Electrocardiographic Strain Sign as a Symptom Equivalent for the Severity of Aortic Stenosis
Ersin Saricam1, Arslan Ocal21Department of Cardiology, Medicana International Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, 2Department of Cardiology, Gulhane Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
Objectives: Aortic stenosis is a disorder characterized by inflammation, atherosclerosis, and calcium deposition in the aortic valve. The asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis with normal left ventricular function (C1 stage) have been recommended clinical monitoring according to American guidelines. However, symptom definition by the patients may be challenging. Besides, the symptom-dependent decision for the selection of the therapy can be late for valve intervention. In this study, we evaluated the use of electrocardiographic strain sign as equivalent of aortic stenosis symptoms. Methods: In this retrospective study, 102 consecutive patients with AS were examined between October 2014 to September 2019. According to electrocardiographic strain sign, the patients were divided into group I (strain sign exist) and group II (without strain sign). These groups were studied in terms of trans-aortic gradient and symptoms (angina, syncope, and dyspnea). Results: The relationship between strain availability and higher gradient was found statistically important. Strain sign sensitivity and specificity in prediction ?80 mmHg gradient had 76.3% and 83.3%, respectively. The relationship between strain and symptoms availability was found statistically important (p<0.001). Conclusion: Electrocardiographic strain sign is linked to symptom presence in aortic stenosis. This non-invasive finding can help the clinician as symptom equivalent of aortic stenosis. Keywords: Aortic stenosis, strain sign, symptom
Cite This Article
Saricam E, Ocal A. Electrocardiographic Strain Sign as a Symptom Equivalent for the Severity of Aortic Stenosis. EJMI. 2020; 4(2): 217-220
Corresponding Author: Ersin Saricam