Severe Impairment of Left Ventricular Regional Strain in STEMI Patients Is Associated with Post-Infarct Remodeling

Background: Measures of global left ventricular (LV) systolic function have limitations for the prediction of post-infarct LV remodeling (LVR). Therefore, we tested the association between a new measure of regional LV systolic function—the percentage of severely altered strain (%SAS)- and LVR after acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). As a secondary objective, we also evaluated the association between %SAS and clinical events during follow-up. Methods: Of 177 patients undergoing echocardiography within 24 h from primary percutaneous coronary angioplasty, 172 were studied for 3 months, 167 for 12 months, and 10 died. The %SAS was calculated by dividing the number of LV myocardial segments with ≥−5% peak systolic longitudinal strain by the total number of segments. LVR was defined as the increase in end-diastolic volume >20% at its first occurrence compared to baseline. Results: LVR percentage was 10.2% and 15.8% at 3 and 12 months, respectively. Based on univariable analysis, a number of clinical, laboratory, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic variables were associated with LVR. Based on multivariable analysis, %SAS and TnI peak remained associated with LVR (for %SAS 5% increase, OR 1.226, 95% CI 1.098–1.369, p < 0.0005; for TnI peak, OR 1.025, 95% CI 1.004–1.047, p = 0.022). %SAS and LVR were also associated with occurrence of clinical events at a median follow-up of 43 months (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.0–1.04, p = 0.0165). Conclusions: In patients treated for acute STEMI, acute %SAS is associated with post-infarct LVR. Therefore, we suggest performing such evaluations on a routine basis to identify, as early as possible, STEMI patients at higher risk.