Quantification of Left Atrial and Left Ventricular Disease Progression Using High-Frequency Ultrasound

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Routine cardiac monitoring involves non-invasive imaging techniques which are also employed in clinical and preclinical research. Current echocardiographic technologies allow for robust characterization of global and regional cardiac function in a variety of cardiovascular disease states. While there is a great deal of focus on left ventricular function, left atrial function is emerging as a useful imaging biomarker to predict ventricular function and outcomes. To further explore the predictive nature of left atrial function, we employed a murine model of pressure overload and assessed the relationship between left atrial and ventricular function. Moreover, we built upon advanced four-dimensional image analysis techniques to evaluate the complex global and regional function of the left atrium not typically captured by traditional echocardiographic approaches. We then implemented these techniques in a murine model of reversible pressure overload to assess the reverse remodeling process. Furthermore, we used a similar advanced image analysis technique to monitor the progression of cardiomyopathy in empagliflozin treated and non-treated mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Overall, we employ advanced imaging techniques to expand the breadth of cardiovascular research and better understand underlying cardiovascular pathophysiology.