Left Atrial Myocardial Function Research Articles

Effect of tafamidis on left atrial function of patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy.

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is characterized by the functional and structural effects of amyloid infiltration, predominantly within the ventricles, causing biventricular wall thickening. Amyloid infiltration can be observed in the left atrium in ATTR-CM patients, but the association of left atrial (LA) myocardial function with cardiovascular events and of changes in LA myocardial function with tafamidis administration have not yet been clarified. Our aim was, therefore, to use speckle-tracking strain for investigating LA myocardial function in patients with ATTR-CM treated with tafamidis. We studied 55 patients with biopsy-proven ATTR-CM who had been treated with tafamidis (age: 76 ± 2years, male: 93%). For speckle-tracking analysis of LA myocardial function, the systolic LA strain (LA reservoir function) was defined for this study as LA myocardial function from the apical 4-chamber view. The primary endpoint was defined as a composite comprising cardiovascular death and/or heart failure hospitalization after tafamidis administration over a median follow-up period of 28 ± 4months. Patients with baseline LA strain < 8.6% (median value) experienced significantly more cardiovascular events than those without (log-rank P = 0.002). Moreover, LA strain in 26 patients worsened after tafamidis administration, and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed age, global longitudinal strain and relative apical longitudinal strain index were identified as independent determinants of deterioration of LA strain after tafamidis administration. In conclusion, baseline LA reservoir function is closely associated with cardiovascular events after tafamidis administration, and could be an additional parameter for the management of patients with ATTR-CM.

Cardioprotective effect of intradialytic exercise on left atrial mechanics.

Left atrial (LA) function plays a pivotal role in cardiac performance by modulating left ventricular (LV) function. Impairments in LV function are commonly reported during hemodialysis (HD), but available data describing changes in LA function are limited. There is growing evidence of the cardioprotective effect of intradialytic exercise (IDE) on LV function, but studies analyzing its effect on LA function are scarce. Our aim was to evaluate whether IDE can limit the severity of HD-induced impairment in LA myocardial function. In this prospective, open-label, two-center randomized crossover trial, 56 stable individuals receiving HD participated in 2 HD sessions in random order: standard HD and a session incorporating 30 min of aerobic exercise. LA and LV global longitudinal strains (GLSs) were obtained before and at peak stress of HD (i.e., 30 min before the HD ending). IDE totally eradicated the decline in LA reservoir strain observed during HD (estimated difference: 3.1%, 95% confidence interval: 0.4/5.8, P = 0.02), whereas it did not affect the other components of LA mechanics. A similar result favoring IDE intervention was also demonstrated on GLS changes over the HD procedure (P < 0.001). Between-session differences of changes in GLS and LA reservoir strain were correlated (r = -0.32, P = 0.03). The cardioprotective effect of IDE disappeared in patients with LA enlargement (i.e., LA volume index >34 mL/m2). In conclusion, even a short duration of IDE at moderate intensity is effective in preventing HD-associated decline in LA reservoir function. Further research is needed to explore the long-term benefits of IDE on LA function.NEW & NOTEWORTHY A single bout of intradialytic exercise (IDE) at moderate intensity can prevent the hemodialysis-associated decline in left atrial (LA) function. This was partially explained by the relative preservation of left ventricular systolic function with IDE. Benefits of IDE on LA function were lost in patients with LA dilation. Further studies are needed to explore the mechanisms behind IDE-induced cardioprotection and evaluate the clinical impacts of the repetitive cardioprotective effects of IDE on LA function.

Interstitial Collagen Loss, Myocardial Remodeling, and Function in Primary Mitral Regurgitation

Interstitial collagen loss and cardiomyocyte ultrastructural damage accounts for left ventricular (LV) sphericity and decrease in LV twist and circumferential strain. Normal LV diastolic function belies significantly abnormal left atrial (LA) function and early LV diastolic untwist rate. This underscores the complex interplay of LV and LA myocardial remodeling and function in the pathophysiology of primary mitral regurgitation. In this study, we connect LA function with LV systolic and diastolic myocardial remodeling and function using cardiac magnetic resonance tissue tagging in primary mitral regurgitation.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL SPECKLE TRACKING ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY FOR EVALUATION OF LEFT ATRIAL FUNCTION IN CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE PATIENTS WITH PRESERVED LEFT VENTRICLE EJECTION FRACTION

Background: The left atrium (LA) is much more than simply a conduit for left ventricular (LV) filling, and its size and remodeling are recognized as a predictor of poor outcomes in multiple disease states. LA function is a surrogate marker of LV diastolic dysfunction. Objective: To assess left atrial function in coronary artery disease patients with preserved left ventricle ejection fraction, with and without left atrial expansion by three dimensional speckle tracking echocardiograghy. Patient and methods: Fifty patients with chronic coronary syndrome were divided according to left atrial dilation into two groups high risk group where left atrial dilation was more than 4cm (8 males and 8 females) and low risk group where left atrial dilation was less than 4 cm (18 males and 16 females) in addition to 20 healthy individual as control group (7 males and 13 females) who presented to the Cardiology Department at Al-Hussain University Hospital and Al-Azhar Islamic Center for elective coronary angiography from May 2019 to June 2020. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in control group in comparison to low risk and high risk. The LA peak ventricular systolic area strain (ASs %) in patients group was significantly lower than in the control group, whereas in the low risk group was significantly higher than in the high risk group. The LA peak pre-atrial contraction area strain (ASa %) in patients group was significantly lower than in the control group, whereas in the low risk group was significantly higher than in the high risk group. Conclusion: Three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography represented a non-invasive, relatively simple and reproducible technique to assess left atrial myocardial function in patients with chronic coronary syndrome.

Assessment of left atrial function by strain in patients with acute ıschemic stroke left atrial function and acute stroke.

Myocardial speckle-tracking echocardiography can detect subtle abnormalities in the left atrial function. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between left atrial myocardium and tissue function n assessed by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score in patients with acute ischemic stroke. The study was composed of 80 patients (45 men, 35 women, mean age: 67±15 years) with acute ischemic stroke. The patients were divided into two groups based on the calculated National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (group 1, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score < 16; group 2, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥ 16). Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data for all patients were collected. Cardiac functions were evaluated using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography within 48 hours from admission to the neurology care unit. There were no significant differences between the patients' clinical parameters. Left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (59.2±5.6 to 51.4±6.3, p=0.024). Left atrial longitudinal strain was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (34.48±9.73 to 26.27±7.41, p=0.019). There were no significant differences between other echocardiographic parameters. Our results suggest that left atrial longitudinal strain is associated with stroke severity during admission in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Left atrial longitudinal strain is an indicator of left atrial myocardial function.

Left atrial myocardial function and compliance in pre-eclampsia with preserved left ventricular systolic and diastolic function.

Left atrial (LA) adaptive changes associated with pre-eclampsia (PE) have not been adequately addressed. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of LA myocardial function indices in detecting early cardiac alterations in PE. Using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), LA volumetric and myocardial parameters were acquired in PE women with preserved left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function based on standard criteria and normotensive controls. LA compliance was assessed by the ratio of reservoir strain (LASr) to the estimated LA pressure (E/e'). Subtle systolic and diastolic abnormalities were identified as LV global longitudinal strain < 17.8% and mitral tissue e' velocity < 7cm/s septal or < 10cm/s lateral, respectively. LASr/(E/e') was prior to other LA measurements in detecting early LA function changes in PE. The rate of LASr/(E/e') < 3 was significantly greater in the patients with subtle systolic impairments than those without (P < 0.05) in spite of similar proportion of LASr < 31% between them. Among PE women with subtle diastolic damages, the frequencies of anomaly and the values in both LASr/(E/e') and LASr were significantly different to those without (P < 0.05). Moreover, the rate of LASr/(E/e') < 3 was markedly higher than that of LASr < 31% in PE cases with subtle cardiac abnormalities (P < 0.05). In the setting of PE with preserved systolic and diastolic function, STE-derived LA strain and estimated LA compliance may be beneficial to identifying earlier cardiac alternations. LA compliance could outperform LASr in detecting cardiac anomalies earlier during a PE pregnancy with preserved LV performance.

ALTERATIONS IN LEFT ATRIAL AND LEFT VENTRICULAR MYOCARDIAL FUNCTION IN MIXED AORTIC VALVE DISEASE

Patients with mixed aortic valve disease (MAVD; combined moderate or > aortic stenosis (AS) and moderate or > aortic regurgitation) have poorer outcomes compared to those with isolated severe AS. Little is known of the impact of MAVD on left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) myocardial mechanics. We aim to characterize LA and LV myocardial function in MAVD patients. We retrospectively identified 184 patients, 35 moderate MAVD (moderate AS and moderate aortic regurgitation), 40 severe MAVD (severe AS and moderate aortic regurgitation), 33 isolated severe AS, 31 isolated severe aortic regurgitation, and 45 controls, who underwent transthoracic echocardiogram. Simultaneous speckle-tracking longitudinal strain (LS) analysis of the LA and LV were performed on the apical 4-chamber view (EchoInsight, Epsilon) to obtain LV peak LS and LA peak, contractile, and conduit strain. ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey’s test was used to compare groups. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results are presented in Table 1. Compared to controls, LV peak LS was significantly reduced in moderate MAVD, severe MAVD and severe AS patients. LV peak LS was not significantly different between moderate MAVD and severe AS patients but was significantly lower in the severe MAVD group. Severe aortic regurgitation patients had higher peak LS compared to controls, moderate MAVD, severe MAVD and severe AS patients. LA peak, conduit and contractile strains were significantly reduced in moderate MAVD, severe MAVD and severe AS patients compared to controls and severe aortic regurgitation patients. LA peak and contractile strains were not different between the moderate MAVD, severe MAVD or severe AS groups. However, LA conduit strain was significantly reduced in those with severe MAVD compared to the moderate MAVD but not the severe AS group. The severe aortic regurgitation group had preserved LA peak, conduit and contractile strain compared to the other groups. Moderate MAVD patients have a reduction in LV and LA myocardial function comparable to isolated severe AS patients. Severe MAVD patients have a greater decline in LV peak LS and LA conduit strain compared to moderate MAVD or severe AS patients. These changes may contribute to the poorer outcomes observed in MAVD patients.

Alterations in Left Atrial and Left Ventricular Myocardial Function in Mixed Aortic Valve Disease

Patients with mixed aortic valve disease (MAVD), defined as combined moderate or greater aortic stenosis (AS) and moderate or greater aortic regurgitation, are known to have poorer outcomes compared to patients with isolated severe aortic stenosis. Previous studies examining left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) myocardial function have demonstrated that patients with isolated severe AS have alterations in these parameters that affect their clinical outcomes. The impact of MAVD on LA and LV myocardial function is unknown.

Compromised left atrial function and increased size predict raised cavity pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis assesses left atrial (LA) cavity and myocardial function measurements that predict pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP). PubMed-MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Central Registry were searched up to December 2018 for studies on the relationship of LA diameter, LA indexed volume (LAVI max, LAVI min), peak atrial longitudinal (PALS), peak atrial contraction (PACS) strain and total emptying fraction (LAEF) with PCWP. Eighteen studies with 1343 patients were included. Summary sensitivity and specificity (with 95% CI) for evaluation of diagnostic accuracy and the best cut-off values for different LA indices in predicting raised PCWP were estimated using summary receiver operating characteristic analysis. The pooled analysis showed association between PCWP and LA diameter: Cohen's d=0·87, LAVI max: d=0·92 and LAVI min: d=1·0 (P<0·001 for all). A stronger correlation was found between PCWP and PALS: d=1·26, and PACS: d=1·62, total EF d=1·22 (P<0·0001 for all). PALS ≤19% had a summary sensitivity of 80% (65-90) and summary specificity of 77% (52-92), positive likelihood ratio (LR+) 3·74, negative likelihood ratio (LR-) <0·25 and DOR>15·1 whereas LAVI ≥34mlm-2 had summary sensitivity of 75% (55-89) and summary specificity 77% (57-90), with LR+ >3, LR- 0·32 and DOR >10·1. Compromised LA myocardial function and increased size predict raised cavity pressure. These results should assist in optimum follow-up of patients with fluctuating LA pressure.

Assessment of Left Atrial Function in Patients with Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Using Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

Background: the left atrium (LA) plays a major role in Left ventricular (LV) performance. LA function is a surrogate marker of LV diastolic dysfunction. LA mechanical dysfunction occurs in LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction (MI), hypertension, aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathies. In the MI process, the contribution of the LA to LV function may increase if the cardiac myocytes are not affected by direct ischemia. However, myocyte necrosis or ischemia of the LA or significant LV systolic/diastolic dysfunction affects this booster effect. Assessment of LA size and function provides prognostic data for the outcome of patients with MI or ischemia. Aim of the Study: was to evaluate LA function in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE). Patient and Methods: 60 patients with NSTEMI and 20 age-matched normal control individuals were enrolled in this study. Conventional echocardiographic parameters and global longitudinal strain rate (GLSR) were measured at left ventricular (LV) and LA segments. Results: Compared with healthy subjects, patients with NSTEMI had significantly increased LA volumes but significantly decreased LA emptying fraction and GLSR. LA-GLSR had significant correlations with the 2D Doppler echocardiographic parameters of LA function. In particular, global LA peak negative strain rate during early ventricular diastole (LA-GLSRe) was significantly correlated with both LA 2D Doppler echocardiographic parameters and LV contractile function. This could be suggested as a better indicator to evaluate LA function as a preferred parameter of STE. Conclusion: It could be concluded that two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography represented a non-invasive, relatively simple and reproducible technique to assess left atrial myocardial function in patients with NSTEMI.

Reference values of left atrial size and function according to age: should we redefine the normal upper limits?

Different cut-offs have been proposed for left atrial (LA) size. Furthermore, conflicting results have been reported about the influence of age on LA size and data on the impact of age on LA myocardial function are scanty. The aim of this study was to derive references values for LA size and function in healthy subjects and to evaluate the impact of age. We conducted a systematic literature search of MEDLINE database. We included only studies evaluating healthy subjects, with age ranged between 18 and 80years. Parameters were compared among four age groups, < 30, 30-45, > 45-60, > 60years. Three hundred twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria and the final population consisted of 62,821 subjects. LA volume index (LAVi) did not differ among different age groups (p = 0.21). The normal upper limit of LAVi was 24mL/m2. LA reservoir function, measured by strain, did not differ among age groups (38 ± 3%, 32-43%; p = 0.74). Left ventricular (LV) size and function were not different among groups, except LV mass index. A decrease in E/A ratio and an increase in E/e' ratio were found with advancing age (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.001, respectively). In healthy subjects the normal upper limit of LAVi was lower than that recommended and is not influenced by advancing age. Furthermore, also LA function measured by strain was not affected by age. The current reference values of LAVi should be used with caution when applied to healthy subjects.

Left atrial myocardial dysfunction after chronic abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids: a speckle tracking echocardiography analysis.

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are used by power athletes to improve performance. However, the real effects of the chronic consumption of AAS on cardiovascular structures are subjects of intense debate. To detect by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) underlying left atrial (LA) dysfunction in athletes abusing AAS and assess possible correlation between LA myocardial function and exercise capacity during cardiopulmonary stress test. 65 top-level competitive bodybuilders were selected (45 males), including 35 athletes misusing AAS for at least 5 years (users), 30 anabolic-free bodybuilders (non-users), compared to 40 age- and sex-matched healthy sedentary controls. Standard Doppler echocardiography, STE analysis and bicycle ergometric test were performed to assess LA myocardial function and exercise capacity. Athletes showed increased left ventricular (LV) mass index, wall thickness and stroke volume compared with controls, whereas LV ejection fraction, LV end-diastolic diameter and transmitral Doppler indexes were comparable between the three groups. Conversely, LA volume index, LV and LA strain and LV E/Em were significantly increased in AAS users. By multivariate analyses, LV E/Em (beta = - 0.30, p < 0.01), LA volume index (- 0.42, p < 0.001) and number of weeks of AAS use per year (- 0.54, p < 0.001) emerged as the only independent determinants of LA lateral wall peak STE. In addition, a close association between LA myocardial function and VO2 peak during cardiopulmonary exercise testing was evidenced (p < 0.001), showing a powerful incremental value with respect to clinical and standard echocardiographic data. STE represents a promising technique to assess LA myocardial function in athletes abusing steroids. AAS users showed a more impaired LA deformation, associated with reduced functional capacity during physical effort.

OP-497 - Assesment of Left Atrial Myocardial Function with Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

OP-497 - Assesment of Left Atrial Myocardial Function with Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Reduced left atrial myocardial deformation irrespective of cavity size: a potential cause for atrial arrhythmia in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis

Background: Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is a myocardial disease and commonly under-diagnosed condition. In CA patients, atrial fibrillation might occur in the absence of left atrial (LA) enlargement.Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess LA size and function, and its relationship with atrial arrhythmia in patients with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR).Methods: Forty-six patients with confirmed ATTR amyloidosis on abdominal biopsy were studied. Assessment with 2D echocardiography and 2D strain showed 31 patients had increased LV wall thickness (LVWT) (septal thickness >12 mm), and 15 had normal LVWT. In addition to conventional measurements, LV and LA global longitudinal strain (GLS%) and strain rate (SR) were obtained. Western blot analysis was done to assess fibril type. ATTR patients with increased LVWT were compared with 23 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and 31 healthy controls. ATTR amyloidosis patients also underwent 24 hour Holter monitoring to determine the presence of atrial arrhythmia.Results: Atrial deformation during atrial systole was reduced in ATTR amyloidosis patients with increased LVWT independent of LA size and in contrast to HCM. Twenty of the ATTR amyloidosis patients (54%) had ECG evidence of significant atrial arrhythmic events. LA strain rate, during atrial systole, was the only independent predictor of atrial arrhythmia (β = 3.28, p = .012).Conclusion: In ATTR cardiomyopathy with increased LVWT, LA myocardial function is abnormal, irrespective of atrial cavity size. Reduced LA myocardial SR during atrial systole, irrespective of cavity volume, E/e′ and LV deformation, is also a strong predictor for atrial arrhythmic events.

Decreased left atrial myocardial strain in patients with suboptimal blood pressure control

ABSTRACTBackground: Suboptimal blood pressure (BP) control is commonly observed in patients receiving antihypertensive agents, but the relationship between uncontrolled BP and left atrial (LA) impairment remains unknown. Methods: This study enrolled 279 hypertensive patients who had been medicated, as well as 85 matched normal controls. The BP of systolic <140 mmHg and diastolic<90 mmHg was defined as optimal (HT1 group, n=146), otherwise as suboptimal BP control (HT2 group, n = 133). LA myocardial function was assessed by the systolic (SSa), early diastolic (SEa), and late diastolic (SAa) LA strains. Results: Both the HT1 group and HT2 group had higher BP reading, thicker interventricular septum, larger LA volume index, and enhanced active atrial emptying fraction than the control group (all <0.05). When compared with normal subjects, hypertensive patients displayed obvious reduction in the SSa (50.0 ± 10.9 vs. 35.9 ± 8.0%), SEa (30.1 ± 7.7 vs. 18.5 ± 7.1%) and SAa (19.9 ± 6.4 vs. 17.8 ± 4.2%) (all p < 0.001). In addition to a further impaired SEa found in the HT2 group than in the HT1 group (17.2 ± 5.3 vs. 19.8 ± 8.3%, p = 0.002), the treated BP of >140/90 mmHg appeared an independent risk factor associated with the abnormal SEa (odds ratio, 2.957; interval of confidence, 1.614-5.415; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Suboptimal BP control status in hypertensive patients is related to a further reduction of LA myocardial function assessed by the novel 2DSTI free strain, and suboptimal BP might be regarded as a composite risk factor and therefore a simplified treatment target. However, the prognostic value of LA free strain in patients with inability to achieve the BP target needs to be evaluated in future prospective studies.

Left atrial function in volume versus pressure overloaded left atrium

Left atrial (LA) pressure and volume overload both result in cavity enlargement and complications. LA volume has been shown to predict such complications, but it does not reflect myocardial function, which can be accurately assessed using myocardial deformation measurements. We hypothesized that volume overloaded LA have maintained myocardial function compared to pressure overloaded ones. We tested this hypothesis in 44 patient (mean age 62 ± 12 years) with LA volume overload (LAVOL) due to severe mitral regurgitation (MR) with no indirect signs of elevated left ventricular (LV) filling pressures based on Doppler measured isovolumic relaxation time >60 ms. We compared them with 24 (mean age 64 ± 12 years) patient with LA pressure overload (LAPOL) who proved to have PCWP >15 mmHg on right heart catheterization. Twenty-seven healthy controls (mean age 57 ± 10 years) constituted a control group. Patients with LAVOL had larger LA volumes, higher LV ejection fraction, global LV strain (LVGLS) and transmitral and pulmonary veins flow velocities (p < 0.05) and better LA atrial strain rate (LASR) function compared to LAPOL (p < 0.001). In LAVOL, the LASR during atrial contraction (LASRa) was lower than in controls (p < 0.05) indicating LA mechanical disturbances. LVGLS correlated with peak atrial longitudinal systolic strain in the whole group (r = -0.65, p < 0.001) and less so with LASRa (r = -0.43, p < 0.001) CONCLUSION: Irrespective of a smaller LA volume, LAVOL had less negative effect on LA myocardial function than LAPOL. Thus, monitoring atrial myocardial contraction might be useful in following patients with significant MR.

Normal values and clinical relevance of left atrial myocardial function analysed by speckle-tracking echocardiography: multicentre study.

The aim of this multicentre study was to determine the normal range and the clinical relevance of the myocardial function of the left atrium (LA) analysed by 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography (2DSTE). We analysed 329 healthy adult subjects prospectively included in 10 centres and a validation group of 377 patients with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). LA myocardial function was analysed by LA strain rate peak during LA contraction (LA-SRa) and LA strain peak during LA relaxation (LA-Strain). The range of values of LA myocardial function in healthy subjects was LA-SRa -2.11 ± 0.61 s(-1) and LA-Strain 45.5 ± 11.4%, and the lowest expected values of these LA analyses (calculated as -1.96 SD from the mean of healthy subjects) were LA-SRa -0.91 s(-1) and LA-Strain 23.1%. Concerning the clinical relevance of these LA myocardial analyses, LA-SRa and LA-Strain detected subtle LA dysfunction in patients with LVDD, even though LA volumetric measurements were normal. In addition, in these patients we found that the functional class (dyspnoea-NYHA classification) was inversely related to both LA-Strain and LA-SRa. In the present multicentre study analysing a large cohort of healthy subjects and patients with LVDD, the normal range and the clinical relevance of the myocardial function of the LA using 2DSTE have been determined.

Evaluation of left atrial function using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in end-stage renal disease patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction

Left atrial (LA) deformation analysis by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) has recently been proposed as an alternative approach for estimating left ventricular (LV) filling pressure and dysfunction. To assess the LA myocardial function using 2D-STE in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with preserved LV ejection fraction (PLVEF) and to evaluate the relationship of the obtained results with echocardiographically estimated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (ePCWP). Eighty-five ESRD patients and 60 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. Images of the LA were acquired from apical two- and four-chamber views. The LA volumes (LAV) were calculated using the biplane area-length method. The LA volume indices (LAVI) were calculated by dividing the LA volumes by the body surface area. The LA strain (%) (LAS) parameters (systolic [LA(S-S)], early diastolic [LA(S-E)], late diastolic [LA(S-A)] during atrial contraction) were assessed, and the ePCWP was calculated according to the following formula: ePCWP = 1.25(E/E') + 1.9. LA stiffness was calculated non-invasively and based on the ratio of E/E' to LAS-S. In patients with ESRD, the LA(S-S) (32.22 ± 7.64% vs. 57.93 ± 8.71%; p < 0.001), LA(S-E) (-15.86 ± 5.7% vs. -33.37 ± 7.71%; p < 0.001), and the LA(S-A) (-15.41 ± 4.16% vs. -24.57 ± 4.68%; p < 0.001) values were observed to be lower than the healthy group; while the LA stiffness (0.4 ± 0.19 vs. 0.17 ± 0.05; p < 0.001) value was higher. When the patients with ESRD were divided into two groups as those with a maximum LAVI value over 31.34 mL/m² and those with a maximum LAVI below this value, the LA(S-S) (30.36 ± 8.32% vs. 34.11 ± 6.43%; p = 0.023) and the LA(S-E) (-14.97 ± 5.88% vs. -16.76 ± 5.42%; p = 0.039) values were lower in the group with a LAVI value over 31.34 mL/m²; while the LA(S-A) (-16.06 ± 4.44% vs. -14.75 ± 3.8%; p < 0.001) and LA stiffness (0.4 ± 0.19 vs. 0.17 ± 0.05; p < 0.001) values were higher. An association was observed between the ePCWP and LA(S-S) (p < 0.001), LAS-E (p = 0.01), LA(S-A) (p < 0.001), and LA stiffness (p < 0.001) values. The results of our study have demonstrated that LA myocardial function assessed using the 2D-STE method is associated with the ePCWP, which is an echocardiographically calculated marker of LV dysfunction. The LA deformation parameters may be used as echocardiographic findings to predict the LV dysfunction in ESRD patients with PLVEF. Further studies are needed to determine the independent prognostic power of the atrial strain measurement as a predictor of future cardiovascular events in ESRD patients.

Clinical Significance of the Assessment of the Systolic and Diastolic Myocardial Function of the Left Atrium in Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation and Low CHADS2 Index Treated With Catheter Ablation Therapy

The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical significance of the assessment of the diastolic and systolic myocardial function of the left atrium in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) and low CHADS(2) scores treated with catheter ablation therapy. In a cohort of 84 symptomatic patients with paroxysmal AF and low CHADS(2) scores (≤1), the clinical significance of the systolic and diastolic myocardial function of the left atrium (assessed using 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography) were studied to predict the risk for recurrence of AF after catheter ablation therapy in the course of a follow-up period of ≥1 year. During a mean follow-up period of 19.2 ± 5.4 months, patients with left atrial (LA) myocardial diastolic dysfunction (LA strain <18.8%) had a significantly higher rate of recurrence of AF (42.4% vs 9.8%, p <0.05) compared to those without LA diastolic dysfunction. In line with this finding, patients with impaired LA myocardial systolic function (LA strain rate >-0.85 s(-1)) had worse outcomes after catheter ablation therapy than those with normal LA systolic function (rate of recurrence of AF 42.9% vs 12.5%, respectively, p <0.05). In relation to these results, in a logistic regression analysis including co-morbidities, left ventricular dysfunction, LA enlargement, and LA myocardial alterations, diastolic and systolic LA myocardial dysfunction were the principal variable associated with the recurrence of AF (odds ratios 6.8 and 5.2, respectively). In conclusion, in symptomatic patients with paroxysmal AF and low CHADS(2) scores, these findings suggest that the assessment of diastolic and systolic LA myocardial function using 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography could be of great utility to distinguish those patients with high or low risk for recurrence of AF after catheter ablation therapy.

Left atrial speckle tracking analysis in patients with mitral insufficiency and history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

The occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF), especially in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR), is related to the degree of left atrial (LA) myopathy, remodeling and fibrosis, that are responsible of LA electrical inhomogeneity and abnormal conduction velocities. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has recently enabled the quantification of longitudinal myocardial LA deformation dynamics. Our aim was to investigate by STE the effects of the occurrence of paroxysmal AF on LA myocardial deformation, in a population of patients with asymptomatic chronic MR. We compared two groups of a total of 197 patients with MR: 54 with history of paroxysmal AF and 143 with MR alone. Subgroups were created according to MR degree. Peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) was measured in all subjects. Values were obtained by averaging all segments (global PALS), measured in the 4-chamber and 2-chamber views. Compared to the mild MR group (46.1 ± 4.9%), global PALS was lower in moderate MR group (22.1 ± 5.8%) and further reduced in the severe MR group (13.9 ± 4.2%; overall P < 0.0001 by ANOVA, P < 0.05 for all pair-wise comparisons). Besides, in each MR group, patients with history of paroxysmal AF presented a global PALS significantly reduced (overall P < 0.0001 by ANOVA). After multivariate analysis, global PALS was significantly and independently associated with paroxysmal AF. STE enables noninvasive quantification of LA dysfunction due to MR and paroxysmal AF. MR have a major negative impact on LA function. In patients with MR, the history of paroxysmal AF is associated to a further impair of LA myocardial reservoir function.