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Current Cardiology Reports

Open Access 22-04-2024 | Echocardiography | Echocardiography (JM Gardin and AH Waller, Section Editors)

Evolving Applications of Echocardiography in the Evaluation of Left Atrial and Right Ventricular Strain

Authors: Adam Serafin, Wojciech Kosmala, Thomas H. Marwick

Published in: Current Cardiology Reports

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) can assess myocardial motion in non-LV chambers—including assessment of left atrial (LA) and right ventricular (RV) strain. This review seeks to highlight the diagnostic, prognostic, and clinical significance of these parameters in heart failure, atrial fibrillation (AF), diastolic dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension (PH), tricuspid regurgitation, and heart transplant recipients.

Recent Findings

Impaired LA strain reflects worse LV diastolic function in individuals with and without HF, and this is associated with decreased exercise capacity. Initiating treatments targeting these functional aspects may enhance exercise capacity and potentially prevent heart failure (HF). Impaired LA strain also identifies patients with a high risk of AF, and this recognition may lead to preventive strategies. Impaired RV strain has significant clinical and prognostic implications across various clinical scenarios, including HF, PH, tricuspid regurgitation, or in heart transplant recipients.

Summary

STE should not be limited to the assessment of deformation of the LV myocardium. The use of LA and RV strain is supported by a substantial evidence base, and these parameters should be used more widely.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Evolving Applications of Echocardiography in the Evaluation of Left Atrial and Right Ventricular Strain
Authors
Adam Serafin
Wojciech Kosmala
Thomas H. Marwick
Publication date
22-04-2024
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Cardiology Reports
Print ISSN: 1523-3782
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3170
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-024-02058-x

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