Advanced echocardiographic assessment in adults with repaired aortic coarctation: myocardial work analysis provides novel insights on left ventricular mechanics

Aim To analyze left ventricular (LV) mechanics through advanced echocardiography, including speckle tracking analysis and myocardial work (MW) in a cohort of adults with repaired aortic coarctation (CoA). Methods Data on standard echocardiography, LV speckle-tracking and MW analysis were collected in CoA patients > 18 years with no significant recoartation or valvular disease and normal LV ejection fraction at the time of the exam. MW indices were calculated using the blood pressure measured in the right arm. A group of healthy subjects with comparable sex, age and body surface area was included for comparison. Results Eighty-nine CoA patients and 70 healthy subjects were included. Patients had higher systolic blood pressure (p