Evaluation of Left Ventricular Function in Uremic Patients by Speckle Tracking Imaging

Here, we tested the suitability of two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (STI) for assessment of left ventricular function in uremic patients. Forty-nine patients and 40 healthy individuals were enrolled for STI evaluation of common echocardiography measurements, as well as twist angles of apical and basal segment rotations. The E/A wave ratio, rotation angle, and twist angles of apical and basal segment rotations were significantly lower in uremic patients (p < 0.05 vs. healthy individuals), while left ventricular interior diameter and left ventricular wall thickness were significantly increased (p < 0.05 vs. healthy individuals). There was no significant difference in the left ventricular ejection fraction between patients and healthy individuals. Thus, two-dimensional STI is suitable for assessment of changes of left ventricular function in uremic patients.