Impaired Cardiac Function in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis by Comparison with Normal Subjects

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurologic disease impacting young adults, potentially leading to cardiovascular dysfunction.
• Factors contributing to cardiovascular issues in MS include autonomic dysfunction, physical disability, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
• Cardiovascular function is infrequently assessed in MS patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate left and right ventricular (LV and RV) function in MS patients using advanced echocardiography.
• To assess vascular function, including remodeling, stiffness, and endothelial function, in MS patients.
• To compare cardiovascular parameters in MS patients against healthy control subjects.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 2D, 3D, tissue Doppler, and speckle tracking echocardiography to assess biventricular function.
• Measured arterial remodeling, stiffness, and endothelial function parameters.
• Studied 67 MS patients and 36 healthy controls (mean age 35 ± 10 years, 70% female).

Main Results:

• MS patients exhibited decreased LV systolic function (lower ejection fraction, reduced strain, and systolic velocities).
• RV function was also impaired in MS patients (lower fractional area change, reduced strain, and systolic velocities).
• LV diastolic and left atrial function were diminished in MS patients; arterial and endothelial functions were comparable to controls.

Conclusions:

• Patients with multiple sclerosis demonstrate impaired biventricular and left atrial function compared to healthy individuals.
• Arterial and endothelial functions remain normal in MS patients.
• Noninvasive echocardiography is a valuable tool for identifying MS patients at risk of cardiovascular dysfunction.