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Clinical Applications of Echo Strain Imaging: a Current Appraisal

  • Imaging (Q Truong, Section Editor)
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Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of review

This article reviews recent advances in echocardiographic strain imaging, particularly in its ability to prognosticate in cardiovascular outcomes and impact clinical decision making.

Recent findings

Strain has been proposed as a sensitive tool in detecting early ventricular dysfunction. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) detects subtle changes in myocardial function, often not quantifiable by ejection fraction alone. Thus, LV-GLS provides the opportunity for early decision-making, and the implementation of more effective treatments, improving outcomes in a variety of diseases such as valvular heart diseases, cardio-oncology, ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathies, heart transplantation, and pericardial diseases and cardiomyopathies.

Summary

Strain is a promising tool for the early detection of myocardial dysfunction in patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and can prognosticate long-term outcomes.

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References and Recommended Reading

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Acknowledgments

Dr. Desai acknowledges Haslam family endowed chair in cardiovascular medicine.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk J1-5, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA

    Agostina M. Fava MD, Dane Meredith MD & Milind Y. Desai MD

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  1. Agostina M. Fava MD
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Correspondence to Milind Y. Desai MD.

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Fava, A.M., Meredith, D. & Desai, M.Y. Clinical Applications of Echo Strain Imaging: a Current Appraisal. Curr Treat Options Cardio Med 21, 50 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11936-019-0761-0

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