Prognostic value of serial global longitudinal strain measured by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

The aim of this study was to determine whether assessment of global longitudinal strain (GLS) before revascularization could predict adverse cardiac events after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In addition, the relation between GLS and cardiac biomarkers was investigated. From July 2006 through December 2009, 98 patients with first STEMI underwent conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography at initial presentation and 3 days after primary coronary intervention. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to percent changes of GLS compared to baseline GLS values: group 1, improved GLS >10%; group 2, unchanged GLS from -10% to 10%; and group 3, decreased GLS <-10%. Subsequent complications including all-cause mortality and readmission because of congestive heart failure during a 6-month period of follow-up were prospectively evaluated. After coronary intervention, GLS was improved in 29 patients (30%, group 1), unchanged in 55 patients (56%, group 2), and worsened in 14 patients (14%, group 3). Complications developed in 7 patients (group 1, n = 0, 0%; group 2, n = 2, 28%; group 3, n = 5, 72%, p <0.01). Multivariate Cox analysis showed an independent association of GLS before and after coronary intervention with subsequent complications. Significant correlations were observed between GLS and cardiac biomarkers. In conclusion, GLS assessment before coronary intervention was a good predictor of complications in patients with STEMI comparable to predictions using GLS after intervention at 6-month follow-up.