Current diagnostic and prognostic value of left atrial myocardial strain

Abstract

Assessment of the left atrial myocardial strain (LAS) has become an important component in the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of various pathologies, particularly in patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Speckle- tracking echocardiography is the most frequently and routinely used method for assessing LAS. Other imaging modalities, including cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and cardiac computed tomography, also provide important information on left atrial function but have several limitations related to cost, availability, and radiation exposure. This review is dedicated to describing the available methods for assessing LAS with an emphasis on speckle-tracking echocardiography. The limitations and challenges encountered in LAS research and application, as well as its clinical significance in various cardiovascular and underlying diseases are discussed.