Left Atrial Function by Speckle Tracking in Liver Cirrhosis. A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is the systolic and/or diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle at rest or stress, in the absence of other cardiovascular conditions, and worsens the prognosis after transplant or other liver surgical procedures. Objective: The aim of the study was to characterize left atrial function with speckle tracking in cirrhotic patients. Methods: Ninety-nine consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis of different etiology were included in the study. All patients underwent rest echocardiographic evaluation with measurement of left ventricular and atrial function using traditional techniques, threedimensional measurements and speckle tracking. Results: Median age was 50.9 years and 40% were men. No alterations of left ventricular systolic function were observed. Twentyseven percent of patients had diastolic dysfunction and dilatation of the left atrium, the latter with a significant increase according to the Child stage, and left atrial pump function was altered in 29% of cases. Conclusion: Cirrhotic patients present left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and alterations of left atrial systolic function measured by speckle tracking.