Edgar Daminello et al. Ana Clara Tude Rodrigues Adriana Cordovil Wércules Antônio Oliveira … Edgar Bezerra Lira Filho Rafael Bonafim Piveta Marcelo Luiz Campos Vieira Cláudio Henrique Fischer Samira S. Morhy
Summary
Introduction
Echocardiography is fundamental in the distinction between physiological adaptations promoted by physical activity and pathological abnormalities. Three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3D-STE) could prove accurate in detecting subclinical abnormalities in cardiac function.
Objectives
To determine the effect of exercise on the parameters of myocardial strain in athletes through 3D STE.
Method
Elite boxers underwent conventional three-dimensional echocardiography (3D-echo) and 3D-STE to analyze left ventricular (LV) volumes, left ventricular mass indexed to body surface area (LVMIBSA), ejection fraction (EF), longitudinal global strain (LGS), circumferential global strain (CGS), radial global strain (RGS), twist, torsion and tracking area. These data were compared with measurements performed on untrained control individuals.
Results
The analyses included 16 athletes and 14 controls with similar age (23 ± 4 vs. 21 ± 4 years; p = NS) and gender (14 vs. 12 males). LVEF was normal and similar in the 2 groups. LVMIBSA was higher in the athletes (83 ± 21 vs. 65 ± 15 g/m2, p < 0.05), as well as RGS (24.7 ± 5.2 vs. 16.3 ± 7.2; p = 0.007). There was no significant difference for the other parameters, such as CGS (-26 ± 2 vs. -28 ± 6), LGS (-16 ± 2 vs. -17 ± 3), twist (3.1 ± 1.3 vs. 3.7 ± 1.9), torsion (2.0 ± 0.8 vs. 1.4 ± 0.4) and tracking area (37 ± 4 vs. 41 ± 6).
Conclusion
Athletes and untrained individuals have comparable myocardial strain parameters on 3D-STE. However, an increase in RGS was observed only in the athletes. 3D-STE could help in the early detection of subclinical cardiac issues in athletes. (Arq Bras Cardiol: Imagem cardiovasc. 2017;30(3):92-97)