Evaluation of subclinical LV systolic dysfunction by speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common kind of chronic liver disease, and it is associated with a high rate of liver-related morbidity and mortality in people affected. The purpose of this study was to use speckle tracking echocardiography to assess subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 92 patients with NAFLD Which were divided according to Transabdominal ultrasound into three groups: GroupⅠ (grade I fatty liver) included 27 patients, Group Ⅱ (grade II fatty liver) included 29 patients and group Ⅲ (grade III fatty liver) included 36 patients. All patients had transabdominal ultrasonography, transthoracic echocardiography, and LV end diastolic diameter measurements. LV End systolic diameter, Diastolic volume and LV function assessment by GLS. Results: Group Ⅲ had significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL compared to the other groups, indicating an increase in disease severity. Group Ⅲ had higher levels of ESD, EDD, ESV, and EDV on echocardiography compared to the other groups, indicating a substantial difference in cardiac affection. GLS was found to be adversely associated with NAFLD grades but favorably associated with HTN, regardless of other factors. HTN and NAFLD grades can be considered as independent predictors for systolic dysfunction between the examined groups. Conclusion: In asymptomatic patient there was a significant association between NAFLD and cardiac systolic dysfunction as NAFLD grades were associated with low GLS (systolic dysfunction).