European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Tissue Doppler and Strain imaging allow noninvasive measurement of regional function of the myocardium.It is well validated for assessment of regional LV fuction.Recently these technique have also been used for the assessment of LA function. LA function as assessed by tissue Doppler velocities and strain imaging is lower in patients of severe Mitral stenosis. LA reservior function assessed by Global longitudinal strain(GLA) imaging improves within 24 hours after Balloon Mitral Valvotomy. Objective: assessment of left atial function in Mitral stenosis which is reduced in comparision to normal age/sex match population, by tissue Doppler and strain imaging, and also assess the effect of BMV on LAfunction. Methods: In this study 25 patients of Mitral stenosis planning for Balloon mitral valvotomy and 25 normal individuals were enrolled. Echocardioraphy was done on each individual for detail evaluation of Mitral valve, LA,LV and other structures. Left Atrial regional function and deformation properties were studied using Tissue Doppler Velocities, Strain imaging, before and after 24 hrs of balloon mitral vulvotomy and all details were plotted in tables and statistically analysed. Results: Our study demonstrates that atrial Tissue Doppler velocities, Strain imaging is a feasible method for assessment of left atrial function. It can be applied to evaluate impairment of atrial reservoir function in severe Mitral Stenosis. Balloon Mitral Valvotomy tends to normalize these abnormalities within 24 hours after the procedure. Global LA strain can be taken as an indicator of left atrial function, and its improvement following valvotomy may be taken as a good indicator of successful BMV.