Cardiac MR Feature Tracking Derived Strain Analysis can Predict Return to Training following Exertional Heatstroke.

Motivation: Exertional heatstroke is increasing in young athletes, making novel biomarkers crucial for predicting RTT Goal(s): To assess CMRFT-derived myocardial strain's prognostic value in EHS athletes, we compared myocardial strain between EHS athletes, healthy controls, and those with differing RTT abilities, then analyzed its link to RTT. Approach: Trained athletes with EHS had cardiac MR cine scans, from which 2D LV strain parameters were derived. Non-RTT was defined by persistent cardiac symptoms at 3 months. Predictive RTT models were evaluated via AUC comparison. Results: A global longitudinal strain (≤ -15.00%) serves as a CMR biomarker predicting training return in EHS athletes. Impact: This study emphasized the importance of 2D-GLS function in the prognosis of RTT in patients with EHS, and provides a basis for guiding treatment to improve the clinical outcome of patients.