Tissue Doppler imaging of the atrial lateral wall: Correlation with atrial strain rate and parameters of diastolic...

To evaluate the velocity profile of the lateral wall of the left atrium (LA) using pulsed-wave color tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) on line and its correlation with two-dimensional strain rate imaging (SRI) by speckle tracking, of equal segments and phases, and other parameters of diastolic function in a population of individuals without known cardiovascular disease.

A total of 91 adults aged 18-74 years, without cardiovascular history, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia or obesity, were evaluated. A Doppler echocardiogram was performed. The lateral wall of the LA was divided subjectively into three portions, the atrial roof was excluded; the peak velocities of the basal and midportions, and their average, were measured with pulsed-wave TDI on line and SRI. Using both techniques, a first positive wave (S'la and SRS-reservoir phase) and two negative waves (E'la and SRE-conduit phase-and A'la and SRA-atrial systole-respectively) were obtained. E'la/A'la ratio and SRE/SRA ratio were analyzed.

The median age was 42 years, and 54.9% of the subjects were female. S'la presented moderate correlation with S' lateral mitral annulus. Both E'la and the E'la/A'la relationships showed moderate to good correlation with various diastolic dysfunction parameters evaluated and SRI. A'la did not present a statistically significant correlation with any of the variables evaluated.

Evaluation of the lateral wall of the LA by pulsed-wave color TDI on line is feasible in the vast majority of patients. In the conduit phase, E'la and the E'la/A'la relationship showed correlation with the parameters that evaluate diastolic function and SRI.