The predictive value of left ventricular myocardium mechanics evaluation in asymptomatic patients with aortic regurgitation and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. A long-term speckle-tracking echocardiographic study.

BACKGROUND

The management of asymptomatic patients with aortic regurgitation (AR) and preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) remains challenging. The purpose of the study was to assess the early changes of LV mechanics by 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) in order to predict a decrease in LVEF.

METHODS

Sixty-seven patients (age, 47 ± 15 years) with asymptomatic moderate (n = 27) and severe AR (n = 40) with preserved LVEF were prospectively followed for about 5 years. Sixty healthy age-matched controls were included in the study. Standard echocardiography and 2D-STE were performed at the baseline and follow-up. The primary endpoint was a deterioration of the LVEF (≤50%).

RESULTS

At baseline, global LV longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLS) and strain rate (GLSRs) were decreased in patients with severe AR compared to controls (-18.9 ± 2.4 vs 20.0 ± 2.1%; -1.05 ± 0.19 vs -1.18 ± 0.15 1/s, P < .05, respectively). In the moderate AR group, GLS was not different from that of the control group, but GLSRs was significantly lower than in controls. The primary endpoint was reached in 12 patients with severe AR, while this was not observed in patients with moderate AR. In multivariate analysis, GLS was an independent predictor of LVEF. According to ROC curve analysis, probability of primary endpoint occurrence was significantly greater in patients with GLS values ≥-18.5% (AUC: 0.89, P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

The reduction of LV longitudinal deformation is a sign of early subclinical LV dysfunction. GLS is a prognostic predictor of LV dysfunction and may be potentially useful for optimal timing of surgery for patients with significant AR.