Myocardial mechanics and cardiac biomarkers in adults with severe anorexia nervosa.

Background: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with left ventricular (LV) atrophy and unexplained sudden death. Myocardial mechanics have not been well studied in adults with AN. Whether LV mass or illness duration, markers of AN severity, correlate with abnormal strain imaging is unknown.

Methods: We performed a prospective study among patients hospitalized with severe AN (n = 29) [body mass index (BMI) < 14.5 kg/m²] and sex/age-matched controls (n = 16) (BMI > 18.5 kg/m²). LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was calculated via modified-biplane method and LV mass was derived using the truncated ellipsoid formula. Apical 2-, 3-, and 4-chamber images were used to generate regional strain mapping and global longitudinal strain (GLS). N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were measured and linear regression was used to determine independent predictors of strain.

Results: Mean LVEF did not differ (65% ± 6.0 vs. 62% ± 4.4, p = 0.06), but LV mass was substantially reduced (61.6 ± 16.8 vs. 97.6 ± 19.1 g, p < .0001). GLS was similar (- 20.6 ± 3.8 vs. - 20.9 ± 2.8, p = 0.82), however, the basal strain was worse (-18.7 ± 4.8 vs. -21.9 ± 4.1, p = 0.03). Lower LV mass was associated with worsening GLS (r = - 0.40, p = 0.003), but not among controls (p = 0.89). Median (IQR) NT-proBNP (pg/ml) was higher in patients with AN [141 (59-257) vs. 35.5 (21-56.5) p = 0.0007]. Both increasing NT-proBNP and illness duration were associated with worsening strain patterns in AN (both p = .001).

Conclusions: While LVEF and GLS did not differ, regional strain variation was noted among patients with AN. Elevated NT-proBNP may reflect increased wall tension from LV atrophy. Whether strain heterogeneity can identify patients with AN, at risk for sudden death, requires further study.