Global longitudinal strain for early detection of subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus at a tertiary care centre: A hospital-based study

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) silently affects cardiac function, requiring early myocardial dysfunction detection to prevent morbidity. This hospital-based cross-sectional study assessed 49 SLE patients (2019 ACR/EULAR criteria) via clinical exam, Electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography including speckle-tracking Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS). Evaluated parameters included Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF), diastolic function, valvular lesions, pericardial effusion, pulmonary pressures and GLS (values < -16% indicating subclinical systolic dysfunction). Abnormal GLS occurred in 55.1%, with 28.5% showing preserved LVEF but impaired GLS, alongside systolic dysfunction (63.2%) and diastolic dysfunction (14.2%). GLS advances SLE cardiac screening by detecting subclinical LV impairment before LVEF decline, enabling timely intervention in preserved ejection fraction patients.