Strain imaging to predict response to cardiac resynchronization therapy: a systematic comparison of strain parameters using multiple imaging techniques

Alwin Zweerink*, Wouter M. van Everdingen, Robin Nijveldt, Odette A. E. Salden, Mathias Meine, Alexander H. Maass, Kevin Vernooy, Frederik J. de Langer, Marc A. Vos, Pierre Croisille, Patrick Clarysse, Bastiaan Geelhoed, Michiel Rienstra, Isabelle C. van Gelder, Albert C. van Rossum, Maarten J. Cramer, Cornelis P. Allaart

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Aims Various strain parameters and multiple imaging techniques are presently available including cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) tagging (CMR-TAG), CMR feature tracking (CMR-FT), and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). This study aims to compare predictive performance of different strain parameters and evaluate results per imaging technique to predict cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) response. Methods and results Twenty-seven patients were prospectively enrolled and underwent CMR and echocardiographic examination before CRT implantation. Strain analysis was performed in circumferential (CMR-TAG, CMR-FT, and STE-circ) and longitudinal (STE-long) orientations. Regional strain values, parameters of dyssynchrony, and discoordination were calculated. After 12 months, CRT response was measured by the echocardiographic change in left ventricular (LV) end-systolic volume (LVESV). Twenty-six patients completed follow-up; mean LVESV change was -29 +/- 27% with 17 (65%) patients showing >= 15% LVESV reduction. Measures of dyssynchrony (SD-TTPLV) and discoordination (ISFLV) were strongly related to CRT response when using CMR-TAG (R-2 0.61 and R-2 0.57, respectively), but showed poor correlations for CMR-FT and STE (all R-2 <= 0.32). In contrast, the end-systolic septal strain (ESSsep) parameter showed a consistent high correlation with LVESV change for all techniques (CMR-TAG R-2 0.60; CMR-FT R-2 0.50; STE-circ R-2 0.43; and STE-long R-2 0.43). After adjustment for QRS duration and QRS morphology, ESSsep remained an independent predictor of response per technique. Conclusions End-systolic septal strain was the only parameter with a consistent good relation to reverse remodelling after CRT, irrespective of assessment technique. In clinical practice, this measure can be obtained by any available strain imaging technique and provides predictive value on top of current guideline criteria.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1130-1140
Number of pages11
JournalEsc heart failure
Volume5
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2018

Keywords

  • Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)
  • Myocardial tagging (CMR-TAG)
  • Feature tracking (CMR-FT)
  • Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE)
  • Myocardial strain analysis
  • Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)
  • BUNDLE-BRANCH BLOCK
  • SEPTAL REBOUND STRETCH
  • MECHANICAL DYSSYNCHRONY
  • MAGNETIC-RESONANCE
  • ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
  • CONTRACTION
  • IMPROVEMENT
  • PATTERN
  • STRICT

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