Left atrial strain in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy in sinus rhythm: Prognostic implications and interrelationship with left ventricular deformation

Left atrial deformation analysis may identify patients at higher risk of adverse events in the setting of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM). The purpose was to determine the association between peak longitudinal (PALS) and contraction (PACS) LA strain in NIDCM, accounting for left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS). Consecutive patients with NIDCM, sinus rhythm and LV ejection fraction (LVEF)8 % (HR = 1.20, 95 %CI 1.07–1.35). PALS more strongly correlated with LV-GLS (Spearmans' rho = −0.71) than PACS (rho = −0.5). A decreased PALS/LV-GLS ratio was associated with higher rates of the composite outcome. LA dysfunction is a major determinant of the composite outcome in NIDCM with LVEF