Left atrial strain for prediction of left ventricular reverse remodeling after STEMI by cardiac magnetic resonance feature-tracking

Motivation: Few studies have assessed the association of left atrial (LA) strain with left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Goal(s): To investigate the potential utility of LA strain by using cardiac magnetic resonance feature-tracking (CMR-FT) to predict LVRR following STEMI. Approach: The prospective study analyzed patients with a first STEMI and two CMR scans at 5 days and 4 months, and quantified LA strain by CMR-FT using cine images. Results: LA reservoir and conduit strain, together with infarct size were independent predictors of LVRR. Impact: The demonstrated predictive value of LA strain for the occurrence of LVRR after STEMI enables better assessment for the improvement of myocardial injury and guidance for the treatment in STEMI patients.