Left atrial filling index and stiffness index and its correlation to the duration of diabetes in patients with type II diabetes mellitus.

The left atrium (LA) has a vital role in diastolic function. One of the predictors of diastolic dysfunction (DD) is the LA reservoir strain. Beside this, stiffness of LA is considered another marker for LA function. Moreover, it is correlated with the degree of fibrosis than LA deformity itself. Aim of the study is to evaluate the LA phasic function, stiffness in patients with type II diabetes mellitus and whether these parameters could be the earlier markers of DD in T2DM. Also, to assess the effect of duration of T2DM on LA function. 103individuals, comprising 73patients with type II diabetes and 30 age and sex matched healthy control, depending on duration of diabetes, the patient group was classified into three groups, the first group (less than 10 years), group II (10-20 years) &group III (more than 20 years).2D-TTE was done for assessment of LA functions. Increased indexed LA volume (LAVI)&decreased LA phasic function in diabetic group(A). Elevated LA stiffness index earlier in diabetic patients (Group I) (p 0.02). There were significant differences between group I versus group II, III in LA function when measured by STE and between group I versus group II in LA stiffness index. We found that duration of diabetes is correlated negatively with LA function.LA filling index is positively correlated significantly with LA stiffness index p < 0.001, MV E, E/e', LAVI. The duration of diabetes was one of the predictors of LA dysfunction. Elevated LA stiffness with impaired its phasic function in diabetic patients. LA stiffness index and phasic function can be used as an earlier marker for diastolic dysfunction. Duration of diabetes has an effect on LA function and stiffness index.