Prognostic value of diastolic function parameters in significant aortic regurgitation: the role of the left atrial strain

Background The management of patients with asymptomatic significant aortic regurgitation (sAR) is often challenging and appropriate timing of aortic valve surgery remains controversial. Prognostic value of diastolic parameters has been demonstrated in several cardiac diseases. The aim of this study was to analyze the prognostic significance of the diastolic function evaluated by echocardiography, in asymptomatic patients with sAR. Methods A total of 126 patients with asymptomatic sAR evaluated in the Heart Valve Clinic were retrospective included. Conventional echocardiographic systolic and diastolic function parameters were assessed. Left atrial (LA) auto-strain analysis was performed in a sub-group of 57 patients. A combined end-point of hospital admission due to heart failure, cardiovascular mortality, or aortic valve surgery was defined. Results During a median follow-up of 34.1 (interquartile range 16.5-48.1) months, 25 (19.8%) patients reached the combined end-point. Univariate analysis showed that LV volumes, LV ejection fraction (LVEF), LV-GLS, E wave, E/e' ratio, LA volume and LA reservoir strain (LASr) were significant predictors of events. Multivariate analysis that tested all classical echocardiographic variables statistically significant in the univariate model showed that LVEDV (HR = 1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.03; p < 0.001) and E/e' ratio (HR = 1.12; 95% CI 1.03-123; p = 0.01) were significant predictors of events. Kaplan-Meier curve, stratified by median value of LASr, showed that lower LASr values (less than median of 34%) were associated with higher rates of events (p = 0.013). Conclusion In this population of asymptomatic patients with sAR and normal LV systolic function, baseline diastolic parameters were prognostic markers of cardiovascular events; among them, LASr played a significant predictor role.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the prognostic significance of diastolic function parameters evaluated by echocardiography in asymptomatic patients with significant aortic regurgitation. It found that these parameters, particularly left atrial reservoir strain, were predictive markers of cardiovascular events.