Global longitudinal strain as a predictor of outcomes in chronic Chagas´ cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Introduction Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) is associated with a high incidence of cardiovascular events. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is useful in predicting adverse cardiovascular outcomes in several cardiomyopathies. However, its prognostic value in CCC is not well established. Methods This study was a retrospective echocardiography analysis with prospective follow-up of CCC subjects. GLS was defined as the average of three apical peak longitudinal strain measurements of the LV using vendor-independent software. GLS groups were defined according to tertiles: (1) GLS ≤-18.4%, (2) GLS >-18.4% and