Assessment of right atrial function using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to unveil the right atrial function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE).

METHODS

A total of 120 OSAHS patients were enrolled as the OSAHS group, with 100 healthy individuals served as the control group. Conventional echocardiography assessed right atrial structure, including superior-inferior diameter, transverse diameter, area, and volume. Myocardial longitudinal strain parameters (reservoir strain (RASr), conduit strain (RAScd), and contraction strain (RASct)) were measured using 2D-STE. Comparisons were made between groups, and patients were further stratified by apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) into mild (5-14 events/h), moderate (15-39 events/h), and severe (≥ 40 events/h) subgroups. Correlation with AHI was assessed by Pearson correlation analysis.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, the OSAHS group showed progressive decreases in RASr and RAScd, and increases in RASct and transverse diameter with increasing disease severity (p < 0.05). AHI was negatively correlated with RASr and RAScd, and positively correlated with RASct and transverse diameter (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Patients with OSAHS exhibit significant structural and functional alterations of the right atrium. 2D-STE provides a reliable, non-invasive method for early assessment and clinical evaluation of right atrial dysfunction in OSAHS patients.