Abstract 11766: 3d Strain in Evaluating of Left Ventricular Mechanical Function in Athletes

Introduction: Regular physical exercise induces morphological and functional heart’s modifications, the so called “athlete’s heart, whose characterization is based on morphology only. Hypothesis: The study aims to exploit the potential of 3D strain to improve the physiological understanding of LV functional changes in trained athletes. Methods: Three age-matched groups of young (age 20.3±5.4) individuals are prospectively enrolled: 13 normal healthy subjects (Controls), 15 professional athletes (Athletes), and 20 professional athletes with bicuspid aortic valve and low-to-mild aortic regurgitation (BAV Athletes). They underwent echocardiographic examination and both 2D and 3D strain analysis. Results: All echo parameters were within the normal range in the three groups. Global values of end-systolic longitudinal and circumferential strain, assesses by either 2D or 3D analysis, were not significantly different. The 3D strain analysis was extended in terms of principal and secondary strain (PS, SS). Global PS was not different, global SS was significantly higher in athletes (Controls: -6.6%±3.0, Athletes: -12.8%±2.8, BAV Athletes: -12.4%±6.3; p Conclusions: 3D strain analysis allows a deeper physiological understanding of LV contraction. Secondary strain, only available in 3D, detected improvement of performances in Athletes with normal systolic function. This appear to be a result of the synergic activation of endocardial and epicardial fibers, with minor differences in presence of BAV where exercise may play a protective role.