Prognostic significance of semiautomatic quantification of left ventricular long axis shortening in systemic light-chain amyloidosis

Aims: To assess left ventricular long axis shortening (LAS) in patients with AL amyloidosis as a potential predictor for outcome.

Methods and results: We performed a de novo echocardiographic analysis of LAS in 120 patients with biopsy-proven AL amyloidosis evaluated at first presentation before specific treatment. Additionally, 47 control subjects were analyzed retrospectivly. LAS was measured using a semiautomatic tissue motion annular displacement software algorithm (TMAD). LAS was significantly better than ejection fraction (EF) (p?p?p?p?p?p?Conclusion: LAS was an independent predictor of survival within the first year and offers incremental information in patients with AL amyloidosis evaluated prior to specific treatment.