Evaluation Of Cardiovascular Involvement In Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Using Two-dimensional Speckle Tracking Technique

ObjectiveTo measure the carotid artery elasticity using the global peak circumferential strain (CS) and strain rate (CSr) and stiffness parameter (β) with two-dimensional (2D) strain imaging and evaluate its clinical value in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods30 patients with SLE and 32 control subjects underwent the examination of 2D strain imaging, the systolic peak CS and CSr of the carotid artery were obtained at artery short-axis imaging and the stiffness parameters (β1 andβ2) were measured using M-mode ultrasonography and 2D strain imaging, respectively. To analysis relationship betweenβ1 andβ2.ResultsThe CS and CSr were decreased andβ1 andβ2 were increased in patients with SLE(P< 0.05), Theβ2 correlated significantly withβ1(r=0.61, P< 0.01). ConclusionsTwo-dimensional strain imaging is a new technique for early assessing the carotid artery elasticity in patients with SLE. ObjectiveTo assess the left ventricular systolic function using the longitudinal peak strain (S) and strain rate (Sr) with two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking technique and evaluate its clinical value in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).Methods30 SLE patients and 32 control subjects underwent the examination of echocardiography.2D images were recorded in apical four-chamber, two chamber and apical long axis view from the left ventricular. The global peak S and Sr and the peak S and Sr of segments were obtained in the above views using 2D speckle tracking technique.ResultsThe global peak S and Sr and the peak S and Sr of segments were decreased in SLE patients (P<0.05).ConclusionsThe global and regional left ventricular longitudinal systolic function is weakened in patients with SLE; 2D Speckle tracking technique is an accurate way for assessing the left ventricular longitudinal systolic function.