Background: Right ventricular failure (RVF) following Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implantation is associated with worse outcomes. Prediction and early identification of RVF with speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) has been proposed. Methods: We queried multiple databases for articles reporting on pre-operative/intraoperative global longitudinal strain (GLS) and free-wall strain (FWS) in LVAD recipients. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of published literature. The standard mean difference (SMD) in GLS and FWS in patients with and without RVF postoperatively was pooled using random effects model. Results: Fifteen studies, with a total of 967 LVAD recipients were included. There was statistically significant difference in GLS among patients who did and did not develop RVF; SMD= -3.09 (95% CI: -4.62 to -1.57; p-value <0.0001). There was significant difference in FWS between two groups; SMD: -2.75 (95% CI: -3.72 to -1.79; p-value <0.0001). Upon subgroup analysis of imaging modality, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)-derived GLS and FWS remained predictive for RVF with SMD of -3.97 (95% CI: -5.40 to -2.54; p-value <0.001) and -3.05 (95% CI: -4.11 to -1.99; p-value <0.001), respectively. However, there was no significant difference between RVF and non-RVF groups upon using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to assess GLS and FWS. Conclusion: GLS and FWS assessment of the RV by STE is a useful tool to predict postoperative RVF in LVAD recipients. While the predictive role of TTE was robust, the TEE-derived measures seemed to be less predictive. Future studies need to specify the strain cut-off value that can predict the adverse outcome of RVF

Background This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the utility of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) as a tool to evaluate for cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) early in its course. Electrocardiography and echocardiography have limited sensitivity in this role, while advanced imaging modalities such as cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose–Positron Emission Tomography (FDG-PET) are limited by cost and availability. Methods We compiled English language articles that reported left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) or global circumferential strain (GCS) in patients with confirmed extra-cardiac sarcoidosis versus healthy controls. Studies that exclusively included patients with probable or definite CS were excluded. Continuous data were pooled as a standard mean difference (SMD) between the sarcoidosis group and controls. A random effect model was adopted in all analyses. Heterogeneity was assessed using Q and I2 statistics. Results Nine studies with 967 patients were included in our analysis. LVGLS was significantly lower in the extra-cardiac sarcoidosis group as compared to controls, SMD -3.98, 95% confidence interval (CI): -5.32, -2.64, p< 0.001, also was significantly lower in patients who suffered Major Cardiac Events(MCE), -3.89, 95% CI -6.14, -1.64, p< 0.001 . GCS was significantly lower in the extra-cardiac sarcoidosis group as compared to controls, SMD: -3.33, 95% CI -4.71, -1.95, p< 0.001 Conclusion LVGLS and GCS were significantly lower in extra-cardiac sarcoidosis patients despite not exhibiting any cardiac symptoms. LVGLS correlates with MCEs in CS. Further studies are required to investigate the role of STE in the early screening of CS.