Myocardial Performance Index in Neurocardiogenic Syncope Patients

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Nephrology
• Neurology

Background:

• Neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS) is a common cause of syncope, often triggered by neural reflexes.
• The head-up tilt table test (HUTT) is a standard diagnostic tool for NCS.
• Investigating novel echocardiographic markers for NCS diagnosis is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the left ventricular myocardial performance index (MPI) in patients diagnosed with NCS.
• To evaluate the accuracy of MPI as a potential indicator for NCS.
• To explore the relationship between MPI and syncope in patients with NCS.

Main Methods:

• A study group of 29 patients with HUTT-diagnosed NCS and a control group of 23 healthy individuals were included.
• Both groups underwent conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography.
• Left ventricular MPI and ejection time (ET) were calculated using Doppler measurements.

Main Results:

• Patients with NCS exhibited a significantly lower MPI compared to the control group (0.44 ± 0.7 vs. 0.52 ± 0.8, P < 0.001).
• The ejection time (ET) was significantly longer in patients with NCS (284 ± 24 ms vs. 260 ± 24 ms, P < 0.001).
• No significant difference in ejection fraction was observed between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Left ventricular MPI values are significantly decreased in patients with neurocardiogenic syncope.
• MPI may serve as a valuable, non-invasive echocardiographic marker for diagnosing NCS.
• Further research can explore the clinical utility of MPI in managing NCS patients.