
AbstractObjectivesData regarding the longitudinal relationship of global longitudinal strain (GLS) and echocardiographic parameters are lacking in peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). We evaluated GLS and its correlation with change (∆) in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).MethodsWe retrospectively identified women age ≥16 years hospitalized at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY from 1999‐2015 with International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 9th revision codes for PPCM or an occurrence of unexplained heart failure during or up to 5 months postpartum. N = 195 charts were reviewed for inclusion/exclusion criteria, n = 53 patients met criteria for PPCM, and of those, n = 13 had a baseline and follow‐up echocardiogram suitable for GLS analysis.ResultsOf those eligible for strain analysis, the mean age was 30 ± 6 years, 46.2% identified as Black and 38.5% as Hispanic/Latina. Baseline LVEF was 30 (25, 35)%, GLS was −13.2 (−14, −7.6)%. At a mean follow‐up time of 1.2 ± 0.7 years, 11/13 had persistently mild −15.6 (−16.3, −12.7)%, and 2/13 severely abnormal GLS −7.05 (−7.1, −7.0)%. There was no correlation between baseline GLS and ∆LVEF (r = .014, P = .965).ConclusionsGlobal longitudinal strain is a sensitive method to identify subclinical myocardial dysfunction. In this series of women with PPCM, GLS remained persistently abnormal over time, even if LVEF improved. Future studies should examine the implication of persistently abnormal GLS in PPCM.
Adult, Adolescent, Stroke Volume, Ventricular Function, Left, Ventricular Dysfunction, Left, Young Adult, Peripartum Period, Humans, Female, Cardiomyopathies, Retrospective Studies
Adult, Adolescent, Stroke Volume, Ventricular Function, Left, Ventricular Dysfunction, Left, Young Adult, Peripartum Period, Humans, Female, Cardiomyopathies, Retrospective Studies
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