Left Ventricular Systolic Dyssynchrony Index and Endothelial Dysfunction
Parameters As Subclinical Predictors of Cardiovascular Involvement in
Patients with Beta-Thalassaemia Major
Abstract
Objective: Cardiovascular involvement due to iron overload is the
leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with
beta-thalassaemia major (β-TM). However many patients remain
asymptomatic until the late stage. In this study, we investigated the
role of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) findings
and endothelial dysfunction parameters in asymptomatic β-TM patients,
and the relationship between these parameters and cardiac magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) T2 * value. Methods: 51 asymptomatic β-TM
patients who were receiving regular blood transfusions were evaluated by
two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) and RT3DE examinations including
endothelial dysfunction parameters. The study population was divided
into two subgroups based on their cardiac MRI T2* values (MRI T2* ≤20ms
and >20ms). The relationships between serum ferritin
levels, 2DE and RT3DE measurements, endothelial dysfunction parameters,
and cardiac MRI T2* values were investigated. Results: Although all left
ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) values obtained by 2DE were within
normal limits (≥50%), they were not associated with MRI T2* values.
LVEFRT3D (53.25 +2.33 vs 58.81 +1.02), SDI12 (6.53 +0.56 vs 2.85 +0.48),
SDI16 (7.65 +0.75 vs 3.26 +0.49) were significantly different and
negatively correlated between two groups respectively . Flow-mediated
dilatation (FMD) (6.08% + 0.34 vs 14.46% + 1.12), aortic strain
(7.79% + 2.19 vs 12.76% + 4.19), and serum ferritin values were
significantly different and negatively correlated between two groups
respectively. Conclusion: Decreased LVEF and increased SDI by RT3DE
could be parameters of early cardiac deterioration. Decreased FMD and
aortic strain may be good predictors of subclinical cardiovascular
involvement in asymptomatic patients with β-TM.