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Left ventricular structural and functional characteristics in Cushing's syndrome

Maria Lorenza Muiesan1, Mario Lupia, Massimo Salvetti

  • 1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Internal Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy. muiesan@med.cci.unibs.it

Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|June 25, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Patients with Cushing's syndrome exhibit impaired left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function, alongside structural changes. These cardiac abnormalities may increase cardiovascular event risk in Cushing's syndrome patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiovascular Imaging

Background:

  • Cushing's syndrome is associated with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and concentric remodeling.
  • Previous research lacked data on LV systolic and diastolic function in Cushing's syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate left ventricular (LV) anatomy and function in patients with Cushing's syndrome.
  • To assess cardiac structural changes, systolic performance, and diastolic filling.

Main Methods:

  • Echocardiography was used to measure LV mass index (LVMI) and relative wall thickness (RWT) in 42 Cushing's syndrome patients and 42 controls.
  • Midwall fractional shortening (FS) and Doppler transmitral flow were assessed to evaluate systolic and diastolic function.

Main Results:

  • Cushing's patients showed increased RWT, LV hypertrophy, and concentric remodeling.
  • Midwall FS was significantly reduced in Cushing's patients.
  • Diastolic dysfunction was evident, with reduced E/A flow velocity ratio and prolonged E deceleration time.

Conclusions:

  • Cushing's syndrome is linked to cardiac structural changes, reduced midwall systolic function, and diastolic dysfunction.
  • These cardiac abnormalities may contribute to the elevated risk of cardiovascular events in patients with Cushing's syndrome.
Abstract

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