Valor pronóstico de una reevaluación precoz de la fracción de eyección reducida en insuficiencia cardíaca aguda / Prognostic value of early reassessment of reduced ejection fraction in acute heart failure

Background and objectives An improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with heart failure (HF) is associated with a better prognosis. Identifying these subjects early after an episode of decompensation, the necessary threshold of LVEF improvement, and its predictive factors are of great interest. Patients and methods One hundred and ten patients hospitalized for HF were prospectively reassessed at an early outpatient visit (mean of 38 days). Results and conclusions In subjects with depressed LVEF (<50%), 50.7% presented an improvement in LVEF≥5% between the acute episode and the outpatient visit. This improvement in depressed LVEF was found to be useful for identifying patients with a good prognosis (readmission due to HF+cardiovascular mortality, p=0.022) but not in patients with preserved LVEF (≥50%). Patients with improved LVEF were significantly younger and had new-onset HF, a better global longitudinal strain (GLS), and better renal function. A multivariate logistic regression model found GLS, new-onset HF, and a lower LV mass index as predictors of LVEF improvement ≥5% (AUC 0.85) (AU)

Antecedentes y objetivo La mejoría en la fracción de eyección de ventrículo izquierdo (FEVI) en insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) se relaciona con un mejor pronóstico. Identificar estos sujetos precozmente tras una descompensación, el umbral necesario de mejoría de FEVI y sus factores predictores resultan de gran interés. Pacientes y métodos Se reevaluaron prospectivamente 110 pacientes hospitalizados por IC en una visita ambulatoria precoz (media 38 días). Resultados y conclusiones En sujetos con FEVI deprimida (<50%) un 50,7% presentaron una mejoría de FEVI≥5% entre el episodio agudo y la visita ambulatoria. Esta mejoría en FEVI deprimida resultó ser útil para identificar pacientes con buen pronóstico (reingreso por IC+mortalidad cardiovascular, p=0,022), pero no en FEVI preservada (≥50%). Los pacientes con FEVI mejorada presentaban significativamente menor edad, debut de IC, mejor strain longitudinal global (SLG) y función renal. Un modelo de regresión logística multivariante seleccionó al SLG, debut de IC y un menor tamaño ventricular izquierdo como predictores de mejoría de FEVI≥5% (AUC 0,85) (AU)

[Clinical and echocardiographic parameters associated with the alteration of global longitudinal strain in secondary mitral regurgitation]. / Paramètres cliniques et échocardiographiques associés à l'altération du strain longitudinal global dans l'insuffisance mitrale secondaire.

INTRODUCTION: Left ventricular systolic function may be overestimated in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation when using left ventricle ejection fraction. The Global longitudinal strain is a measure less dependent on left ventricle load. However, the clinical and echocardiographic parameters associated with the alteration of Global longitudinal strain in secondary mitral regurgitation have not been evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 96 patients (mean age 62.3 ± 12.1 years, 59.3% male) with secondary mitral regurgitation and low left ventricle ejection fraction < 50% were included. The study population was subdivided according to the Global longitudinal strain value with which an increased risk of all-cause mortality was associated (Global longitudinal strain < 7.0%, left ventricle systolic function impaired compared to Global longitudinal strain ≥ 7.0%, in absolute value). The clinical and echocardiographic endpoints are analysed in both groups of patients. RESULTS: The strong and clear correlation between Global longitudinal strain (mean ± standard deviation: 7,2 ± 2,7) and parameters of systolic function (left ventricle ejection fraction mean ± standard deviation: 32,4 ± 8,0%) and contractility (dp/dt mean ± standard deviation: 682,5 ± 204,7 mmHg/s). the mean of left ventricle ejection fraction = 26.4 ± 5.3% in the Global longitudinal strain < 7 group, and the bivariate study using the 30% threshold shows that the Global longitudinal strain < 7 group presents a more altered left ventricle ejection fraction with odds ratio = 12, 5 (CI: 4.7-33.0) p < 0.001. In multivariate analysis of ultrasound parameters and linear regression shows a significant correlation between Global longitudinal strain and left ventricle ejection fraction (p < 0.001). The dp/dt analysis found a mean of 509.3 ± 99.1 mmHg/s in the Global longitudinal strain < 7 group and of 822.9 ± 154.1 in the Global longitudinal strain ≥ 7 group with significant difference (p < 0.001). In bivariate and multivariate analysis, the alteration of Global longitudinal strain is associated with a significantly lower dp / dt p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: A Global longitudinal strain < 7 (in absolute value) reflects a severe impairment of left ventricle function. In addition, several parameters were associated with this severe alteration of the Global longitudinal strain, namely a lower left ventricle ejection fraction, a lower dp/dt and more severe symptoms permitting to characterized this group of patients in addition to an integration in a multiparametric evaluation of the secondary mitral regurgitation.

Prognostic value of early reassessment of reduced ejection fraction in acute heart failure.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: An improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with heart failure (HF) is associated with a better prognosis. Identifying these subjects early after an episode of decompensation, the necessary threshold of LVEF improvement, and its predictive factors are of great interest. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and ten patients hospitalized for HF were prospectively reassessed at an early outpatient visit (mean of 38 days). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: In subjects with depressed LVEF (<50%), 50.7% presented an improvement in LVEF≥5% between the acute episode and the outpatient visit. This improvement in depressed LVEF was found to be useful for identifying patients with a good prognosis (readmission due to HF+cardiovascular mortality, p=0.022) but not in patients with preserved LVEF (≥50%). Patients with improved LVEF were significantly younger and had new-onset HF, a better global longitudinal strain (GLS), and better renal function. A multivariate logistic regression model found GLS, new-onset HF, and a lower LV mass index as predictors of LVEF improvement ≥5% (AUC 0.85).

Valor del strain longitudinal global en la detección precoz de cardiotoxicidad inducida por quimioterapia / Global longitudinal strain value in the early detection of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity

RESUMEN Introducción: Los avances en la detección precoz y el tratamiento del cáncer han reducido de manera significativa la mortalidad. El resultado neto es el surgimiento de una cohorte de pacientes cuya supervivencia es suficiente para evidenciar los efectos secundarios de las terapias utilizadas. La cardiotoxicidad es el conjunto de enfermedades cardiovasculares derivadas de los tratamientos onco-hematológicos. Objetivos: Evaluar el papel de la deformación miocárdica (strain) longitudinal global en la detección precoz de cardiotoxicidad en pacientes con tratamiento quimioterápico. Método: Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo, analítico, longitudinal, prospectivo en 44 pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer de mama o linfoma, que iniciaron tratamiento con quimioterapia en el Instituto de Oncología y Radiobiología de Cuba, en el período comprendido entre febrero de 2017 y abril de 2018. Se utilizaron métodos primarios y secundarios para la recolección del dato primario y se emplearon varias pruebas estadísticas para su análisis. Resultados: Las medias de edad y tiempo de tratamiento fueron de 47,7 años y 5,05 meses, respectivamente. Predominó la hipertensión arterial (18,1%) como factor de riesgo y la mayor cardiotoxicidad (27,8%) en pacientes con disfunción diastólica previa. Entre los que desarrollaron cardiotoxicidad, la variable que demostró mayor afectación fue el strain longitudinal global (p<0,0001), con una reducción de 19,6% respecto al basal. Conclusiones: El strain longitudinal global es un índice ecocardiográfico de deformación miocárdica, que presentó un valor discriminante significativo con respecto a la cardiotoxicidad en pacientes que recibieron tratamiento quimioterápico.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Advances in early detection and treatment of cancer have significantly reduced mortality. The net result is the emergence of a cohort of patients whose survival is sufficient to evidence the side effects of the used therapies. Cardiotoxicity is the set of cardiovascular diseases resulting from onco-hematological treatments. Objectives: To evaluate the role of global longitudinal strain in the early detection of cardiotoxicity in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Method: A quantitative, analytical, prospective, longitudinal study was carried out in 44 patients diagnosed with breast cancer or lymphoma, who started chemotherapy treatment at the Instituto de Oncología y Radiobiología of Cuba, from February 2017 to April 2018. Primary and secondary methods were used for raw data collection and several statistical tests were used for its analysis. Results: The mean age and treatment period were 47.7 years old and 5.05 months, respectively. The most prevalent risk factor was high blood pressure and cardiotoxicity was higher (27.8%) in patients with previous diastolic dysfunction. Among those who developed cardiotoxicity, the variable that showed the greatest affectation was global longitudinal strain (p<0.0001), with a reduction of 19.6% with respect to the basal one. Conclusions: Global longitudinal strain is an echocardiographic index of myocardial performance, which presented a significant discriminating value with respect to cardiotoxicity in patients who received chemotherapeutic treatment.

Utilidad de las técnicas de deformación miocárdica (strain) para evaluar cardiotoxicidad en pacientes con enfermedades oncológicas y tratamiento quimioterápico / Usefulness of myocardial strain techniques to assess cardiotoxicity in patients with oncologic diseases undergoing chemotherapy

RESUMEN Introducción: La evaluación de la función miocárdica es fundamental para la toma de decisiones durante el seguimiento de pacientes con enfermedades oncológicas que reciben quimioterapia. Con las técnicas de speckle-tracking bidimensional se puede determinar el grado de deformación de la fibra miocárdica y obtener una medida más directa de la función sistólica que la que aporta la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo (FEVI). Objetivo: Evaluar la función miocárdica, mediante ecocardiografía, en pacientes con enfermedades oncológicas y tratamiento quimioterápico. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo longitudinal prospectivo en 21 pacientes con diagnóstico de enfermedad oncoproliferativa e indicación de quimioterapia con trastuzumab, en el Hospital de Fuerteventura (España), entre enero de 2017 y mayo de 2020. A todos se les realizó ecocardiograma transtorácico con técnica de speckle-tracking (strain longitudinal global) antes del tratamiento y durante el seguimiento. Resultados: Predominaron las mujeres (95,2%) con diagnóstico de cáncer de mama (90,5%) y la edad promedio fue de 53,8 años (rango 38-75). La FEVI y el strain longitudinal global fueron normales (100%) antes del inicio de la quimioterapia. Fue necesario suspender el tratamiento en 3 pacientes (14,3%); pero solo en 2 de ellos (9,5%) por cardiotoxicidad detectada por ecocardiografía. Cinco pacientes (23,8%) presentaron síntomas de insuficiencia cardíaca, 1 (4,8%) tenía cardiotoxicidad y en los otros 4 (19,0%) se demostró ausencia de disfunción miocárdica, por lo que se pudo continuar el tratamiento con seguridad. Conclusiones: El ecocardiograma con técnica de speckle-tracking bidimensional fue de vital importancia para evaluar la función miocárdica y guiar el tratamiento quimioterápico en pacientes con enfermedades oncológicas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Assessment of myocardial function is critical for decision making during the follow-up of patients with oncologic diseases undergoing chemotherapy. Two-dimensional speckle-tracking techniques help to determine the degree of myocardial fiber deformation and provide a more direct measure of systolic function than left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Objective: To evaluate myocardial function by means of echocardiography in patients with oncological diseases undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: A prospective longitudinal descriptive study was performed in 21 patients diagnosed with cancer and with indication for chemotherapy with trastuzumab, in the Hospital of Fuerteventura (Spain), between January 2017 and May 2020. All underwent transthoracic echocardiography with speckle-tracking technique (global longitudinal strain) before treatment and during follow-up. Results: Women (95.2%) with a diagnosis of breast cancer (90.5%) predominated and the mean age was 53.8 years (range 38-75). Left ventricular ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain were normal (100%) before starting chemotherapy. It was necessary to suspend treatment in 3 patients (14.3%); but only in 2 of them (9.5%) due to cardiotoxicity detected by echocardiography. Five patients (23.8%) presented symptoms of heart failure, 1 (4.8%) had cardiotoxicity and in the other 4 (19.0%) the absence of myocardial dysfunction was demonstrated, so that treatment could be continued safely. Conclusions: Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography was of vital importance for assessing myocardial performance and guiding chemotherapy in patients with oncologic diseases.

Deformación miocárdica de la aurícula izquierda en pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico / Left Atrial Strain in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Antecedentes: En los pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) la disfunción diastólica del ventrículo izquierdo (DDVI) puede ser la única manifestación de involucro cardiaco anticipando una disfunción sistólica. Se ha visto que la deformación miocárdica de la aurícula izquierda (AI), mediante el strain longitudinal global de la AI (SLGAI), puede llegar a ser de utilidad en valorar la función diastólica. Objetivo: Evaluar la función de la AI mediante la deformación miocárdica en pacientes con LES. Comparar el strain de la AI en pacientes con LES activos, inactivos y controles. Métodos: Se incluyeron 50 pacientes con LES y se compararon con controles sanos pareados por edad y sexo. Se midió por ecocardiograma transtorácico la deformación miocárdica mediante el SLGAI, el strain de las 3 fases del ciclo de la AI y la tasa de strain. La diferencia entre los grupos se analizó de forma univariante. Resultados: El SLGAI en pacientes con LES fue menor que en los controles sanos (41,6% vs. 50,5%; p=0,02), así como también fue menor en las 3 fases del ciclo de la AI. No hubo diferencias en la tasa de strain en ambos grupos (LES 2,5s−1 vs. controles sanos 2,75s−1; p=0,1). También se encontró que el SLGAI fue menor en pacientes activos en comparación con controles e inactivos. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con LES tienen menor deformación miocárdica de la AI, lo que se expresa como una menor función diastólica correlacionando con daño miocárdico subclínico precoz.(AU)

Background: In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), left ventricle diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) may be the only manifestation of cardiac involvement in anticipation of systolic dysfunction. It has been seen that myocardial deformation of the left atrium (LA), through the LA global longitudinal strain (LAGLS), may be useful in assessing diastolic function. Objective: To evaluate LA function through myocardial deformation in patients with LES, and compare the LA strain in patients with active, inactive and controls. Methods: Fifty patients with SLE were included and compared with 50 healthy controls paired by age and gender. Myocardial deformation was measured by transthoracic echocardiogram, to investigate the LAGLS, the strain of the three phases of the LA cycle and the strain rate. The differences between groups were compared in univariate analysis. Results: LAGLS in SLE patients was less than in the controls (41.6% vs. 50.5%; p=.02), and in the 3 phases of the LA cycle. There were no differences in the LA strain rate in both groups (SLE 2.5s−1 vs. controls 2.75s−1; p=.1). It was also found that the LAGLS was lesser in active patients than controls and inactive. Conclusions: SLE patients have lower myocardial deformation of the LA, which is expressed as a lower diastolic function correlating with early subclinical myocardial damage.(AU)

Left Atrial Strain in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. / Deformación miocárdica de la aurícula izquierda en pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico.

BACKGROUND: In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), left ventricle diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) may be the only manifestation of cardiac involvement in anticipation of systolic dysfunction. It has been seen that myocardial deformation of the left atrium (LA), through the LA global longitudinal strain (LAGLS), may be useful in assessing diastolic function. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate LA function through myocardial deformation in patients with LES, and compare the LA strain in patients with active, inactive and controls. METHODS: Fifty patients with SLE were included and compared with 50 healthy controls paired by age and gender. Myocardial deformation was measured by transthoracic echocardiogram, to investigate the LAGLS, the strain of the three phases of the LA cycle and the strain rate. The differences between groups were compared in univariate analysis. RESULTS: LAGLS in SLE patients was less than in the controls (41.6% vs. 50.5%; p=.02), and in the 3 phases of the LA cycle. There were no differences in the LA strain rate in both groups (SLE 2.5s-1 vs. controls 2.75s-1; p=.1). It was also found that the LAGLS was lesser in active patients than controls and inactive. CONCLUSIONS: SLE patients have lower myocardial deformation of the LA, which is expressed as a lower diastolic function correlating with early subclinical myocardial damage.

[Chronic pheochromocytoma-induced myocardial injuries: What should we expect from modern and classical echocardiographic tools?] / Apport du 2D strain et des outils échocardiographiques classiques pour la recherche d'anomalies myocardiques induites par l'exposition chronique à un phéochromocytome.

INTRODUCTION: Pheochromocytoma is a rare disease, which may manifest as severe cardiac complications. Apart from these situations, the "chronic" cardiac impact is not clearly defined. A cardiac MRI study suggests that these patients are carrying areas of fibrosis and foci of left ventricular myocarditis. Since these abnormalities are usually associated with altered left ventricular longitudinal systolic strain, we hypothesize that this strain is altered in patients with a "chronic" pheochromocytoma. METHOD: This retrospective case-control study was performed using patients from the Bordeaux University Hospital database, included between 2008 and 2016. We compared the left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS), radial and circumferential systolic strain and classic echocardiographic parameters between patients with pheochromocytoma and controls matched for age, sex, body mass index and systolic blood pressure. RESULTS: The analysis included 47 patients and 47 correctly matched controls. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of GLS (-20.7±2.4% vs. -20.2±2.7%, P=0.40), radial strain, left ventricular mass or diastolic function. Left ventricular ejection fraction and circumferential strain were significantly higher in patients than in controls, with a significantly lower telediastolic diameter. CONCLUSION: No significant changes in GLS were observed in our pheochromocytoma patients, compared with controls. Several hypotheses may explain these results. The presence of fibrosis foci and areas of left ventricular myocarditis being associated with a poor cardiological prognosis, a systematic cardiac MRI could be discussed in these patients, until further studies are performed.

Strain segmentario y longitudinal de pacientes cubanos con drepanocitosis / Segmental and longitudinal strain in Cuban patients with sickle cell disease

Introducción: Las strain segmentaria y longitudinal constituyen excelentes parámetros para la cuantificación de la contractilidad miocárdica. Objetivo: Identificar los valores de strain segmentario y longitudinal de pacientes cubanos con drepanocitosis. Material y Método: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo en los 31 pacientes con drepanocitosis y 52 controles que asistieron al Instituto de Cardiología y Cirugía Cardiovascular entre junio de 2017 a enero de 2018, a los que se determinó strain segmentario y longitudinal como variables de estudio. Se compararon medias mediante la prueba t de Student y se realizó un análisis de varianza (ANOVA) con una prueba a posteriori de Tukey para p<0,05. Resultados: En los drepanocíticos las medias de strain segmentario estuvieron entre -17,7±3,4 porciento (p=0,0001*) y -28,6±4,1 por ciento(p=0,0005*) y -29,3±1,1 porciento (p=<0,0002*), fueron homogéneos todos sus segmentos y en el grupo control entre -19,3±2,9 por ciento (p=0,0001*), en general. Independientemente de que en los pacientes drepanocíticos las medias fueron más bajas estuvieron en el rango de lo normal. Los valores de las medias de strain longitudinal global oscilaron entre -19,2±3,3 y -25,2±2,7 fueron más negativos en el grupo control, respecto a los cubanos con drepanocitosis. Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos son los primeros de su tipo publicados en Cuba. Las strain segmentaria y longitudinal de los pacientes drepanocíticos cubanos analizados, con resultados significativamente diferentes que los individuos sanos, pero normales, coinciden con lo informado en la literatura internacional(AU)

Introduction: Segmental and longitudinal strains are excellent parameters for the quantification of myocardial contractility. Objective: To identify the values ​​of segmental and longitudinal strain in Cuban patients with sickle cell disease. Material and Method: A prospective descriptive study was conducted in 31 patients with sickle cell disease and 52 controls who attended the Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery between June 2017 and January 2018, to which segmental longitudinal strain was determined as study variable. The means between the two groups were compared using the Student's t-test; an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed with a posteriori Tukey test for p <0.05. Results: In the patients with sickle cell disease, the means of segmental strain were between -17,7±3,4 percent (p=0,0001*) and -28,6±4,1 percent (p=0,0005*) and -29,3±1,1 percent (p=<0,0002*) with all segments being homogeneous; in the control group they were between -19,3±2,9 percent (p=0,0001*) in general. Despite the means were the lowest in Cuban patients with sickle cell disease, they were within the normal range. The mean values ​​of global longitudinal strain ranged between -19.2 ± 3.3 and -25.2 ± 2.7, being more negative in the control group with respect to Cuban patients with sickle cell disease. Conclusions: The results obtained are the first of its type published in Cuba. The segmental and longitudinal strain in Cuban patients with sickle cell disease analyzed, which have significantly different results from those obtained in healthy individuals, but normal, coincide with those reported in the international literature(AU)

Global Longitudinal Strain Predicts Poor Functional Capacity in Patients with Systolic Heart Failure / Strain Longitudinal Global é Preditor de Baixa Capacidade Funcional em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca Sistólica

Abstract Background: Left ventricular global longitudinal strain value (GLS) can predict functional capacity in patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) heart failure (HF) and to assess prognosis in reduced LVEF HF. Objetive: Correlate GLS with parameters of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) and to assess if they could predict systolic HF patients that are more appropriated to be referred to heart transplantation according to CPET criteria. Methods: Systolic HF patients with LVEF < 45%, NYHA functional class II and III, underwent prospectively CPET and echocardiography with strain analysis. LVEF and GLS were correlated with the following CPET variables: maxVO2, VE/VCO2 slope, heart rate reduction during the first minute of recovery (HRR) and time needed to reduce maxVO2 in 50% after physical exercise (T1/2VO2). ROC curve analysis of GLS to predict VO2 < 14 mL/kg/min and VE/VCO2 slope > 35 (heart transplantation's criteria) was performed. Results: Twenty six patients were selected (age, 47 ± 12 years, 58% men, mean LVEF = 28 ± 8%). LVEF correlated only with maxVO2 and T1/2VO2. GLS correlated to all CPET variables (maxVO2: r = 0.671, p = 0.001; VE/VCO2 slope: r = -0.513, p = 0.007; HRR: r = 0.466, p = 0.016, and T1/2VO2: r = -0.696, p = 0.001). GLS area under the ROC curve to predict heart transplantation's criteria was 0.88 (sensitivity 75%, specificity 83%) for a cut-off value of -5.7%, p = 0.03. Conclusion: GLS was significantly associated with all functional CPET parameters. It could classify HF patients according to the functional capacity and may stratify which patients have a poor prognosis and therefore to deserve more differentiated treatment, such as heart transplantation.

Resumo Fundamento: O strain longitudinal global (SLG) é capaz de predizer a capacidade funcional dos pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC) e fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) preservada, e avaliar o prognóstico na IC com FEVE reduzida. Objetivo: Correlacionar o SLG com parâmetros do teste de exercício cardiopulmonar (TECP), e avaliar se o SLG seria capaz de predizer quais pacientes com IC sistólica deveriam ser encaminhados ao transplante cardíaco de acordo com os critérios do TECP. Métodos: Os pacientes com IC sistólica com FEVE <45%, classe funcional NYHA II e III, submeteram-se prospectivamente ao TECP e à ecocardiografia com análise do strain. A FEVE e o SLG foram correlacionados com as seguintes variáveis do TECP: maxVO2, inclinação de VE/VCO2, redução da frequência cardíaca durante o primeiro minuto de recuperação (RFC), e tempo necessário para a redução do maxVO2 em 50% após o exercício físico (T1/2VO2). Foi realizada análise da curva ROC do SLG em predizer um VO2 < 14 mL/kg/min e uma inclinação de VE/VCO2 > 35 (critérios para transplante cardíaco). O nível de significância adotado na análise estatística foi de p < 0,05. Resultados: Vinte e seis pacientes foram selecionados para o estudo (idade, 47±12 anos, 58% homens, FEVE média LVEF = 28 ± 8%). A FEVE correlacionou-se somente com o maxVO2 e o T1/2VO2. O SLG correlacionou-se com todas as variáveis do TECP (maxVO2: r = 0,671; p = 0,001; inclinação de VE/VCO2: r = -0,513; p = 0,007; RFC: r = 0,466; p = 0,016; e T1/2VO2: r = -0,696, p = 0,001). A área sob a curva ROC para o SLG para predizer os critérios para transplante cardíaco foi de 0,88 (sensibilidade 75%, especificidade 83%) para um ponto de corte de -5,7%, p = 0,03. Conclusão: O SLG apresentou associação significativa com todos os parâmetros funcionais do TECP. O SLG foi capaz de classificar os pacientes com IC segundo capacidade funcional e possivelmente pode identificar quais pacientes têm um prognóstico ruim e, portanto, se beneficiariam de um tratamento diferenciado, tal como o transplante cardíaco.

[Adipose epicardial tissue association with subclinical systolic dysfunction detected by longitudinal strain in diabetic patients with poor glycemic control]. / Association entre tissu adipeux epicardique et dysfonction systolique infraclinique détectée par strain longitudinal chez les diabétiques mal équilibrés.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the association between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and infraclinical myocardial dysfunction detected by strain imaging in diabetic patients (T2DM) with poor glycemic control. METHODS: 22 patients with T2DM and 22 healthy control subjects of similar age and sex were prospectively recruited. Echocardiographic parameters were investigated. RESULTS: In comparison to controls, diabetic patients had significantly higher body mass index (27.7 vs. 24.6; P<0.01), waist perimeter (103 vs. 84; P<0.001) and usCRP level (5.4 vs. 1.5; P<0.01). On echocardiography; no differences were found in terms of ejection fraction or ventricular mass; however, patients with T2DM had significantly thicker EAT (8.7±0.7 vs. 3.0±1.0; P<0.001) and altered systolic longitudinal strain (-18.8±3.2 vs. 22.3±1.6; P<0.001). On multivariate analysis, EAT was identified as an independent contributor (ß=0,46, P=0.001) to systolic longitudinal strain. CONCLUSION: In patients with T2DM and poor glycemic control; EAT was associated with infraclinical systolic dysfunction evaluated by global longitudinal strain despite normal at rest ejection fraction and no coronary artery disease.

Longitudinal strain by two-dimensional speckle tracking to assess ventricular function in adults with transposition of the great arteries: Can serial assessment be simplified?

INTRODUCTION: Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a rare form of congenital heart disease in which most patients reach adulthood. Right ventricular dysfunction is the most severe residual complication in long-term follow-up, both in patients treated by atrial switch and in those with congenitally corrected TGA. New echocardiographic tools such as longitudinal strain by two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking may improve assessment of ventricular function in these patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a retrospective analysis of echocardiograms in adult patients with TGA (26 patients with dextro-TGA - 15 treated by atrial switch and six by arterial switch - and five with congenitally corrected TGA) and in a control group of 14 healthy individuals. Right ventricular strain was significantly worse (p<0.001), as was the corresponding annular plane systolic excursion (p=0.010) in atrial switch patients, in comparison to arterial switch patients, while no differences were found in left ventricular parameters. In the overall population, systemic right ventricular parameters were significantly less negative than pulmonary right ventricular parameters, and these were less negative than in controls. Left ventricular parameters were similar across groups, except for pulmonary left ventricular strain, which was worse than in controls (p=0.008) as well as pulmonary right ventricular strain. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of ventricular function in patients with TGA by 2D speckle tracking longitudinal strain is easy and feasible and may be a useful tool for serial follow-up. Of particular note, we found that there is also some degree of ventricular dysfunction even after re-establishment of normal connections.

Correlación entre fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo y strain longitudinal global en pacientes con hipertensión arterial / Correlação entre fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo e strain longitudinal global em pacientes com hipertensão arterial / Correlation between left ventricular ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain in patients with arterial hypertension

Introducción. El pronóstico en pacientes con enfermedad estructural cardiovascular depende en gran manera de la calidad de la función ventricular izquierda. La fracción de expulsión del ventrículo izquierdo (FEVI) no es un auténtico valor de contractilidad miocárdica y depende mucho de las condiciones de precarga y postcarga. La deformación miocárdica (strain) se convertiría en un indicador mucho más temprano y sensible de falla cardíaca. Este estudio buscará la discordancia o mismatch que, al menos de manera temporal, podría haber entre los valores de FEVI y de strain longitudinal global (SLG), en pacientes afectados de hipertensión arterial. Objetivos. a) Establecer incidencia de discordancia entre los valores de FEVI y el valor de SLG, valorados por ecocardiografía; b) valorar la concordancia de los dos parámetros (FEVI y SLG) para el diagnóstico de disfunción ventricular; c) buscar el coeficiente de correlación (r) entre FEVI y SLG. Métodos. Estudio prospectivo, descriptivo y analítico de pacientes hipertensos vistos consecutivamente en los laboratorios de ecocardiografía participantes con criterios de inclusión y de exclusión. Se midieron las siguientes variables, promedio de 3 mediciones de acuerdo con las Recomendaciones para la cuantificación de cavidades cardíacas de la Sociedad Americana de Ecocardiografía en conjunto con la Asociación Europea de Imágenes Cardiovasculares. Se utilizó el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson (r) entre FEVI y SLG y se cuantificó la concordancia de los dos métodos de diagnóstico con el coeficiente kappa. Resultados. Se reclutaron 59 pacientes hipertensos consecutivos en El Salvador y en República Dominicana, 33 del sexo masculino (55,9%) y 26 del femenino (44,1%). El promedio de edad fue de 62,6 ± 15,2 años. Treinta pacientes (50,8%) presentaron hipertrofia ventricular izquierda. La FEVI promedio fue del 60,27%, y la media de SLG fue del -18,44%. La FEVI se reportó anormal en 10 pacientes (16,9%) versus 23 reportes de SLG subnormal (39%). Se encontró discordancia entre FEVI y SLG en 22 pacientes (37,3%), sólo en 2 (9,1%) de estos pacientes había geometría normal. El coeficiente de correlación de Pearson (r) entre FEVI y SLG fue 0,475. Se cuantificó concordancia de los dos métodos de diagnóstico con el coeficiente kappa, encontrándose una concordancia de 0,154 (SE=0,083), que para un intervalo de confianza (CI) de 95% fue calificada como "pobre". Conclusión. La hipertrofia cardíaca plantea un nuevo escenario donde la relación entre FEVI y contractilidad se ha perdido y se hace necesaria una medición más directa del estado del músculo cardíaco para anticipar deterioros de mayor severidad.

Introduction. The prognosis in patients with structural cardiovascular disease depends largely on the quality of left ventricular function. The ejection fraction of the left ventricle (LVEF) is not a true value of myocardial contractility and depends a lot on preload and afterload conditions. The myocardial deformation (strain) would become a much earlier and sensitive indicator of heart failure. This study will look for discordance or mismatch that, at least temporarily, could be between the values of LVEF and global longitudinal strain (GLS), in patients affected by arterial hypertension. Objectives. a) To establish the incidence of discordance between LVEF values and the GLS value, assessed by echocardiography; b) to assess the concordance of the two parameters (LVEF and GLS) for the diagnosis of ventricular dysfunction; c) search the correlation coefficient (r) between LVEF and SLG. Methods. Prospective, descriptive and analytical study of hypertensive patients seen consecutively in the participating echocardiography laboratories with inclusion and exclusion criteria. The following variables were measured, average of 3 measurements according to the Recommendations for cardiac chamber quantification by echocardiography from the American Society of Echocardiography and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) between LVEF and GLS was used and the concordance of the two diagnostic methods with the kappa coefficient was quantified. Results. Fifty-nine consecutive hypertensive patients were recruited in El Salvador and in the Dominican Republic, 33 male (55.9%) and 26 female (44.1%). The average age was 62.6 ± 15.2 years. Thirty patients (50.8%) presented left ventricular hypertrophy. The average LVEF was 60.27%, and the average GLS was -18.44%. LVEF was reported abnormal in 10 patients (16.9%) versus 23 reports of subnormal GLS (39%). There was disagreement between LVEF and GLS in 22 patients (37.3%), only in 2 (9.1%) of these patients had normal geometry. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) between LVEF and GLS was 0.475. The concordance of the two diagnostic methods with the kappa coefficient was quantified, finding a concordance of 0.154 (SE = 0.083), which for a confidence interval (CI) of 95% was classified as "poor". Conclusion. Cardiac hypertrophy poses a new scenario where the relationship between LVEF and contractility has been lost and a more direct measurement of the heart muscle's condition is necessary to anticipate more severe deterioration.

Introdução. O prognóstico em pacientes com doença cardiovascular estrutural depende em grande parte da qualidade da função ventricular esquerda. A fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) não é um valor verdadeiro da contratilidade miocárdica e depende muito das condições de pré-carga e pós-carga. A deformação miocárdica (strain) se tornaria como um indicador muito mais precoce e sensível de insuficiência cardíaca. Este estudo pesquisará a discordância ou mismatch que, ao menos temporariamente, poderia estar entre os valores da FEVE e do strain longitudinal global (SLG), em pacientes com hipertensão arterial. Objetivos. a) Estabelecer a incidência de discordância entre os valores da FEVE e o valor do SLG, avaliado pelo ecocardiograma; b) avaliar a concordância dos dois parâmetros (FEVE e SLG) para o diagnóstico de disfunção ventricular; c) procurar o coeficiente de correlação (r) entre a FEVE e o SLG. Métodos. Estudo prospectivo, descritivo e analítico de pacientes hipertensos atendidos consecutivamente nos laboratórios ecocardiográficos participantes com critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Foram medidas as seguintes variáveis, média de 3 medições de acordo com as Recomendações para quantificar as câmaras cardíacas da Sociedade Americana de Ecocardiografia, em conjunto com a Associação Europeia de Imagens cardiovasculares. Utilizou-se o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson (r) entre FEVE e SLG e quantificou-se a concordância dos dois métodos diagnósticos com o coeficiente kappa. Resultados. Cinquenta e nove pacientes consecutivos hipertensos foram recrutados em El Salvador e na República Dominicana, 33 do sexo masculino (55,9%) e 26 do sexo feminino (44,1%). A idade média foi de 62,6 ± 15,2 anos. Trinta pacientes (50,8%) apresentavam hipertrofia ventricular esquerda. A FEVE média foi de 60,27% e a média SLG foi de -18,44%. A FEVE foi relatada como anormal em 10 pacientes (16,9%) versus 23 relatos de SLG subnormal (39%). Houve discordância entre FEVE e SLG em 22 pacientes (37,3%), apenas em 2 (9,1%) desses pacientes havia geometria normal. O coeficiente de correlação de Pearson (r) entre a FEVE e o SLG foi de 0,475. A concordância foi quantificada dos dois métodos diagnósticos com o coeficiente kappa, encontrando uma concordância de 0,154 (SE = 0,083) do que para um intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95% foi classificado como "pobre". Conclusão. A hipertrofia cardíaca representa um novo cenário onde a relação entre FEVE e contratilidade foi perdida e uma medida mais direta da condição do músculo cardíaco é necessária para antecipar deterioração mais grave.

Reproducibilidad del strain longitudinal global del ventrículo izquierdo por ecocardiografía bidimensional speckle tracking: Estudio Longitudinal de Salud del Adulto (ELSA-Brasil) / Reproducibility of left ventricular global longitudinal strain using two-dimensional ultrasound speckle tracking: Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

Resumen Introducción: Se han propuesto técnicas ecocardiográficas avanzadas como el strain longitudinal global por ecocardiografía bidimensional speckle tracking para la detección de alteraciones precoces de la función sistólica del ventrículo izquierdo. La evaluación de la reproducibilidad del strain longitudinal global es fundamental para su aplicación clínica en diferentes escenarios. Objetivo: Estimar la reproducibilidad del strain longitudinal global del ventrículo izquierdo en individuos de un estudio de cohorte del Brasil. Métodos: La reproducibilidad del strain longitudinal global del ventrículo izquierdo fue evaluada mediante lectura y análisis de imágenes de ecocardiografía de una muestra aleatoria de 50 participantes de la línea de base del Estudio Longitudinal de Salud del Adulto (ELSA-Brasil). Resultados: Los participantes tenían una edad promedio de 49,7 ± 7,3 años, 54% eran mujeres y la media del strain longitudinal global fue -19,5% ± 1,9%. La reproducibilidad interobservador de la medida del strain longitudinal global mostró un coeficiente de variación de 7,4% y un coeficiente de correlación intraclase de 0,76 (IC 95%: 0,61, 0,86). El análisis del acuerdo interobservador de las medidas del strain longitudinal global mediante el método de Bland & Altman evidenció un promedio de diferencias de 0,1% ± 1,4% y unos límites de acuerdo superior de 2,9 e inferior de -2,7. Conclusiones: Hubo una reproducibilidad adecuada de las medidas del strain longitudinal global del ventrículo izquierdo en participantes del ELSA-Brasil y los valores fueron similares a los reportados en otros estudios epidemiológicos longitudinales. Los hallazgos refuerzan la utilidad del strain longitudinal global como un índice clínico de deformación miocárdica, capaz de detectar alteraciones subclínicas de la contractilidad miocárdica.

Abstract Introduction: Advanced echocardiography techniques, such as the global longitudinal strain using two-dimensional ultrasound speckle tracking, have been proposed for the detection of early changes in the left ventricular systolic function. The evaluation of the reproducibility of left ventricular global longitudinal strain is essential for its clinical application in different scenarios. Objective: To determine the reproducibility of left ventricular global longitudinal strain in individuals from a Brazil cohort study. Methods: The reproducibility of left ventricular global longitudinal strain was evaluated by the reading and analysis of echocardiograph images of a random sample of 50 participants of the baseline Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). Results: The mean age of the participants was 49.7 ± 7.3 years, of whom 54% were women, and the mean global longitudinal strain was -19.5% ± 1.9%. The inter-observer reproducibility of the mean global longitudinal strain, had a coefficient of variation of 7.4%, and an intra-class correlation of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.61 - 0.86). The analysis of the inter-observer agreement of the global longitudinal strain measurements using the Bland and Altman method showed a mean differences of 0.1% ± 1.4%, and upper and lower limits of agreement of 2.9 and -2.7, respectively. Conclusions: There was adequate reproducibility of the left ventricular global longitudinal strain measurements in participants of the ELSA-Brasil study, and the values were similar to those reported in other longitudinal epidemiological studies. The findings reinforce the use of the global longitudinal strain as a clinical marker of myocardial deformation, capable of detecting subclinical changes in myocardial contractility.

Risk stratification in patients with heart failure: the value of considering both global longitudinal left ventricular strain and mechanical dispersion.

In previous studies, mechanical dispersion (MD) predicted ventricular arrhythmias independently of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Moreover, the combination of MD and global longitudinal strain (GLS) increased the prediction of arrhythmic events. We investigated the prognostic value of a new 2-dimensional strain index, GLS/MD, in patients with heart failure (HF). We analyzed 340 consecutive HF outpatients in sinus rhythm. Echocardiography was performed at 1.6 ± 0.4 months after hospital discharge. The end point included sudden cardiac death, ventricular fibrillation, and sustained ventricular tachycardia (SCD/VA). During the follow-up period (36 ± 9 months), SCD/VA occurred in 48 patients (14.1%). A multivariate Cox regression analysis, which included LVEF, early diastolic transmitral / mitral annular velocity ratio (E/E'), GLS, MD, and GLS/MD in the model, revealed that GLS/MD was the best independent predictor of SCD/VA (HR = 3.22, 95% confidence interval = 1.72-6.15, p = 0.03). Separate inclusion of LVEF, systolic mitral annular velocity, E/E', GLS, and MD together with GLS/MD showed that GLS/MD remained the best predictor of SCD/VA (each p < 0.05). The optimal GLS/MD cutoff value to predict SCA/VA was -0.20%/ms (80% sensitivity, 76% specificity). Irrespective of LVEF, free survival was significantly better in patients with GLS/MD ≤ -0.2%/ms (log-rank test, p < 0.001). In conclusion, GLS/MD may improve cardiovascular risk stratification in subjects with HF.

Stability of left ventricular longitudinal and circumferential deformation over time and standard loading conditions.

AIMS: Load dependence is an important source of variation in left ventricular (LV) deformation. This impacts on the precision of information obtained from serial measurements. However, it is clinically important to distinguish actual myocardial dysfunction from changes associated with altered loading conditions. We sought to investigate the association of changes of loading parameters with changes in LV longitudinal (GLS) and circumferential (GCS) strains. METHODS AND RESULTS: Baseline and a 12-month follow-up 2D echocardiograms were performed in 191 Stage A heart failure patients with uncomplicated hypertension. These patients underwent simultaneous measurement of conventional and central blood pressures (BPs) and haemodynamic measurements by applanation tonometry. Significant, but weak correlations (r = 0.15-0.28) of LV strain parameters and their changes over the follow-up period were shown for the majority of LV afterload-associated variables, including central and brachial systolic, diastolic, and mean BPs; 24-h systolic and diastolic BPs; peak reservoir and excess pressures; central augmented pressure (CAP) and pulse pressure; augmentation index; and arterial elastance index (EaI). Central mean BP, EaI, and changes in CAP and EaI over follow-up were independent contributors to LV deformation in multivariable analysis. No improvement in the Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement and correlation coefficients was seen with LV afterload correction of GLS and GCS using central BP indices. CONCLUSIONS: LV longitudinal and circumferential strains in a population without apparent heart disease is relatively insusceptible to changes in LV afterload within physiological range, which, therefore, seem unlikely to be a significant confounder in repeated GLS or GCS observations.

El strain longitudinal en reposo no predice el resultado del eco estrés / Longitudinal Strain at Rest does not Predict Stress Echo Results

Introducción: El eco estrés evidencia la isquemia miocárdica como un trastorno regional y transitorio de la motilidad. El análisis visual es subjetivo y depende de la experiencia del operador, lo que ha motivado la búsqueda de un método semiautomático que permita minimizar esta limitación y así mejorar la confiabilidad y reproducibilidad de la prueba. Esto ha generado creciente interés en la introducción de la medición del strain longitudinal bidimensional antes del eco estrés y durante y después de él. Su determinación en las diferentes fases de apremio, en caso de que sea útil, permitiría reducir otras limitaciones, como la imposibilidad de alcanzar la frecuencia cardíaca submáxima, la dificultad de visualizar trastornos muy sutiles y el retraso en la adquisición de las imágenes, lo que incrementa los falsos negativos. Objetivos: Evaluar si el análisis del strain longitudinal realizado en reposo, cuando no hay evidencias de trastornos contráctiles visuales, es capaz de predecir el resultado del eco estrés y si el strain longitudinal basal es diferente en los pacientes con enfermedad coronaria significativa en comparación con los que no la presentan (en su evaluación previa al comienzo de la prueba). Material y métodos: Se compararon los resultados del strain longitudinal en reposo en 62 pacientes con eco estrés positivo incorporados en forma consecutiva en un período de 12 meses, a la mitad de los cuales se les realizó una cinecoronariografía (Grupo A) y a la otra mitad no se le efectuó este estudio (Grupo B) versus un grupo control (Grupo C) con prueba negativa y sin cinecoronariografía. Resultados: El strain longitudinal entre el Grupo A y el Grupo B no mostró diferencia estadística significativa (-21,8% ± 2,4% vs. -21,5% ± 2,5%), como tampoco el de los pacientes con prueba positiva (Grupo A + B) versus los controles (-21,67% ± 2,4% vs. 21,9% ± 2,8%). Conclusión: El strain longitudinal bidimensional no permitió predecir el resultado del eco estrés ni tampoco la presencia de enfermedad coronaria significativa en los pacientes que fueron sometidos a cinecoronariografía invasiva.

Utilidad del strain bidimensional longitudinal por speckle tracking en pacientes con enfermedad de Chagas-Mazza sin cardiopatía demostrada / Usefulness of two-dimensional longitudinal strain by speckle tracking in patients with Chagas disease without evident heart disease / Utilidade de strain bidimensional longitudinal por speckle tracking em pacientes com doença de Chagas sem evidência de doença cardíaca

Introducción. La enfermedad de Chagas es una causa importante de insuficiencia cardíaca y su identificación precoz puede ayudar a identificar pacientes en riesgo de progresión de la enfermedad. El strain bidimensional longitudinal (Str2D) podría ser una herramienta útil para detectar disfunción ventricular izquierda incipiente. Objetivos. Analizar si el strain puede detectar alteraciones en pacientes asintomáticos y sin patología demostrable por los métodos convencionales en la enfermedad de Chagas. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal de 45 pacientes menores de 65 años de zona rural con enfermedad de Chagas, sin patología demostrada frente a 33 individuos sanos (controles). En todos realizamos serología por dos métodos, examen clínico, electrocardiograma y eco-Doppler cardíaco: diámetro diastólico del ventrículo izquierdo (DDVI), área auricular izquierda (AI), fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo (Fey) por Simpson, excursión sistólica del plano del anillo tricuspídeo (TAPSE), E/A mitral (E/A), E/e', S tisular (S´) de ventrículo izquierdo (VI) y ventrículo derecho (VD), Str2D de cada segmento del VI y strain global. Estadística: variables cuantitativas de distribución normal se compararon mediante test de t y cualitativas con test de chi cuadrado. Variabilidad intra e interobservador por r de Pearson y coeficiente de correlación intraclase.Resultados. Edad, sexo y eco-Doppler convencional (DDVI, Fey, AI, TAPSE, E/A, E/e') no mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. El strain global y el strain de los segmentos apicales del VI evidenciaron diferencias significativas entre pacientes con enfermedad de Chagas sin cardiopatía demostrada (SCD) y controles, aunque dichos valores se encuadran dentro de rangos considerados fisiológicos. Variabilidad intraobservador del strain global (r de Pearson: 0,93 y CCI: 0,93) e interobservador (coeficiente r de Pearson 0,89 y un CCI: 0,88). Conclusiones. Los hallazgos del estudio muestran reducción significativa del strain longitudinal global y distal, compatible con un daño miocárdico incipiente en los pacientes con serología positiva para enfermedad de Chagas sin cardiopatía demostrada, hipótesis de trabajo que sólo el tiempo y un prolijo seguimiento podrán confirmar.

Introduction. Chagas disease is a major cause of heart failure and early identification may help identify patients at risk for disease progression. The two-dimensional longitudinal strain (Str2D) could be a useful tool for detecting incipient left ventricular dysfunction. Objectives. Analyze whether longitudinal dimensional strain can detect abnormalities in asymptomatic patients without demonstrable pathology by conventional methods in Chagas disease. Materials and Methods. Cross-sectional study of 45 patients under age 65 years in an endemic rural area with Chagas disease without proven pathology (non evident cardiopathy: NEC) versus 33 control patients. In all patients study was made by two serologic methods, clinical examination, electrocardiogram and Doppler ultrasound of the heart: diastolic diameter of the left ventricle (LVDD), left atrial area (LAA), left ventricle ejection fraction (Fey) by Simpson, excursion of tricuspid ring (TAPSE), E/A mitral ratio (E/A), E/e' ratio, S tissue (S') of left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV), Str2D of each segment LV and global strain. Statistics: Normal distribution quantitative variables were compared using t test and qualitative variables with chi square test. Intra- and inter-observer variability for r Pearson and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Results. Age, sex and conventional Doppler echocardiography (LVDD, Fey, LAA, TAPSE, E/A, E/e') showed no statistically significant differences. Global strain and strain of the apical LV segments showed significant differences between patients with Chagas disease without proven disease and their controls, although these values fall within ranges considered physiological. Intraobserver variability of global strain (Pearson's r 0.93 and ICC: 0.93) and interobserver (Pearson coefficient r of 0.89 and an ICC: 0.88). Conclusions. In a group of asymptomatic patients with Chagas disease without apparent cardiac involvement (NEC stage), the Str2D was lower compared with healthy individuals, suggesting the existence of subtle myocardial damage in these patients. Hypotheses that only time can confirm and track.

Introdução. A doença de Chagas é uma das principais causas de insuficiência cardíaca e sua identificação precoce pode ajudar a identificar pacientes com risco de progressão da doença. Strain longitudinal bidimensional (Str2D) poderia ser uma ferramenta útil para a detecção de disfunção ventricular esquerda incipiente. Objetivos. Analise se strain longitudinal dimensional pode detectar anormalidades em pacientes assintomáticos, sem patologia demonstrável por métodos convencionais na doença de Chagas. Materiais e métodos. Estudo transversal de 45 pacientes com idade inferior a 65 anos em uma área rural endêmica de doença de Chagas sem comprovada patologia (cardiopatia não evidente: CNE) versus 33 pacientes do grupo controle. Em todos os pacientes do estudo foi feita por dois métodos sorológicos, exame clínico, eletrocardiograma e ultrasom Doppler do coração: diâmetro diastólico do ventrículo esquerdo (DDVE), área do átrio esquerdo (AE), fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (Fey) por Simpson, excursão de anel tricúspide (TAPSE), relação E/A mitral (E/A), E/e' ratio, S tecido (S') do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) e do ventrículo direito (VD), Str2D de cada segmento VI e strain geral. Estatística: variáveis quantitativas de distribuição normal foram comparadas pelo teste t e qualitativa com o teste qui-quadrado. Variabilidade intra e interobservador para r Pearson e coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI). Resultados. Idade, sexo e ecocardiograma Doppler convencional (DDVI, Fey, AE, TAPSE, E/A, E/e') não mostraram diferenças estatisticamente significativas. Strain global e strain dos segmentos do VE apicais apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os pacientes com doença de Chagas sem doença comprovada e seus controles; embora estes valores caem dentro da faixa considerada fisiológica. Variabilidade intra-observador da strain global (r de Pearson: 0,93 e CCI: 0,93) e inter-observador (coeficiente r de Pearson 0,89 e um CCI: 0,88). Conclusões. Os resultados deste estudo poderiam mostrar uma lesão miocárdica incipiente em pacientes com sorologia positiva para doença de Chagas sem cardiopatia demonstrada. A hipótese de trabalho de que só o tempo e um longo seguimento irão confirmar.

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

BACKGROUND: Speckle tracking can be used to measure left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS). AIMS: To study the effect of speckle tracking software product upgrades on GLS values and intervendor consistency. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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%). CONCLUSION: 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.

M-mode apical systolic excursion: A new and simple method to evaluate global left ventricular longitudinal strain.

INTRODUCTION: Since M-mode measurements can assess deformation of specific regions of the left ventricle, we hypothesized that M-mode measurements like M-mode apical systolic excursion (MMASE) and mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) may be correlated with left ventricular longitudinal strain (LVLS). METHODS: All subjects of the study underwent a full echocardiographic evaluation and MMASE and MAPSE measurement. Three-dimensional wall motion tracking (3D-WMT) was performed. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were evaluated. Significant correlations between MAPSE and LVLS (-0.372; p=0.04) and between MMASE and LVLS (-0.398; p=0.027) were found. LVLS was linearly related to MAPSE and MMASE (in mm) as follows: ST=-10.6 -0.4 * MAPSE (r2=0.14) and ST=-13.1 -0.5 * MMASE (r2=0.16). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that simpler and faster methods than strain based on complex speckle analysis can also have a role in predicting subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction.