RESTING GLOBAL LONGITUDINAL STRAIN AS A NONINVASIVE DIAGNOSTIC TOOL IN PREDICTING SIGNIFICANT CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH NON-ST-ELEVATION MI AND NORMAL LEFT VENTRICULAR SYSTOLIC FUNCTION ON ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the relationship between resting global longitudinal strain (GLS) and significant coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with Non -ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) and normal ejection fraction (EF). Methodology: We enrolled 108 patients with NSTEMI and normal EF in this observational cross-sectional study. Resting GLS was measured, and coronary angiography was performed to assess CAD. The relationship between significant CAD and GLS was analyzed using the chisquare test. The specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of GLS in predicting CAD were calculated. Results: The mean age of the patients was 49.05 +/- 7.28 years. The study had a male predominance. Diabetes was present in 30 patients (27.8%), hypertension in 31 patients (28.7%), dyslipidemia in 19 patients (17.6%), and 65 patients (60.2%) were smokers. Normal strain was observed in 36 patients (33.3%), while 72 patients (66.7%) had reduced strain. Significant CAD was present in 72 patients (66.7%). The p-value for the association between significant CAD and reduced GLS was <0.01. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of GLS in predicting CAD were 91.7%, 83.3%, and 88.9%, respectively. Conclusion: GLS can effectively predict the presence of significant CAD in patients with NSTEMI and normal left ventricular systolic function on echocardiography.