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Diagnostic accuracy of ECG and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide for cardiac dysfunction among asymptomatic long-term breast cancer survivors

  • 0University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Primary and Long-term Care, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine (hagerstown, MD.) +

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April 9, 2025

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April 9, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) tests are insufficient for screening left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) in breast cancer survivors. Echocardiography remains the preferred diagnostic method for this patient group.

Area Of Science

  • Cardiology
  • Oncology
  • Diagnostic Accuracy

Background

  • Long-term breast cancer survivors face risks of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) due to treatment.
  • Echocardiography is effective for LVSD diagnosis but has limited primary care accessibility.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ECG and NT-proBNP for detecting LVSD in long-term breast cancer survivors.
  • To compare ECG and NT-proBNP performance against echocardiography as the reference standard.

Main Methods

  • A cross-sectional study involving 350 breast cancer survivors (≥5 years post-diagnosis).
  • Index tests included ECG and NT-proBNP; the reference test was echocardiography.
  • LVSD was defined by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <54% or <50%.

Main Results

  • ECG showed limited sensitivity and specificity for detecting LVEF <54% and LVSD (LVEF <50%).
  • NT-proBNP demonstrated poor diagnostic performance with an area under the curve of 0.59 for LVEF <54% and 0.56 for LVEF <50%.

Conclusions

  • ECG and NT-proBNP are inadequate screening tools for LVSD in asymptomatic breast cancer survivors.
  • Further research may be needed to identify accessible and accurate screening methods for this population.

Keywords:

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