P1812Speckle tracking echocardiography for early detection of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with Chagas disease

Abstract Introduction Longitudinal strain by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) imaging is a reliable tool for quantitative measurement of myocardial contractility. Assessment of left ventricular (LV) systolic function has a central role in the evaluation of patients with Chagas disease, particularly for identification of subtle changes that could predict disease progression. Purpose We aimed to detect early LV dysfunction using LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) in patients with Chagas disease and its relationship to other echocardiographic and laboratory parameters. Methods Eight-hundred and fifty patients with Chagas disease (mean age of 60±12 years, 70% female) who live in remote areas in Brazil were enrolled. Clinical evaluation, ECG, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP), and echocardiogram were performed. LV GLS was assessed offline on the four-, three- and two-chamber views. Patients were divided into tertiles according to the LV strain. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA. Results The ECG was normal in 19%, whereas typical ECG abnormalities related to Chagas cardiomyopathy were found in 58% of the patients. Overall mean LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was 59±11%, and LV GLS was - 14.1±4.4%. Apical aneurysm was detected in 34 patients (4%).The prevalence of LV systolic dysfunction, defined as LVEF