Relation Between Global Left Ventricular Longitudinal Strain Assessed with Novel Automated Function Imaging and Biplane Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Objective: Automated function imaging (AFI) is a novel algorithm based on speckle-tracking imaging that can be used for assessment of global longitudinal strain of the left ventricle. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation between global longitudinal peak systolic strain average (GLPSS Avg) assessed by AFI and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods: The study population consisted of 222 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease (99 patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI] and 123 patients with advanced ischemic heart failure) and 20 age-matched controls. LVEF was calculated by Simpson's rule. The GLPSS Avg was obtained by AFI. Results: In the overall study group (65 +/- 10 years, 77% were men), mean GLPSS Avg was 11.1% +/- 4.8% and mean LVEF was 37% +/- 14%. Linear regression analysis showed a good correlation between GLPSS Avg and biplane LVEF for the overall study population (r = 0.83; P < .001). However, in patients with STEMI or heart failure the correlations were less strong (r = 0.42 and r = 0.62, both P < .001). Conclusion: Systolic global longitudinal strain assessed by AFI was linearly related to biplane LVEF. In patients with STEMI or heart failure, less strong correlations were observed, suggesting that these 2 parameters reflect different aspects of systolic left ventricular function. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2008; 21: 1244-1250.)