Global and regional measures of left ventricular MRI strain predict the onset of Duchenne muscular dystrophy-associated cardiomyopathy

Abstract

By Janvi Gandhi, Biological Sciences

Advisor: Tarek Alsaied

Abstract: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) associated cardiomyopathy (DMDAC) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Early detection of LV dysfunction prior to the onset of DMDAC may direct clinical management and slow the onset of dysfunction. We aimed to assess whether LV strain in DMD patients with normal LV ejection fraction (LVEF) could predict the onset of DMDAC. We also aimed to characterize LV strain in patients with DMD without cardiac dysfunction. Global Radial Strain and Global Circumference Strain were significantly decreased prior to onset of cardiac dysfunction in +DMDAC and remained significantly lower with onset of DMDAC at time 0. GLS did not significantly differ between groups.