Role of Myocardial Strain Imaging in Chemotherapy Related Cardiotoxicity

Abstract

With an increase in the survival rate and longevity of cancer patients and rapid development of novel anti neoplastic agents, there have been growing concerns about the potential long-term side effects of these drugs. Cardiotoxicity resulting from targeted chemotherapy is a common adverse effect encountered in clinical practice. Traditionally, the cardiac side effects of chemotherapeutic agents have been evaluated primarily by measurement of reduction in systolic function of the heart by assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Recently, there has been increasing emphasis on earlier and more accurate prediction of cardiotoxicity using imaging modalities besides evaluation of LVEF. Such methods include myocardial strain imaging. We present a review elaborating the role of myocardial strain imaging in chemotherapy related cardiotoxicity.