Role of Left Atrium Strain in Mitral Stenosis – A Narrative Review

Abstract

Mitral stenosis (MS) is a significant valvular heart disease that often leads to left atrial (LA) enlargement and dysfunction. The Latest developments in echocardiographic techniques, especially speckle-tracking echocardiography, have enabled the assessment of LA strain, providing insights into LA mechanics and its role in the pathophysiology of MS. This review discusses the implications of LA strain in patients with severe MS, its prognostic value, and potential therapeutic implications. A comprehensive narrative review was executed to report current findings in cardiovascular research. By searching in the electronic databases of Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science using keywords such as “Speckle Tracking”, “left atrium”, “Left atrium strain”, and “mitral stenosis”, relevant literature was found. Inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed articles published in English at any time till March 2025. The results indicate that Left atrial strain analysis offers a promising tool for the evaluation of LA mechanics in individuals with severe MS. Its prognostic value highlights the importance of evaluating LA function beyond traditional echocardiographic parameters. Future research is warranted to validate these findings and study the potential for integrating LA strain into clinical practice for improved patient outcomes.