Subclinical Myocardial Dysfunction Revealed by Two-dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Chronic Alcoholic Patients

Background and aim: Alcohol is a potent risk factor for heart diseases. Alcohol consumption can damage myocytes earlier than overt LV dysfunction occurs. We aimed that two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) can be used for early detection of heart failure caused by alcohol intake. Methods: A 100 chronic alcoholics were enrolled into the study. All patients underwent physical examination, biochemical analysis and echocardiography. Following parameters were assessed: LV diameters, LV systolic and diastolic function. Also RV diameters, LA and RA volumes were measured. LV and RV global longitudinal strain (GLS), LA and RA strain were calculated. The results were compared with control group, composed of 20 healthy subjects. Results: The mean LVEF was 57.55±6.99%, the mean E/A ratio 1.09±0.32 and E/E` 7.36±2.4 in the study group. Mean LA volume was 35.4±10.78 mL, RA volume 34.7±10.25 mL. The 2DSTE of LA was 29.1±10.0, LVGLS was -15.03±2.07. The RA strain was 30.46±10.25 and RVGLS -16.22±6.27. All strain parameters were lower than in the control group. Graded reduction of global longitudinal strain of the both ventricles and both atria in dose-dependent manner was found, lower strain was observed in heavy alcoholics than light/moderate drinkers. Conclusions: The study proved that chronic alcohol consumption leads to myocardial injury in dose-depended manner, the deterioration of global strain of the ventricles and atria can be the sensitive marker of myocardial injury.