LAs-strain more closely related with LVEDP and NT-pro-BNP level than LAa-strain. LAs-strain thus might be used clinically to predict increased LVEDP.

RDW is a readily available clinical laboratory value that is associated with both the presence and the complexity of CAD.

No abstract

Background: It has been shown that mitral stenosis (MS) impairs left ventricular (LV) systolic function; however, this issue has not been studied comprehensively. We aimed to evaluate the role of 2D strain in the assessment of subclinical LV systolic dysfunction in patients with MS. Methods: Seventy-two patients with isolated MS (mild, moderate and severe) and 31 healthy control subjects constituted the study population. 2D echocardiography images were obtained from LV apical 4-chamber (4C), long axis (LAX), and 2-chamber (2C) views. Peak longitudinal strain and strain rate (Sr) were obtained from 4C, LAX, and 2C views. Global strain and Sr were calculated by averaging the three apical views. Results: There were no significant differences in LV ejection fraction and LV systolic or diastolic dimensions between the groups. Patients with MS had significantly lower LV longitudinal strain and Sr measurements than the control group. In addition, there were no significant differences in MS subgroups with respect to LV strain and Sr measurements. Conclusion: We demonstrated that patients with MS had lower LV functions using 2D strain imaging, and this is independent of the hemodynamic severity of MS. In the detection of subclinical LV dysfunction in patients with MS, 2D strain imaging appears to be useful.

The Syntax score reproducibility is within acceptable limits in real world clinical practice and it may become a significant tool in complex CAD management. (J Interven Cardiol 2011;24:302-306).