Predictive value of global longitudinal strain by left ventricular ejection fraction

Abstract

Abstract Background The predictive value of left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) to predict outcomes in different left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) cohorts is not well known. We aimed to assess the role of LV GLS predicting outcomes in HF patients by LVEF. Methods In the Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (MADIT‐CRT), we studied 1077 patients (59%) with 2D speckle tracking data available, 437 patients with LVEF > 30% and 640 with LVEF ≤ 30%. Baseline LV GLS was stratified in tertiles in both LVEF subgroups. The primary endpoint was ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF) or death; the secondary endpoint was heart failure (HF) or death. Results In patients with LVEF ≤ 30%, a higher tertile GLS (T3, less contractility) was associated with a higher rate of VT/VF/death (P 30% (P = 0.057). In patients with LVEF ≤ 30%, a higher tertile GLS was also associated with a higher rate of HF/death. In multivariable models, LV GLS predicted VT/VF or death in the LVEF ≤ 30% subgroup [T1 vs. T2/3 HR = 1.67 (1.16–2.38), P = 0.005], but not in those with LVEF > 30% [T1 vs. T2.3 HR = 1.32 (0.86–2.04), P = 0.21]. LV GLS predicted HF/death in the LVEF ≤ 30% subgroup [T1 vs T2/3 HR = 2.00 (1.30–3.13), P = 0.002], but not in in those with LVEF > 30%. Conclusions In this MADIT‐CRT sub‐study, LV GLS identified patients at higher risk of VT/VF, HF/death risk independently of conventional clinical parameters in patients with LVEF ≤ 30%, but not in patients with LVEF > 30%.

Keywords

• Left ventricular function
• Ejection fraction
• Global longitudinal strain
• Clinical outcomes
• Ventricular arrhythmias