Key result
Impaired GLS linked to ~17% greater cerebral small vessel disease burden in preserved EF.
Why the study?
The relationship between subclinical alterations in heart and brain structure and function remains poorly understood.
Is impaired left ventricular global longitudinal strain associated with increased cerebral small vessel disease burden in patients with preserved ejection fraction?
Cross-Sectional (n=139)
Is impaired left ventricular global longitudinal strain associated with increased cerebral small vessel disease burden in patients with preserved ejection fraction?
Odds Ratio: 1.17 (95% CI 1.007–1.359)
p-value: p=0.040
In patients with preserved ejection fraction, impaired global longitudinal strain on cardiac MRI is independently associated with a higher burden of cerebral small vessel disease, suggesting its utility as a marker for cerebrovascular risk.
Subclinical LV dysfunction may associate with CSVD burden; leaves open causality and whether screening alters cerebrovascular risk.
BACKGROUND: The relationship between subclinical alterations in heart and brain structure and function remains poorly understood. Emerging evidence indicates that subclinical myocardial dysfunction may be associated with neuroimaging markers of cerebral microvascular injury. PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between subclinical left ventricular dysfunction and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) burden in individuals with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction using cardiac and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 139 participants who underwent concurrent cardiac and brain MRI between March 2022 and December 2024. CSVD burden was assessed using a composite score incorporating white matter hyperintensities, enlarged perivascular spaces, and lacunar infarcts. Left ventricular function was assessed via feature-tracking cardiac MRI parameters, including global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), and global radial strain. Participants were classified into high (score ≥ 1) and low (score = 0) CSVD burden groups. RESULTS: High CSVD burden was identified in 83 participants (60%). Both GLS and GCS demonstrated significant correlations with CSVD severity. In adjusted multivariable analysis, impaired GLS remained an independent predictor of an elevated CSVD burden (OR = 1.170, 95% CI: 1.007 - 1.359, P = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS: Reduced GLS, a sensitive marker of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction, was independently associated with increased CSVD burden. These findings suggest that GLS may provide incremental value for identifying individuals at increased cerebrovascular risk despite preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.
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Wang et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (n=139). Impaired global longitudinal strain (GLS) was evaluated on Elevated cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) burden (OR 1.170, 95% CI 1.007 - 1.359, p=0.040). Impaired global longitudinal strain was independently associated with elevated cerebral small vessel disease burden in patients with preserved ejection fraction (OR 1.170; 95% CI 1.007-1.359; P=0.040).
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