LEFT ATRIAL FUNCTION ASSESSMENT BY 2D-SPECKLE TRACKING ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS WITH NORMAL LEFT VENTRICULAR SYSTOLIC FUNCTION

Background: Chronic renal failure leads to structural changes and functional abnormalities in the heart, which are known as uremic cardiomyopathy. These changes may be progressive and related directly to a grossly aggravated risk of cardiovascular events. Left atrial volume estimated by echocardiography is reported to be a sensitive marker of LV diastolic dysfunction and LA function plays a central role in maintaining optimal cardiac output despite impaired LV relaxation and reduced LV compliance. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the regional function of the left atrial myocardium using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in hemodialysis patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. Patients and methods: This study was a cross-sectional comparative study conducted on 80 individuals divided into two groups; Group (1) (the control group) consisted of 20 healthy individuals, Group (2) consisted of 60 patients on regular hemodialysis. All patients were subjected to full history taking, complete physical examination, resting 12-lead electrocardiography, left ventricular assessment by conventional echocardiography and speckle tracking echocardiography, left atrial assessment by conventional echocardiography and speckle tracking echocardiography. Results: In our study, the left atrial global longitudinal strain (LAGLS) value assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography significantly decreased in group (1) which was 34.63 ± 10.78 versus 46.76 ± 8.99 in group (2). Conclusion: The mean left atrial global longitudinal strain (LAGLS) significantly decreased in patients with ESRD on regular hemodialysis.