Left atrial dynamics and congestion status analysis in acute decompensated heart failure based on LVEF categorization

Background Left atrial (LA) dynamics play a key role in the hemodynamics assessment of heart failure (HF). LA strain analysis by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has recently been introduced in clinical practice. In acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), LA functional deterioration leads to worsening of pulmonary capillary hypertension and congestion, ultimately impacting prognosis. However, how LA size and function behaves in ADHF according to the different HF phenotypes has never been studied. Purpose To evaluate the diverse morphology and dynamics of the LA, along with a thorough congestion analysis, in ADHF patients with HFpEF, HFmrEF and HFrEF. Methods Eighty-five ADHF patients (mean age 75.6±10.4 years, 59% males) were prospectively enrolled within 24–48 hours from admission to the emergency department. In the acute phase all patients underwent a complete transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and lung ultrasonography (LUS) associated with blood sample and a thorough clinical examination. LA mechanics was assessed with STE, through the evaluation of global peak atrial longitudinal strain (GPALS). Results Out of 85 patients, 51% were classified as HFrEF, 20% as HFmrEF and 29% as HFpEF. At admission, all patients exhibited a comparable degree of congestion, as testified by increased IVC max. diameter (HFpEF 19±7 mm vs HFrEF 20±6.3 mm vs HFmrEF 17±5.3 mm, p=0.167), incremented PASP (HFpEF 39.2±13.5 mmHg vs HFrEF 42±12 mmHg vs HFmrEF 35.3±10.1 mmHg, p=0.15) and a rising number of B-lines on LUS (HFpEF 20±12.8 vs HFrEF 24±17 vs HFmrEF 21±19, p=0.62). Increased NT-proBNP values in the cohort were also noted, with HFrEF exhibiting the highest levels (HFrEF 11747±1069 ng/l vs HFmrEF 6905±811 ng/l vs HFpEF 3918±374 ng/l; p Conclusions ADHF patients exhibit an heterogeneous response in terms of LA size and function according to LVEF categorization. The definition of subjects expressing the worst coupling between LA size and function appears of relevance in order to facilitate risk stratification and identify patients at higher risk of early re-hospitalization. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.