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Published on: July 20, 2022
Left Atrial Deformation Parameters After Myocardial Infarction With Low Triiodothyronine Syndrome and Their
Edita Jankauskiene1,2, Neda Jonaitiene1, Martynas Jankauskas2
1Department of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas Clinics, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania.
Insights
Left atrial strain analysis using speckle-tracking echocardiography predicts adverse outcomes in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. These parameters, especially in low triiodothyronine (T3) syndrome, improve risk stratification for heart failure and major adverse cardiac events.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Echocardiography
- Thyroidology
Background:
- Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) management has improved, but long-term complications like heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) persist.
- Left atrial (LA) function, assessed by speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE), is a sensitive marker of cardiac remodeling.
- This study investigates the prognostic value of LA deformation parameters in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, particularly concerning low triiodothyronine (T3) syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prognostic significance of LA deformation parameters in STEMI patients.
- To explore the relationship between low T3 syndrome and LA function post-STEMI.
- To identify predictors of long-term adverse outcomes in STEMI survivors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 140 first-onset STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention.
- Measurement of thyroid hormone concentrations (fT3) within 24 hours of admission, classifying patients into low T3 (n=44) and control (n=96) groups.
- Echocardiography and STE performed within 72 hours and at 6 months, analyzing LA reservoir strain and strain rate parameters; 10-year follow-up for adverse events.
Main Results:
- Low T3 patients were older with higher inflammatory markers and reduced acute LA conduit strain rates.
- After 6 months, LA volume increased more in low T3 patients.
- Reduced LA reservoir strain and conduit strain rate predicted MACEs and AF, respectively; LA conduit strain rate, LA reservoir strain, LA volume index, and LVEF were independent predictors of adverse outcomes.
Conclusions:
- STE-derived LA deformation parameters offer valuable prognostic information in post-STEMI patients.
- LA reservoir strain and conduit strain rate are significant predictors of MACEs and AF.
- Early STE evaluation enhances risk stratification and guides management for STEMI patients.
Background:
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) management has reduced in-hospital mortality, yet heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) remain common long-term complications. Left atrial (LA) function, assessed via speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE), provides sensitive markers of cardiac remodeling. This study aims to investigate the prognostic value of LA deformation parameters and their significance for long-term outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), particularly in relation to low triiodothyronine (T3) syndrome.
Methods:
A retrospective study enrolled 140 first-onset STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Thyroid hormone concentrations were measured within 24 h of admission, and patients were classified into low T3 (free triiodothyronine (fT3) < 3.2 pmol/L, n = 44) and control groups (n = 96). Echocardiography and STE were performed within 72 h and repeated after 6 months. LA reservoir strain and conduit and contractile strain rate parameters were analyzed. Long-term outcomes, including AF, rehospitalization, HF, major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), and all-cause death, were assessed after 10 years.
Results:
Patients with low T3 syndrome were older, with higher inflammatory markers (P = 0.03) and reduced LA conduit strain rates during the acute phase (P = 0.04). After 6 months, LA volume increased significantly in both groups, but more prominently in low T3 patients (P = 0.03). Reduced LA reservoir strain (area under the curve (AUC), 0.721; P = 0.012) and conduit strain rate (AUC, 0.621; P = 0.012) were strong predictors of MACEs and AF, respectively. Logistic regression identified the LA conduit strain rate, LA reservoir strain, LA volume index, and left ventricular ejection fraction as independent predictors of adverse outcomes.
Conclusions:
STE-derived LA deformation parameters provide valuable prognostic information in post-STEMI patients. The LA reservoir strain and LA conduit strain rate are significant predictors of MACEs, while LA global longitudinal strain identifies patients at risk of HF. Early STE evaluation can enhance risk stratification and guide management.
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