Myocardial Function Assessed by Multi-Layered Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Analysis in Asymptomatic Young Subjects with Diabetes Mellitus Type 1

Background: Diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) is associated with a high risk for cardiovascular disease, and early detection of myocardial dysfunction is crucial for the prevention of cardiac complications. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) function by using both conventional echocardiography as well as multi-layered speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in young adults with DM1. Methods: We included 50 young asymptomatic adults diagnosed with DM1 (mean interval from diagnosis 9 ± 6 years) and 80 healthy controls. STE was acquired using the GE Vivid S60 equipment. The LV longitudinal strain (LS), layer-specific strains of the endocardium, myocardium, and epicardium (global longitudinal strain [GLS]endo, GLSmyo, GLSepi) as well as RV strain were obtained using the EchoPAC BT13 workstation. Results: No significant intergroup differences in LV ejection fraction were noted. GLSendo and GLSmyo were reduced in the DM1 group (–20.6 ± 2.7 vs. –22.0 ± 2.3 and –18.0 ± 2.4 vs. –19.1 ± 1.9, respectively, p < 0.05) compared to controls. Mechanical dispersion was higher in the diabetes group (34 ± 11 vs. 29 ± 7, p < 0.05). RV strain measurements showed no significant difference between the groups. Conclusions: Young adults with DM1 and without known heart disease have subclinical myocardial dysfunction with lower LV endocardium and myocardium LS and higher mechanical dispersion demonstrated by multi-layered STE.