Assessment of Bi-Atrial Mechanical Function in Patients with Isolated Atrial Septal Aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: Atrial mechanical dysfunction may be an alternative mechanism underlying the increased risk of systemic embolism in patients with atrial septal aneurysm (ASA). This study aimed to evaluate left atrial (LA) and right atrial (RA) function using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE) in patients with isolated ASA. METHODS: Fifty-four patients with ASA (mean age 50.3 ± 12.48, 37% male) and 48 healthy individuals of similar age and gender (mean age 48.3 ± 10.84, 39.6% male) were included in the study. To assess atrial mechanical function, measurements of left and right atrial reservoir strain (RS), peak contraction strain (PCS), and conduit strain (CS) were conducted using 2D STE, in addition to conventional evaluation with transthoracic echocardiography. RESULTS: LA RS and PCS values were significantly lower in the ASA group than in the controls (37.52 ± 2.89 vs. 40.16 ± 2.68%, P < 0.001 and 17.29 ± 2.5 vs. 19.18 ± 2.23%, P < 0.001, respectively). Similarly, RA RS and RA PCS were significantly lower in patients with ASA (36.97 ± 2.19 vs. 39.77 ± 2.36%, P < 0.001 and 16.78 ± 2.10 vs. 18.54 ± 2.43%, P < 0.001, respectively). A multivariate regression analysis revealed a strong independent association between ASA and the measures LA RS, LA PCS, RA RS, and RA PCS. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that bi-atrial function are diminished in patients with isolated ASA. This may be a possible cause for the increased risk of arterial embolism in this patient group, aside from atrial arrhythmias and patent foramen ovale. Validating these results with larger studies may influence the treatment and follow-up strategies for patients with isolated ASA.

The Relationship of Systolic Pulmonary Artery Pressure with Perioperative Mortality and Morbidity in Patients Undergoing Non-Cardiac Surgery: A Single-Center Experience.

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with adverse perioperative events in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP), evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) before surgery, and perioperative mortality and morbidity in patients who underwent non-cardiac surgery in our center. METHODS: Of the 3425 retrospectively screened patients who underwent non-cardiac surgery, 3049 patients whose estimated sPAP values were previously determined by TTE were included in the study. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to their estimated sPAP levels. sPAP <35 mmHg formed group 1, 35-39 mmHg group 2, and ≥ 40 mmHg group 3. All demographic and perioperative data obtained from the database of our institute were compared in three groups. RESULTS: Of the 3049 patients enrolled in the study, 2406 (78.9%) were in group 1, 259 (8.5%) in group 2, and 384 (12.6%) in group 3. Thirty-day all-cause mortality was observed in 82 (2.7%) patients, cardiac mortality occurred in 9 patients (0.3%). In the group with sPAP ≥40 mmHg, cardiac mortality was 0.5% and all-cause mortality was 7.3%. Thirty-day all-cause mortality, acute pulmonary edema, and acute renal failure were significantly higher in group 3 than in the other groups. Cardiac mortality did not differ significantly between the groups. Age, sPAP value, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease history were revealed as independent predictors of all-cause mortality in multivariate logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, increased sPAP is associated with adverse postoperative outcomes. The evaluation of sPAP with TTE before non-cardiac surgery in patients whose clinical features and examination findings suggest PH may contribute to preoperative risk assessment.

Evaluation of Aortic Elasticity Parameters Measured by Transthoracic Echocardiography in a Normotensive Population: A Single-Center Study.

OBJECTIVE: Impaired arterial elastic features is one of the earliest manifestations of atherosclerosis in the vessel wall and is associated with the development of cardiovascular disease and increased mortality and morbidity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the mean values of aortic elasticity parameters in a normotensive population with transthoracic echocardiography and to evaluate these values in different age groups and their relationship with other risk factors. METHODS: This retrospective study included 405 subjects who met the inclusion criteria among 2880 individuals screened between 2020 and 2022. The study population was divided into 5 groups according to their age. Aortic elasticity parameters (aortic strain, aortic stiffness index, and aortic distensibility) were calculated from the associated formulas by measurements made from the ascending aorta in the parasternal long axis. RESULTS: In 405 subjects (mean age 42.18 ± 10.39, 54.3% female), the mean aortic strain value was 15.14 ± 3.56%, the mean aortic stiffness index was 3.24 ± 1.05, and the mean aortic distensibility was 7.48 ± 2.36 cm2/dyn1/103. It was observed that aortic strain and distensibility values significantly decreased with increasing age groups, while aortic stiffness significantly increased. All 3 aortic elasticity parameters were strongly correlated to age. In the multivariate linear regression analysis, age was found to be an independent factor for all aortic elasticity parameters. CONCLUSION: Aortic elasticity parameters can be evaluated with transthoracic echocardiography in daily practice. Comparing these measurements with normal values in similar age groups may help to detect patients with increased cardiovascular risk in the early period, regardless of the other risk factors.

Effects of iron deficiency on left ventricular functions in young women regardless of anemia: A speckle tracking echocardiography study.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency is one of the most common metabolic disorders worldwide and affects multiple organs and systems including the cardiovascular (CV) system. Iron deficiency can cause structural and functional changes in the myocardium. The aim of the study is to evaluate left ventricular (LV) functions in patients with low ferritin levels without anemia by two-dimensional "speckle tracking" echocardiography (2D STE). METHODS: We studied 90 participants (all female) that were divided into two groups according to ferritin levels (49 patients with ferritin levels <30 ng/mL, 41 age-matched controls with >30 ng/mL). Patients with anemia (hemoglobin level <12 g/dL), known CV disease, diabetes mellitus, low ejection fraction (<55%), active infection, high ferritin levels (>200 ng/mL) were excluded. All patients were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography. In addition to conventional echocardiographic parameters and Doppler measurements, LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and strain rate (GLSR) were obtained by 2D STE. RESULTS: Mean ferritin level was 18.96 ± 7.29 ng/mL in low ferritin group, and was 61.22 ± 26.14 ng/mL in control group. There were no significant differences according to conventional and Doppler echocardiographic parameters between the groups. LV GLS and GLSR values were significantly lower in low ferritin group comparing with control group (17.31% ± 1.56 and 18.96% ± 1.53, p < 0.001; 0.64 ± 0.13 1/s and 0.81 ± 0.13 1/s, p < 0.001, respectively). There was a significant positive correlation between ferritin levels and LV GLS and GLSR values in study group (r = 0.482, p < 0.001; r = 0.387, p < 0.001, respectively). Ferritin level was also detected as an independent risk factor for GLS value < -18% in logistic regression analysis. In ROC curve analysis, the area under the curve for predicting GLS < -18% was 0.801 (p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.70-0.89) and the threshold of ferritin value was 28.5 ng/mL (sensitivity 76.1%, specificity 77.3%). DISCUSSION: Low ferritin levels can cause subclinical LV systolic dysfunction in patients without anemia. STE provides detailed information about LV functions. With larger studies, these patients should be followed more closely and considered for iron replacement treatment before developing anemia.

Evaluation of pulmonary arterial stiffness and comparison with right ventricular functions in patients with cirrhosis preparing for liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary complications are common in patients with liver cirrhosis. Devolopment of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with a poor prognosis in these patients. Pulmonary arterial stiffness (PAS) is considered an early sign of pulmonary vascular remodeling. The aim of this study is to investigate PAS and compare it with right ventricular (RV) functions in patients with cirrhosis who are scheduled for liver transplantation. METHODS: The study included 52 cirrhosis patients (mean age 51.01 ± 12.18 years, male gender 76.9%) who were prepared for liver transplantation and 59 age and sex matched (mean age 51.28 ± 13.63 years, male gender 62.7%) healthy individuals. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 55%, ischemic heart disease, more than mild valvular heart disease, chronic pulmonary disease, congenital heart disease, rheumatic disease, moderate to high echocardiographic PH probability, rhythm or conduction disorders on electrocardiography were excluded from the study. In addition to conventional echocardiographic parameters, PAS value, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and RV ejection efficiency was calculated by the related formulas with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). RESULTS: Demographic characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors of the groups were similar. PAS, PVR, and sPAP values were found to be significantly higher in the patient group (20.52 ± 6.52 and 13.73 ± 2.05; 1.43 ± 0.15 and 1.27 ± 0.14; 27.69 ± 3.91 and 23.37 ± 3.81 p < 0.001, respectively). RV FAC and RV Ee were significantly lower and RV MPI was significantly higher in the patient group (45.31 ± 3.85 and 49.66 ± 3.62, p < 0.001; 1.69 ± 0.35 and 1.85 ± 0.23, p = 0.005; 0.39 ± 0.07 and 0.33 ± 0.09, p = 0.001, respectively). PAS was significantly correlated with RV FAC and MPI (r = -0.423, p < 0.001; r = 0.301, p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Increased PAS in cirrhosis patients may be associated with early pulmonary vascular involvement. Evaluation of RV functions is important to determine the prognosis in these patients. FAC, MPI, and RV Ee measurements instead of TAPSE or RV S' may be more useful in demonstrating subclinical dysfunction. The correlation of PAS with RV FAC and MPI may indicate that RV subclinical dysfunction is associated with early pulmonary vascular remodeling in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Assessment of subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction and structural changes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can develop left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and geometric changes due to several reasons. AIM: To investigate subclinical LV systolic dysfunction and structural features in patients with COPD, and its correlation with the severity of airway obstruction, identified by GOLD classification. METHODS: We studied 52 patients with COPD and 29 age and sex-matched controls, without any cardiac disease. In addition to conventional echocardiographic evaluation speckle tracking echocardiography (STE)-based strain imaging were performed to analyse sub-clinical LV systolic dysfunction. Also LV volumes were measured by using three-dimensional real time echocardiography (3DRTE). All patients underwent spirometry. RESULTS: Conventional echocardiographic parameters (LV wall thickness and diameters, LV EF) and LV volume measurements were similar between the groups. LV global longitudinal peak systolic strain (-14.76 ± 2.69% to -20.27 ± 1.41%, P < 0.001) and strain rate (0.75 ± 0.25 1/s to 1.31 ± 0.41 1/s, P < 0.001) were significantly impaired in patients, compared to controls demonstrating sub-clinical ventricular systolic dysfunction. Significant positive correlation was obtained between LV strain/strain rate and spirometry parameters (FEV1, FEV%, FEV1/FVC, PEF%) (r = 0.78/0.68, P < 0.001; r = 0.83/0.70, P < 0.001); r = 0.74/0.55, P < 0.001; r = 0.72/0.65, P < 0.001 respectively). In addition, there was significant negative correlation between LV strain/strain rate and GOLD classification (r = -0.80/ -0.69, P < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSION: Subclinical LV systolic dysfunction can occur in COPD patients despite normal EF. STE is a technique that provides additional information for detailed evaluation of subtle changes in LV myocardial contractility, significantly associated with the severity of the disease in COPD patients.

Why we should be more careful using hydroxychloroquine in influenza season during COVID-19 pandemic?

The aim of this study was to describe the QTc prolongation and related adverse cardiac events during the administration of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and its combinations for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Hospitalized patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) who received HCQ and had initial and follow-up electrocardiograms performed between March 10 and May 30, 2020 were included. Critical QTc prolongation was detected in 12% of the patients. On multivariate analysis, diabetes mellitus (odds ratio 5.8, 95% confidence interval 1.11-30.32, p = 0.037) and the use of oseltamivir (odds ratio 5.3, 95% confidence interval 1.02-28, p = 0.047) were found to be associated with critical QTc prolongation.

Evaluation of Serum Urocortin 2 Levels in Patients with Hypertension.

INTRODUCTION: Urocortin 2 (UCN2), is an endogenous stress-related peptide belonging to the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family, has a major role in the pathogenesis of congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension. AIM: To investigate the role of UCN2 levels in patients with hypertension (HTN). METHODS: Serum UCN2 levels measured by ELISA were compared between patients with HTN (n = 86) and nonHTN (n = 53). RESULTS: Eighty-six patients with HTN [median age 66 (45-76); 38 men] and 53 patients with non-HTN [median age 62 (40-80); 39 men] were included into this study. Serum UCN2 (5.17 ng/ml; IQR, 1.26-11.68 ng/ml vs 0.79 ng/ml; IQR, 0.07-4.10 ng/ml, p < 0.0005) levels were found significantly elevated in patients with HTN compared to nonHTN control group. Concentrations of serum UCN2 were positively correlated with left ventricle mass index to body surface area (LV mass index to BSA, r = 0.20, p = 0.03), LV mass index to height2.7 (r = 0.28, p = 0.002) and body mass index (r = 0.24, p = 0.008). Additionally, logistic regression analysis was performed to UCN2, uric acid, creatinine, glomerular filtration rate, age, body mass index, coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus which are the potential confounders of hypertension. According to logistic regression analysis serum UCN2 values were found out as an independent predictor of HTN. CONCLUSION: UCN2 levels, correlated with LV mass index were increased in HTN patients compared to nonHTN patients. These data provide evidence that there could be a relationship between high concentrations of UCN2 and HTN. UCN2 may appear as a promising choice of HTN treatment in the future.

Bortezomib induced pulmonary toxicity: a case report and review of the literature.

Bortezomib is widely used in the treatment of Multiple Myeloma. While the most common side effects are neurological and gastrointestinal related complications, severe pulmonary problems are rarely described. The present case is a 72-year old male with multiple myeloma, who received Lenalidomide, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone (RVD) combination regimen. He underwent 30 Gy palliative radiotherapy to the thoracic 5-9 and lumbar L1-3 vertebra due to pain and fracture risk. During the third cycle, he was admitted to hospital with dyspnea and dizziness. The thoracic CT revealed bilateral pleural effusions, a diffuse reticular pattern on the parenchyma, and ground-glass opacities that were compatible with drug-induced lung injury. The microbiological and molecular analysis excluded infectious disease, and lung biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Bortezomib Lung Injury. The time from the first dose of Bortezomib to the lung injury was 57 days, and it was five days from the last dose of Bortezomib. His symptoms were refractory to IV steroids and supportive care. Our patient was lost despite steroids and intensive care support. Even Bortezomib induced lung injury is a rare adverse effect, based on high mortality rate, we would like to emphasize the clinical importance of this clinical scenario in light of the published literature and our presented case.

A rare cause of acute coronary syndromes in young adults - myeloproliferative neoplasms: A case series.

INTRODUCTION: Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) mostly occur in patients with traditional risk factors. Especially in young adults without major cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, one of the less common causes of ACS is myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). METHODS: We retrospectively collected data on 11 consecutive patients (nine men, two women, mean age 40.18±8.4 years) with a diagnosis of MPN who presented with ACS. The demographic characteristics of the study population, type of MPN, clinical manifestations, location of myocardial infarction (MI), coronary angiography findings, complete blood count and other related findings, and treatment strategy before and after diagnosis were analyzed. RESULTS: Six patients were diagnosed with polycythemia vera, four with essential thrombocytosis and one with primary myelofibrosis. A JAK2 mutation was found in nine patients. Mean time to diagnosis of MPN was 2.81 years after presenting ACS and mean age at first MI was 32.9±6 years. Six patients had no major CV risk factors. Ten patients had anterior MI and one had inferior MI. After initiation of specific treatment for MPN, no recurrent thrombotic events were observed in a mean follow-up of 4±2.44 years. CONCLUSIONS: In young adults presenting with ACS, MPNs should be considered, especially in the absence of atherosclerotic coronary artery lesions. It is also important to pay attention to blood cell count abnormalities seen in intracoronary thrombotic events. Early diagnosis and treatment of MPNs is essential to prevent recurrence of thrombotic events and may reduce mortality and morbidity related to thrombotic complications.

Subclinical biventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: Silent myocardial involvement is associated with poor prognosis in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Here we aimed to evaluate the subclinical left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction in patients with SSc without any cardiovascular diseases, by using both strain imaging methods, speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and real-time 3D echocardiography (RT3DE). METHODS: A total of 47 patients with SSc and 20 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HC) were studied. Conventional echocardiography, STE-based strain imaging, and real-time 3D echocardiography (Bothell, WA, USA) were performed to assess the biventricular deformation. Clinical and serological findings were sought. RESULTS: Conventional echocardiographic LV measurements were similar between SSc and HC. Both the LV and RV longitudinal peak systolic strain/strain rates were significantly impaired in SSc, demonstrating subclinical LV and RV systolic dysfunction (p≤0.001). Systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) was negatively correlated with both the LV and RV longitudinal peak systolic strain/strain rates (LV, r=-0.554 and r=-0.642, respectively, p<0.001; and RV, r=-0.554 and r=-0.642, respectively, p=0.001). There was a trend for decreasing LV strain and increasing LEVSV in a 1-year analysis of patients with SSc. CONCLUSION: SSc is associated with myocardial systolic dysfunction. A deformation scrutiny conducted by both the STE-based strain imaging and end-systolic LV volume analysis by real-time 3D echocardiography are promising modalities that allow us for non-invasive, comprehensive investigation of subtle deterioration in the biventricular systolic function of patients with SSc.

Impaired cardiac and vascular motion in patients with Takayasu's arteritis: A velocity vector imaging-based study.

OBJECTIVE: Takayasu's arteritis (TAK) is a chronic inflammatory vasculitis of the aorta and its major branches. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the motion of the vascular wall and myocardial contractility by using a novel strain imaging method, velocity vector imaging (VVI), in patients with TAK. We also aimed to compare them with another inflammatory autoimmune disorder, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: We studied 33 patients with TAK, 18 patients with SLE, and 20 age- and sex-matched controls. All participants were subjected to carotid artery Doppler ultrasonography and transthoracic echocardiographic evaluation. VVI analysis was also performed to assess subclinical left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and to determine tissue motion of the common carotid arteries (CCAs). RESULTS: Aortic strain and distensibility were significantly impaired in patients with TAK, while the aortic stiffness and carotid artery stiffness indexes were increased. Aortic distensibility was the only parameter that was decreased among SLE patients. The values of CCA peak longitudinal strain, strain rate, and total longitudinal displacement (TLD) were also impaired in patients with TAK. Peak radial velocity was decreased while time-to-peak radial velocity was increased. In the SLE group, peak longitudinal strain, strain rate, TLD, and peak radial velocity were impaired. LV longitudinal peak systolic strain and strain rate were reduced in patients with TAK. Similarly, we revealed impaired subclinical LV systolic function in patients with SLE. CONCLUSION: VVI is a novel strain imaging technique with additional value to determine early impairment in vascular and myocardial wall motion in patients with TAK.

Subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with severe aortic stenosis: A speckle-tracking echocardiography study.

OBJECTIVE: In patients with aortic stenosis (AS), the left ventricular (LV) geometry changes due to the increased LV afterload. However, subclinical myocardial dysfunction can develop despite a normal LV ejection fraction (EF). This study was an investigation of subclinical LV systolic dysfunction in patients with severe AS with a normal LV EF using a strain imaging method, speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE), and an evaluation of its correlation with novel indices to assess the severity of AS. METHODS: A total of 45 asymptomatic patients with severe AS and 25 age- and sex-matched controls without any cardiac disease and with preserved LV EF (EF ≥60%) were studied. In addition to performing conventional echocardiography and STE-based strain imaging, novel indices (energy loss index [ELI], valvulo-arterial impedance, systemic arterial compliance) were also measured. RESULTS: The LV EF, and the LV end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters were similar in the 2 groups. The LV longitudinal peak systolic strain (10.66±1.15% to 19.66±2.62%; p=0.0001) and strain rate (0.32±0.07 s-1 to 1.85±0.32 s-1; p=0.0001) were significantly impaired in the study patients compared to the controls, demonstrating subclinical ventricular systolic dysfunction. A significant positive correlation was observed between the ELI and the LV strain/strain rate (r=0.45, p=0.002; r=0.55, p=0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Patients with severe AS develop subclinical LV systolic dysfunction, despite a preserved EF. Novel strain imaging-based echocardiographic techniques may provide additional data that can detect early myocardial systolic deterioration in these patients.

Assessment of subclinical left ventricular systolic function using strain imaging in the follow-up of patients with chronic mitral regurgitation.

OBJECTIVE: Determining optimal timing for surgery in asymptomatic mitral regurgitation (MR) remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate subclinical changes in left ventricular (LV) systolic functions using velocity vector imaging (VVI) during follow-up of patients with chronic mitral regurgitation (MR). METHODS: A total of 54 patients (mean age: 57.9±8 years; 55% male) with moderate-to-severe MR and normal LV ejection fraction (EF), and 30 healthy controls (mean age: 56±6.5 years; 55% male) were evaluated using conventional echocardiography and VVI at baseline. RESULTS: At the end of 12 months, measurements of 45 MR patients were repeated. There was no significant change in LV dimensions or EF on follow-up. LV peak systolic strain and strain rate (SR) were decreased in patients with MR compared with controls (strain: 16.29±3.30 to 23.4±1.9; p=0.0001 and SR: 0.93±0.39 to 4.9±0.6; p=0.0001) at baseline. Impairment was more significant on follow-up. (strain: 13.76±2.68 and SR: 0.27±0.14; p=0.0001). CONCLUSION: VVI-derived strain imaging might be used in the assessment of subclinical LV dysfunction and its progression during follow-up of patients with chronic MR especially in the decision of optimal timing for surgery.

[Echocardiography in transcatheter aortic valve implantation]. / Transkateter aort kapak implantasyonunda ekokardiyografik degerlendirme.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a novel therapeutic option, recommended for the treatment of patients with severe aortic stenosis who are at high risk from conventional open surgery. Multiple registries have documented favorable outcomes, including survival and quality of life. Success of TAVI depends upon the consideration of patient selection. Echocardiography is a mandatory tool to provide important data in patient selection, evaluation, guidance of intervention, and patient follow-up.

Left atrial mechanical functions in chronic primary mitral regurgitation patients: a velocity vector imaging-based study.

INTRODUCTION: Assessment of the left atrium (LA) mechanical function provides further information on the level of cardiac compensation. We aimed to evaluate LA function using a strain imaging method: velocity vector imaging (VVI) in chronic primary mitral regurgitation (MR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We recruited 48 patients with chronic, isolated, moderate to severe MR (54.70 ±15.35 years and 56% male) and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (56.52 ±15.95 years and 56% male). The LA volumes during reservoir (RV), conduit (CV) and contractile phases (AV) were measured. Global strain (S), systolic strain rate (SRs), early diastolic (ESRd) and late diastolic strain rate (LSRd) were calculated. RESULTS: LA RV (50 ±18.7 to 37.9 ±5.9; p = 0.0001), CV (43.1 ±29 to 21 ±2.56; p = 0.0001), and AV (17.9 ±13.5 to 10.9 ±1.9; p = 0.006) were increased in MR patients. The LA reservoir phase strain was 16.2 ±8.1% in the MR group and 51.1 ±5.7% in the control group (p = 0.0001). The LA SRs (1.01 ±0.52 s(-1) for MR and 2.1 ±0.22 s(-1) for controls; p = 0.0001), LA ESRd (0.83 ±0.34 s(-1) for MR and 2.26 ±0.17 s(-1) for controls; p = 0.0001) and LA LSRd (0.76 ±0.24 s(-1) for MR and 2.2 ±0.26 s(-1) for controls; p = 0.0001) were impaired in MR patients. CONCLUSIONS: The LA deformation indices may be used as adjunctive parameters to determine LA dysfunction in chronic primary MR.