Interobserver variability was tested in a subset of patients. Among 73 subjects (65 patients and 8 healthy volunteers), absolute values of GLS were higher with QLAB 10.2 compared with 9.0 (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]: 0.88; bias: 2.2%). Agreement between EchoPAC 13.1.1 and 12.1 varied by myocardial layer (13.1.1 only): midwall (ICC: 0.95; bias: -1.1%), endocardium (ICC: 0.93; bias: 1.6%) and epicardial (ICC: 0.80; bias: -3.3%). Although GLS was comparable for QLAB 9.0 versus EchoPAC 12.1 (ICC: 0.95; bias: 0.5%), the agreement was lower between QLAB 10.2 and EchoPAC 13.1.1 endocardial (ICC: 0.91; bias: 1.1%), midwall (ICC: 0.73; bias: 3.9%) and epicardial (ICC: 0.54; bias: 6.0%). Interobserver variability of all software products in a subset of 20 patients was excellent (ICC: 0.97-0.99; bias: -0.8 to 1.0%). Upgrades of speckle tracking software may be associated with significant changes in GLS values, which could affect intersoftware and intervendor consistency. This finding has important clinical implications for the longitudinal follow-up of patients with speckle tracking echocardiography.

Speckle tracking analysis allows sensitive detection of stress cardiomyopathy in severe aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients.

Stress cardiomyopathy is a common life-threatening complication after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We hypothesized that left ventricular (LV) longitudinal strain alterations assessed with speckle tracking could identify early systolic function impairment. This was an observational single-center prospective pilot controlled study conducted in a neuro-intensive care unit. Forty-six patients with severe SAH with a World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade (WFNS) ≥ III were included. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed on day 1, day 3, and day 7 after the patient's admission. A cardiologist blinded to the patient's management analyzed the LV global longitudinal strain (GLS). The control group comprised normal subjects matched according to gender and age. On day 1 median (25th-75th percentile) GLS was clearly impaired in SAH patients compared to controls [-16.7 (-18.7/-13.7) % versus -20 (-22/-19) %, p < 0.0001], whereas LVEF was preserved [65 (59-70) %]. GLS was severely impaired in patients with a WFNS score of V versus III-IV [-15.6 (-16.9/-12.3) % versus -17.8 (-20.6/-15.8) %, p = 0.008]. Seventeen (37 %) patients had a severe GLS alteration (>- 16 %). In these patients, GLS improved from day 1 [-12.4 (-14.8/-10.9) %] to last evaluation [-16.2 (-19/-14.6) %, p = 0.0007] in agreement with the natural evolution of stress cardiomyopathy. On the basis of LV GLS assessment, we demonstrated for the first time that myocardial alteration compatible with a stress cardiomyopathy is detectable in up to 37 % of patients with severe SAH while LVEF is preserved. GLS could be used for sensitive detection of stress cardiomyopathy. This is critical because cardiac impairment remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality after SAH.

Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction by Longitudinal Strain Is an Independent Predictor of Incident Atrial Fibrillation: A Community-Based Cohort Study.

The increasing prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) represents a public health issue. Identifying new predictors of AF is therefore necessary to plan preventive strategies. We investigated whether left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction by global longitudinal strain (GLS), a predictor of cardiovascular events, may predict new-onset AF in a population setting. Participants (n=675; mean age, 71±9 years; 60% women) in sinus rhythm from the population-based Northern Manhattan Study (NOMAS) underwent 2- and 3-dimensional echocardiography as part of the Cardiac Abnormalities and Brain Lesions (CABL) study. LV systolic function was assessed by LV ejection fraction and speckle-tracking GLS. During a mean follow-up of 63.6±18.7 months, 32 (4.7%) new confirmed cases of AF occurred. Lower GLS (adjusted hazard ratio/unit decrease, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.43; P=0.015) and increased left atrial volume index (LAVi; adjusted hazard ratio/unit increase, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.17; P<0.001) were significantly associated with incident AF, whereas LV ejection fraction was not (P=0.176). Abnormal GLS (>-14.7%) was associated with risk of new-onset AF with an adjusted hazard ratio of 3.2 (95% confidence interval, 1.4-7.5; P=0.007). The coexistence of abnormal GLS/abnormal LAVi was associated with a 28.6% incidence of AF (adjusted hazard ratio, 12.1; 95% confidence interval, 3.3-44.8; P<0.001) compared with participants with normal GLS/normal LAVi (AF incidence, 2.0%). AF incidence was intermediate in those with either abnormal GLS or abnormal LAVi (9.3% and 11.1%, respectively). GLS prognostic value for incident AF was incremental over risk factors and LAVi. LV systolic dysfunction by GLS was a powerful and independent predictor of incident AF. GLS assessment may improve AF risk stratification in addition to established parameters.

The role of echocardiography in heart failure.

Data from echocardiography provide a cornerstone in the management of heart failure. All imaging techniques can provide an ejection fraction, but the versatility of echocardiography makes it unique in the provision of volumes, diastolic function, right ventricular function, hemodynamics, and valvular regurgitation. The early detection of heart failure has been facilitated by the assessment of global longitudinal strain, which is also useful in later heart failure for the assessment of left ventricular synchrony. The use of echocardiography has been associated with favorable outcomes, probably on the basis of facilitation of appropriate therapy. This review examines the evidence provided by echocardiography and its application in specific settings. Although the guidelines emphasize that no single test satisfies all imaging requirements in heart failure, and other modalities can provide additional information about specific questions (especially tissue characterization), echocardiography is indispensable in the management of heart failure.

Practical Guidance in Echocardiographic Assessment of Global Longitudinal Strain

there has been increasing interest in the measurement of global myocardial strain because it is a sensitive and robust index to detect subclinical myocardial dysfunction, with a defined normal range [(1)][1]. Numerous commercially-available versions of speckle tracking software are available for

Global longitudinal strain as a potential prognostic marker in patients with chronic heart failure and systolic dysfunction

Introduction and objectiveThe prognostic value of myocardium deformation measurements in chronic heart failure (CHF) is still poorly addressed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation of left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) with clinical and prognostic indicators in patients with CHF and systolic dysfunction. MethodsAmbulatory patients with CHF and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) <45% were studied by two-dimensional and Doppler transthoracic echocardiogram with assessment of GLS. An indication of prognostic status was obtained by the Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM) prognostic estimates for life expectancy. ResultsWe included 54 CHF patients (mean age 55±12 years; 80% male). GLS was significantly correlated with NYHA functional class (r=0.41, p=0.002), BNP levels (r=0.47, p=0.001), LVEF (r=−0.69, p<0.001) and LV end-diastolic pressure, assessed by E/e’ ratio (r=0.35, p<0.014) and left atrial maximal volume index (r=0.57, p<0.001). A significant correlation was found between GLS and SHFM prognostic estimates for life expectancy (r=−0.41, p=0.002). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that GLS independently predicted an estimated life expectancy <10 years (OR 2.614 [95% CI 1.010–6.763]). The corresponding area under the ROC curve was 0.802 (0.653–0.951) and the best obtained threshold was −9.5 (80% sensitivity, 65% specificity, p=0.003). ConclusionsGLS was strongly associated with a higher disease severity status and predicted a lower prognostic estimate for life expectancy.

Global longitudinal strain as a potential prognostic marker in patients with chronic heart failure and systolic dysfunction

Introduction and objectiveThe prognostic value of myocardium deformation measurements in chronic heart failure (CHF) is still poorly addressed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation of left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) with clinical and prognostic indicators in patients with CHF and systolic dysfunction. MethodsAmbulatory patients with CHF and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) <45% were studied by two-dimensional and Doppler transthoracic echocardiogram with assessment of GLS. An indication of prognostic status was obtained by the Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM) prognostic estimates for life expectancy. ResultsWe included 54 CHF patients (mean age 55±12 years; 80% male). GLS was significantly correlated with NYHA functional class (r=0.41, p=0.002), BNP levels (r=0.47, p=0.001), LVEF (r=−0.69, p<0.001) and LV end-diastolic pressure, assessed by E/e’ ratio (r=0.35, p<0.014) and left atrial maximal volume index (r=0.57, p<0.001). A significant correlation was found between GLS and SHFM prognostic estimates for life expectancy (r=−0.41, p=0.002). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that GLS independently predicted an estimated life expectancy <10 years (OR 2.614 [95% CI 1.010–6.763]). The corresponding area under the ROC curve was 0.802 (0.653–0.951) and the best obtained threshold was −9.5 (80% sensitivity, 65% specificity, p=0.003). ConclusionsGLS was strongly associated with a higher disease severity status and predicted a lower prognostic estimate for life expectancy.

Global longitudinal strain at baseline is a marker of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy

Purpose: Pre-implant predictors of ventricular arrhythmia (VA) are not fully investigated in patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). A sensitive marker of VA in these patients will be valuable for correct choice of CRT type, with or without a cardioverter defibrillator (CRT-D). We aimed to explore if assessment of left ventricular (LV) function by speckle tracking strain echocardiography could predict VA in heart failure patients eligible for CRT. Methods: We investigated heart failure patients with left bundle branch block treated with CRT. Echocardiography was performed before CRT-implantation and after 6 months (CRT turned on). Systolic myocardial function was assessed as LV ejection fraction (EF) by Simpson biplane method and global longitudinal strain (GLS) using speckle tracking technique. VA was defined as non-sustained ventricular tachycardia or appropriate anti-tachycardia pacing or shock during 2 years follow-up from CRT-implantation. Results: We included 73 heart failure patients (NYHA class 2.8±0.4, EF 28±9%), 44% with ischemic and 56% with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. VA was documented in 19 patients (26%). LV function by GLS was lower in patients with VA compared to those without VA during 2 years follow-up, both at baseline (-6.3±4 vs. -8.8±4%, p=0.03) and at 6 months (-5.9±6 vs. -9.7±5%, p=0.01). EF was not a marker of VA during 2 years follow-up, neither at baseline (26±10 vs. 29±9%, p=0.26) nor at 6 months (36±8 vs. 41±12%, p=0.18). Conclusions: In our study LV function by GLS was a marker of subsequent VA in heart failure patients receiving CRT, while EF was not. Our results suggest that EF measurement alone is not adequate for risk prediction of VA. Assessment of GLS might be considered as part of decision making for correct choice of CRT.

Prediction of All-Cause Mortality and Heart Failure Admissions From Global Left Ventricular Longitudinal Strain in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction and Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

This study sought to test the hypothesis that semiautomated calculation of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) can identify high-risk subjects among patients with myocardial infarctions (MIs) with leftventricular ejection fractions (LVEFs) >40%. LVEF is a key determinant in decision making after acute MI, yet it is relatively indiscriminant within the normal range. Novel echocardiographic deformation parameters may be of particular clinical relevance in patients with relatively preserved LVEFs. Patients with MIs and LVEFs >40% within 48 h of admission for coronary angiography were prospectively included. All patients underwent echocardiography with semiautomated measurement of GLS. The primary composite endpoint (all-cause mortality and hospitalization for heart failure) was analyzed using Cox regression analyses. The secondary endpoints were cardiac death and heart failure hospitalization. A total of 849 patients (mean age 61.9 ± 12.0 years, 73% men) were included, and 57 (6.7%) reached the primary endpoint (median follow-up 30 months). Significant prognostic value was found for GLS (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10 to 1.32; p< 0.001). GLS >-14% was associated with a 3-fold increase in risk for the combined endpoint (HR: 3.21; 95% CI: 1.82 to 5.67; p< 0.001). After adjustment for other variables, GLS remained independently related to the combined endpoint (HR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.26; p= 0.007). For the secondary endpoints, GLS >-14% was significantly associated with cardiovascular death (HR: 12.7; 95% CI: 3.0 to 54.6; p< 0.001) and heart failure hospitalization (HR: 5.31; 95% CI: 1.50 to 18.82; p< 0.001). Assessment of GLS using a semiautomated algorithm provides important prognostic information in patients with LVEFs >40% above and beyond traditional indexes of high-risk MI.

Feasibility of 3D Speckle Tracking in the Assessment of Global Longitudinal Strain in a Cohort of Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis

Feasibility of 3D Speckle Tracking in the Assessment of Global Longitudinal Strain in a Cohort of Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis

Incremental Prognostic Value of Assessing Left Ventricular Myocardial Mechanics in Patients With Chronic Systolic Heart Failure

This study sought to examine the ability of left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) to assess disease severity in patients with chronic systolic heart failure (HF). Left ventricular GLS is a sensitive measure of LV mechanics. Its relationship with standard clinical markers and long-term adverse events in chronic systolic HF is not well established. In 194 chronic systolic HF patients, we performed comprehensive echocardiography with assessment of GLS by velocity vector imaging averaged from apical 4-chamber and 2-chamber views. Death, cardiac transplantation, and HF hospitalization were tracked for 5 years. In our study cohort (age 57 ± 14 years, left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 26 ± 6%, median N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP] 1,158 pg/ml), the mean GLS was -7.1 ± 3.3%. The GLS worsened with increasing New York Heart Association functional class (rank-sum p < 0.0001) and higher NT-proBNP (r = 0.42, p < 0.0001). The GLS correlated with LV cardiac structure (LV mass index: r = 0.35, p < 0.0001; LV end-diastolic volume index: r = 0.43, p < 0.0001) and LVEF (r = -0.66, p < 0.0001). A lower magnitude of GLS was associated with worsening LV diastolic function (E/e' septal: r = 0.33, p < 0.0001), right ventricular (RV) systolic function (RV s': r = -0.30, p < 0.0001), and RV diastolic function (RV e'/a': r = 0.16, p = 0.033). GLS predicted long-term adverse events (hazard ratio: 1.55, 95% confidence interval: 1.21 to 2.00; p < 0.001). Worsening strain (GLS ≥-6.95%) predicted adverse events after adjustment for age, sex, ischemic etiology, E/e' septal, and NT-proBNP (hazard ratio: 2.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.09 to 3.94; p = 0.025) and age, sex, ischemic etiology, and LVEF (hazard ratio: 2.15, 95% confidence interval: 1.19 to 4.02; p = 0.011). In chronic systolic HF, worsening LV GLS is associated with more severe LV diastolic dysfunction and RV systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and provides incremental prognostic value to LVEF.

Relationship between Left Ventricular Longitudinal Deformation and Clinical Heart Failure during Admission for Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Two-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Study

Heart failure (HF) complicating acute myocardial infarction (MI) is an ominous prognostic sign frequently caused by left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. However, many patients develop HF despite preserved LV ejection fractions. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that LV longitudinal function is a stronger marker of in-hospital HF than traditional echocardiographic indices. A total of 548 patients with acute MIs were evaluated (mean age, 63.2 ± 11.7 years; 71.6% men). Within 48 hours of admission, comprehensive echocardiography with assessment of global longitudinal strain (GLS) was performed, along with measurements of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide. A total 89 patients (16.2%) had in-hospital HF assessed by Killip class > 1 in whom GLS was significantly impaired compared with patients without in-hospital HF (Killip class 1) (-14.6 ± 3.3% vs -10.1 ± 3.5%, P < .0001). In stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis including age, known HF, three-vessel disease, involvement of the left anterior descending coronary artery, episodes of atrial fibrillation, renal function, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, troponin T level, LV ejection fraction, wall motion score index, and diastolic dysfunction indices, GLS emerged as the strongest marker of clinical HF (odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33-1.62; P < .0001). GLS remained independently associated with in-hospital HF in patients with LV ejection fractions > 40% (odds ratio, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.14-1.54; P < .05) and improved the C-statistic over other important covariates significantly (0.87 [95% CI, 0.82-0.91] vs 0.82 [95% CI, 0.76-0.89], P= .02). Global longitudinal function assessed by GLS is significantly impaired in patients with MIs with in-hospital HF, and multivariate analysis suggests that reduced GLS is the single most powerful marker of manifest LV hemodynamic deterioration in the acute phase of MI.

Prognostic Value of Serial Global Longitudinal Strain Measured by Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

The aim of this study was to determine whether assessment of global longitudinal strain (GLS) before revascularization could predict adverse cardiac events after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In addition, the relation between GLS and cardiac biomarkers was investigated. From July 2006 through December 2009, 98 patients with first STEMI underwent conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography at initial presentation and 3 days after primary coronary intervention. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to percent changes of GLS compared to baseline GLS values: group 1, improved GLS >10%; group 2, unchanged GLS from -10% to 10%; and group 3, decreased GLS <-10%. Subsequent complications including all-cause mortality and readmission because of congestive heart failure during a 6-month period of follow-up were prospectively evaluated. After coronary intervention, GLS was improved in 29 patients (30%, group 1), unchanged in 55 patients (56%, group 2), and worsened in 14 patients (14%, group 3). Complications developed in 7 patients (group 1, n = 0, 0%; group 2, n = 2, 28%; group 3, n = 5, 72%, p <0.01). Multivariate Cox analysis showed an independent association of GLS before and after coronary intervention with subsequent complications. Significant correlations were observed between GLS and cardiac biomarkers. In conclusion, GLS assessment before coronary intervention was a good predictor of complications in patients with STEMI comparable to predictions using GLS after intervention at 6-month follow-up.

Relation Between Global Left Ventricular Longitudinal Strain Assessed with Novel Automated Function Imaging and Biplane Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Automated function imaging (AFI) is a novel algorithm based on speckle-tracking imaging that can be used for assessment of global longitudinal strain of the left ventricle. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation between global longitudinal peak systolic strain average (GLPSS Avg) assessed by AFI and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The study population consisted of 222 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease (99 patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI] and 123 patients with advanced ischemic heart failure) and 20 age-matched controls. LVEF was calculated by Simpson's rule. The GLPSS Avg was obtained by AFI. In the overall study group (65 +/- 10 years, 77% were men), mean GLPSS Avg was 11.1% +/- 4.8% and mean LVEF was 37% +/- 14%. Linear regression analysis showed a good correlation between GLPSS Avg and biplane LVEF for the overall study population (r = 0.83; P < .001). However, in patients with STEMI or heart failure the correlations were less strong (r = 0.42 and r = 0.62, both P < .001). Systolic global longitudinal strain assessed by AFI was linearly related to biplane LVEF. In patients with STEMI or heart failure, less strong correlations were observed, suggesting that these 2 parameters reflect different aspects of systolic left ventricular function.