Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Identifies Coronary Artery Disease in 690 Patients: A Retrospective Study from a Single Center

BACKGROUND: Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) is a novel and non-invasive technique for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). This retrospective study from a single center aimed to identify myocardial ischemia using 2D-STE in CAD patients identified by angiography. MATERIAL/METHODS: From March 1 to November 30, 2019, 690 patients in Beijing Hospital were enrolled. After angiography, 346 patients were diagnosed with CAD. Reduction in vessel diameter of ≥50% by stenosis in at least 1 major coronary artery or its main branch was considered CAD. Analysis of 2D-STE was performed using EchoPAC version 201. RESULTS: The global strain was significantly impaired in CAD patients (P<0.01). Global longitudinal peak strain (GLPS) was analyzed in layers. For GLPS of the epicardium, the odds ratio (OR) was 1.297 (1.217–1.382; P=0.002), the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.727, and the cut-off value was −16.95; sensitivity and specificity were 73.7% and 63.0%, respectively. For GLPS of the middle layer, the OR was 1.260 (1.192–1.333; P<0.001), the AUC was 0.732, and the cut-off value was −20.95; sensitivity and specificity were 82.4% and 56.2%, respectively. For GLPS of the endocardium, the OR was 1.193 (1.137–1.251; P<0.001), the AUC was 0.708, and the cut-off value was −22.95; sensitivity and specificity were 82.9% and 52.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study support the clinical application of 2D-STE in patient populations with suspected myocardial ischemia due to CAD. Therefore, 2D-STE combined with ECG monitoring may have a future role for early screening of CAD patients.