Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in the Diagnosis of Subclinical Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Hypertensive Patients
Journal Title: Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research - Year 2018, Vol 12, Issue 4
Abstract
ABSTRACT Introduction: The early diagnosis of subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction in hypertensive patients is of crucial importance to prevent further adverse events and the onset of tissue and organ complications. Aim: To determine a high-risk group on the basis of subclinical Left Ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction using Speckle Tracking Echocardiography (STE). Materials and Methods: This was a case-control study comparing 80 patients with hypertension (HTN, mild, moderate and severe) with preserved Ejection Fraction (EF) with or without Diastolic Dysfunction (DD) to 70 healthy volunteers. We defined subclinical LV systolic dysfunction as a reduced global longitudinal strain (GLS) <-20%, determined by Two Dimensional-STE (2D-STE). The statistical analysis was performed using unpaired t-test to assess categorical data, chi-square test for proportions, Pearson’s coefficient for strength of correlation and multiple regressions for continuous variables and their association with age and gender. Inter-and intra-observer variability were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient. The significance level was set at p<0.05. Results: Significant differences in EF between HTN and the controls were not found. The GLS showed normal values in the controls and non-significant changes in patients with mild HTN without DD (p=0.840). A stepwise reduction of the GLS, which is dependent on the severity of HTN and DD was observed. The more severe the HTN and DD respectively, the more significant was the reduction of the GLS (p<0.001). In patients with HTN and reduced GLS, increased Body Mass Index (BMI) (p<0.001), Left Atrial Volume Index (LAVI) (p<0.001) and Left Ventricular Mass Index (LVMI) (p<0.001), reduced Sm (p=0.01) and Mitral Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (MAPSE) (p=0.02) were found. A moderate negative correlation between GLS and BMI (r=-0.52; p<0.001) as well as GLS and LVMI (r=-0.61; p<0.001) were observed. A moderate positive correlation between GLS and EF (r=0.48; p=0.03), and GLS and Sm (r=0.56; p=0.01), as well as strong positive correlation between GLS and MAPSE were also found (r=0.756; p=0.003). These findings were observed mainly in patients with HTN and DD. Conclusion: The 2D-STE GLS provides an excellent opportunity for an early diagnosis of the subclinical LV systolic dysfunction in patients with HTN. In contrast to EF, GLS gives the real concept for the minimal changes in LV longitudinal mechanics, mainly in subjects with already developed DD. These findings corresponded to a higher risk of adverse CV events, and give a strong evidence to augment the antihypertensive treatment, control of the risk factors and lifestyle changes.
Authors and Affiliations
Ivaylo Rilkov Daskalov, Miroslava Georgieva Mladenova, Alexandar Nikolaev Chobanov, Konstantin Nikolov Ramshev
Native Valve Endocarditis Caused by Escherichia Coli
Escherichia coli is a rare cause of infective endocarditis. This report describes a case of native valve endocarditis caused by Escherichia coli in a 58-year-old male renal transplant patient who had a concurrent urinary...
Relationship between Neutrophilto-Lymphocyte Ratio and Stress in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a disease of autoimmunity and inflammation, is characterized by deterioration of the myelin sheath that protects the nerve fibers. The high levels of neutrophils in serum may be rel...
Catheter-Assisted Balloon-Supported Retrieval of a Broken Semi-Compliant Balloon from a Coronary Artery
Incidents of broken balloon in a coronary vasculature during percutaneous coronary angioplasty are very rare. Such events in cath-lab may create panic and can be life threatening for patients. Hence, immediate retrieval...
Epidemiology of Orthopaedic Morbidities in Pilgrims of Shri Amarnath Yatra
ABSTRACT Introduction: In a religiously diverse country like India, visits to holy shrines situated at geographically diverse topographical spots are a common norm. “Shri Amarnath shrine” is one of the most sought after...
Naive or Caper: Author Behavior
Editorial