Prevalence, predictors and evolution of echocardiographically defined cardiac abnormalities in adults with type 1...

The aims of this observational study were to determine the prevalence and predictors of an abnormal echocardiogram in adults with type 1 diabetes, and to assess the evolution of changes in a subset of subjects.

Cardiac function and structure were prospectively investigated by comprehensive transthoracic echocardiographic techniques in asymptomatic adults with type 1 diabetes seen in the ambulatory care setting.

We recruited 136 subjects (mean age 39 years, SD 14 years) with a median diabetes duration of 21 years [25(th), 75(th) interquartile range; 11, 29]. An abnormal echocardiogram was present in 29% of subjects; diastolic dysfunction in 69%, left ventricular hypertrophy in 38% and systolic dysfunction in 10%. The independent predictors of an abnormal echocardiogram were age, with a 9-fold increase in those ≥40 years (OR 9.40 [95% CI 2.68-33.04], P <0.0001), and increased body mass index (BMI), with a 17% increase in risk (P=0.04). A second echocardiogram was available in 65 subjects (3.8±1.7 years later). The results showed that one in five with a normal first study had developed an abnormal second study, mainly diastolic dysfunction, with age being the only independent predictor of progression (P=0.006).

Subclinical echocardiographic abnormalities are common in asymptomatic type 1 diabetes adults, and changes are progressive. The addition of an echocardiogram to complication surveillance programs in those with type 1 diabetes aged ≥40 years may represent a cost-effective way to screen for, and aggressively treat, occult cardiac disease.