Decreased left atrial strain parameters are correlated with prolonged total atrial conduction time in lone atrial fibrillation

Abstract To investigate left atrium (LA) strain properties of patients with lone atrial fibrillation (LAF) and to assess relationships between LA strain parameters and total atrial conduction time measured with tissue Doppler imaging (PA-TDI). The study population consisted of 53 patients with LAF. The control group was comprised of 50 normal volunteers. Conventional echocardiography indices were measured. Mitral annular velocities and PA-TDI were assessed with TDI. Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) was used to assess LA segmental strain and strain rate. Compared with the control group, PA-TDI was significantly prolonged and LA myocardial Ss, SRs, Sa, and SRa were significantly decreased in the LAF group (all P < 0.001). In the control group, LA myocardial Ss (γ = −0.486, P < 0.01), SRs (γ = −0.436, P < 0.01), and Sa (γ = −0.360, P < 0.05) were correlated negatively with PA-TDI. LA myocardial SRa (γ = 0.377, P < 0.01) was correlated positively with PA-TDI. In the LAF group, LA myocardial Ss (γ = −0.429, P < 0.01), SRs (γ = −0.468, P < 0.01), and Sa (γ = −0.380, P < 0.05) were also correlated negatively, and SRa (γ = 0.390, P < 0.01) was correlated positively, with PA-TDI. Multivariate logistic regression identified PA-TDI as the only predictor of AF onset (OR 1.39; 95 % CI 1.02–1.54; P < 0.01). LA strain param...
Source: The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging - Category: Radiology Source Type: research