[Correlations between mitral annular and left atrial function as assessed by three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography in healthy volunteers. Results from the MAGYAR-Healthy Study]

Changes in mitral annular morphology and function in young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus-results from the three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR-Path Study

BACKGROUND

Alterations in mitral annular size and function could be demonstrated in cardiomyopathies and ischaemic heart disease. The present study was designed to evaluate mitral annulus (MA) morphology and function in young type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients by three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) and to compare their results to matched healthy controls.

METHODS

The study comprised 18 patients with T1DM (mean age: 33.0±8.0 years). Their results were compared to that of 20 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (mean age: 37.8±10.9 years). Complete two-dimensional (2D) Doppler echocardiography and 3DSTE have been performed in all cases.

RESULTS

No significant differences could be demonstrated in demographic and standard echocardiographic parameters between the groups. Significantly enlarged diastolic MA diameter (2.87±0.27 mm vs. 2.58±0.32 mm, P=0.01), MA diameter index 1.61±0.20 cm/m(2) vs. 1.30±0.39 cm/m(2), P=0.008, and MA area index (4.81±0.88 cm(2)/m(2) vs. 3.91±1.35 cm(2)/m(2), P=0.03) could be demonstrated in T1DM together with augmented MA fractional shortening (28.64±9.63% vs. 20.35±12.50%, P=0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Early alterations in MA size and function could be demonstrated in young patients with T1DM by 3DSTE.

[Assessment of left atrial size and function -- from M-mode to 3D speckle-tracking echocardiography]

Left atrium is not a passive heart chamber, because it has a dynamic motion respecting heart cycle and, in accordance with its stretching, it releases atrial natriuretic peptides. Since in the course of certain invasive procedures the size of left atrium may change substantially, its exact measurement and functional characterization are essential. The aim of the present review is to summarize echocardiographic methods for the assessment of left atrial size and functional parameters.