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Global Longitudinal Strain as a Predictor of Chemotherapy-Induced Cardiotoxicity
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  • Monica Avila,
  • Marco Alves,
  • Silvia Ayub-Ferreira,
  • Mauro Wanderley Junior,
  • Fatima Cruz,
  • Sara Michelly Brandão,
  • Ludhmila Hajjar,
  • Roberto Kalil Filho,
  • Cecilia Cruz,
  • M. Cristina Abduch,
  • Danilo Moleta,
  • Edimar Bocchi
Monica Avila
University of Sao Paulo Heart Institute

Corresponding Author:mo_avila@hotmail.com

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Marco Alves
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Silvia Ayub-Ferreira
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Mauro Wanderley Junior
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Fatima Cruz
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Sara Michelly Brandão
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Ludhmila Hajjar
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Roberto Kalil Filho
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Cecilia Cruz
Heart Institute/University of São Paulo
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M. Cristina Abduch
University of Chicago
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Danilo Moleta
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Edimar Bocchi
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Abstract

Background: Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity (ChC) is an important complication among patients receiving anthracyclines. Biomarkers and imaging parameters have been studied for their ability to identify patients at risk of developing this complication. Left ventricle global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) has been described as a sensitive parameter for detecting systolic dysfunction, even in the presence of preserved left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF). Objective: to evaluate the role of the LV-GLS as a predictor of ChC. Methods: This study is a post-hoc analysis of CECCY trial (Carvedilol for Prevention of Chemotherapy-Related Cardiotoxicity) that evaluated the primary prevention of cardiotoxicity with carvedilol during doxorubicin chemotherapy in a population with breast cancer. Cardiotoxicity was defined as a reduction >10% in LVEF. LV-GLS was obtained before chemotherapy in patients with no prior cardiovascular disease or echocardiogram abnormalities. Results: Thirty-one patients who had a complete echocardiography study including measurement of LV-GLS before chemotherapy were included in this analysis. An absolute LV-GLS <16.9% before chemotherapy showed 100% sensitivity and 73% specificity for predicting cardiotoxicity (AUC=0.85; 95%CI 0.680 – 0.959, p<0.001). In this population, LVEF values before chemotherapy did not predict ChC (95%CI 0.478 to -0.842, p=0.17). The association of low LV-GLS (<17%) and BNP serum levels (>17 pg/mL) two months after chemotherapy increased the accuracy for detecting early onset ChC (100% sensitivity, 88% specificity, AUC=0.94; 95%CI 0.781 – 0.995, p<0.0001). Conclusions: Our data suggest that LV-GLS is a potential predictor of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. Larger studies are needed to confirm the relevance of this echocardiographic parameter in this clinical setting.
27 Apr 2021Submitted to Echocardiography
28 Apr 2021Submission Checks Completed
28 Apr 2021Assigned to Editor
05 May 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
20 Aug 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
30 Aug 20211st Revision Received
31 Aug 2021Submission Checks Completed
31 Aug 2021Assigned to Editor
08 Sep 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
27 Sep 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending