Left atrial conduit strain derived from cardiac magnetic resonance is an independent predictor of left ventricular reverse remodeling in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Abstract Background In some patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM), left ventricular (LV) function improves with medical assistance, resulting in left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR). However, predictors of LVRR are not fully understood. The left atrium (LA) has been reported as a prognostic predictor in patients with heart failure (HF). The present study aimed to evaluate clinical predictors of LVRR related to LA function on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Methods A total of 103 patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were enrolled in this retrospective study between September 2015 and July 2021. CMR parameters, including strain data, were measured in all patients. Echocardiographic data obtained approximately 2 years after enrollment were analyzed to assess LVRR. Results LVRR occurred in 46 patients (44.7%) during follow-up. The value of LA conduit strain was higher in the LVRR group than in the non-LVRR group (6.6 [interquartile range (IQR): 5.6–9.3]% versus 5.0 [IQR: 3.0-6.2]%; p 6.2% compared to those with ⩽6.2%. (log-rank test, p = 0.019). Conclusions LA conduit strain derived from CMR is an independent predictor of LVRR in patients with NICM.

Keywords

• Left atrial conduit strain
• Cardiac magnetic resonance
• Nonischemic cardiomyopathy
• Left ventricular reverse remodeling