Analysis of the left atrial function using two-dimensional strain in patients with recent diagnosis of hereditary hemochromatosis

Abstract BackgroundHereditary Hemochromatosis (HH) is a genetic condition associated with a systemic iron overload. Heart failure is an important cause of mortality. It has been demonstrated early stages of systolic and diastolic left ventricular dysfunction in previous studies. The aim of the study is to compare the left atrial (LA) function between asymptomatic HH patients and a control group using 2D speckle tracking.MethodsProspective study. LA strain, LA strain rate and LA volumetric parameters during the reservoir, conduit and contraction phases were studied. The LA Stiffness Index was calculated by the ratio between E/e and LA reservoir strain.Results30 patients with HH (90% males, 47 ± 18 years old) and 30 healthy controls (85% males, 45 ± 13 years old) were included. LA volume was similar in both groups. No differences were observed in LA ejection fraction (EF), LA passive EF and LA active ejection fraction between both groups. On the contrary, the HH group had lower LA strain during the reservoir (31.5 ± 6.5% vs 38.3 ± 7.9%; p = 0.002), and conduit phases (-18 ± 7% vs -23.3 ± 6.4%; p = 0.01) and lower LA conduit strain rate (-1.7 ± 0.7 seg− 1 vs -2.1 ± 0.5 seg− 1; p = 0.02) than controls. The LA stiffness index was significantly higher in the HH group (0.25 ± 0.9 vs 0.19 ± 0.6; p = 0.01).ConclusionsEarly abnormalities in the LA function could be detected by using 2D speckle tracking study despite no evidence of changes in atrial size or volumetric parameters.