Speckle-tracking-derived strain and strain-rate analysis: a technique for the evaluation of early alterations in right ventricle systolic function in patients with systemic sclerosis and normal pulmonary artery pressure

Abstract

Speckle-tracking-derived longitudinal strain rate is useful to detect early right ventricular function changes in patients with systemic sclerosis with normal pulmonary systolic artery pressure levels. This alteration may preclude pulmonary artery hypertension development and reflect an adaptive response to higher levels of pulmonary systolic artery pressure.