ABSTRACT
Background: Patients with COVID-19 infection may have an additional marker of outcomes with left ventricular (LV) strain evaluation by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Objective: This study aimed to use two-dimensional (2D) speckle-tracking echocardiography to evaluate left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) in order to identify subclinical cardiac impairment among recovered cases from Covid-19 infection. Patients and methods: A case-control study in the isolation Hospital, Zagazig University in the duration from October 2021 to March 2022. We included 110 patients that were categorized in 2 groups according to clinical, radiological, laboratory and echocardiographic parameters: Group I: included patients recovered from Covid-19 (Study group). Group II: Non-Covid patients (Control group). This group included healthy subjects who have not encountered Covid-19 infection. Results: When comparing both groups, significant differences were found regarding echocardiographic data using speckle tracking. LVGLS was significantly decreased in cases compared to controls (19.18 ± 2.76 vs 21.58 ± 1.35, P<0.001), AP2GLS (18.90 ± 2.47 vs 21.58 ± 1.35, P<0.001), AP3GLS (20.28 ± 2.98 vs 21.94 ± 3.13, P = 0.005). A statistically difference existed between the two groups with respect to GLS, with all controls having a GLS value greater than −18 and 27.35% of cases had decreased GLS < −18%. Conclusion: As a primary method, it's nearly as secure as the more traditional median sternotomy for mitral valve repair. Excellent cosmetic outcomes can be achieved without the need for additional groin incisions and the risks associated with them. © 2022, Ain Shams University Faculty of Medicine. All rights reserved.