Multiple Sclerosis Produces Cardiovascular Subclinical Dysfunction

Multiple sclerosis (MS), debilitating disease involving primarily the central nervous system, may cause cardiovascular dysfunction, due to autonomous nervous system dysfunction, physical invalidity, increased oxidative stress, and systemic inflammatory status, but the detailed mechanisms are not elucidated. The investigators aimed to assess left and right ventricular (LV and RV) function, left atrial (LA) function, arterial function, and atrial-ventricular-arterial coupling in patients with MS, compared to control subjects. LV systolic and diastolic function and RV function were assessed by 2D- and 3D- echocardiography, tissue Doppler, and speckle tracking echocardiography. LA function was assessed by LA volume index and LA strain. Arterial remodeling and stiffness were assessed by intima media-thickness, pulse wave velocity, and parameters of wave intensity and endothelial function