Segmentally impaired left ventricular longitudinal strain: a new predictive diagnostic parameter for asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis and preserved ejection fraction.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to investigate the correlation between severe aortic stenosis (sAS) and impairment of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) in particular segments, using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with sAS and normal ejection fraction of left ventricle (LVEF). METHODS: The study included 53 consecutive patients with asymptomatic sAS and preserved LVEF. The regional longitudinal systolic LV wall strain was evaluated at the area opposite of the aorta as the median strain value of the basal, middle, and apical segments of the lateral and posterior walls and was compared to the average strain value of the interventricular septum (IVS) at the same views. RESULTS: LVGLS was decreased and was not statistically different between three- and four-chamber views (-12.5 ± 3.6 vs -11.4 ± 5.5%, p = 0.2). The average strain values of the lateral and posterior walls were statistically reduced compared to the average value of the IVS (lateral vs IVS: -7.8 ± 3.7 vs -10 ± 5.3%, p = 0.005, posterior vs IVS: -7.7 ± 4.2 vs -10.3 ± 3.8%, p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference between lateral and posterior walls (-7.8 ± 3.7 vs -7.7 ± 4.2%, p = 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: The strain of lateral and posterior walls of left ventricle, which lay just opposite to the aortic valve seem to be more reduced compared to other walls in patients with sAS and preserved LVEF possibly due to their anatomical position. This impairment seems to be the reason of the overall LVGLS reduction. Regional strain could be used as an extra tool for the estimation of the severity of AS as well as for prognostic information in asymptomatic patients.

Incidence and causal association of functional atrial mitral regurgitation in HFpEF.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is as common as heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Atrial fibrillation (AF), as well as the presence of mitral regurgitation (MR), is highly prevalent in these patients. Atrial functional MR (AFMR) is a type of functional MR characterized by severe left atrial dilatation and remodeling with normal left ventricular (LV) dimensions and function. Dilatation of the mitral annulus is considered to be the main underlying mechanism, though the leaflets and the rest of the mitral apparatus play significant role in the development of MR, mainly in patients with long standing AF. There are several echocardiographic differences between atrial and ventricular functional MR, better identified with 3D echocardiography. Significant AFMR impairs prognosis, especially of patients with HFpEF, and this is important while they represent a group of under-diagnosed and under-treated patients. Finally, because focused medical evidence-based approach is not available yet, it seems that the prevention of left atrial dilatation and early restoration of sinus rhythm (SR) is the best therapeutic option.