Exploring Myocardial Work in Cardiovascular Disease: Advancing Diagnostics and Prognostics across Diverse Clinical Contexts

The field of non-invasive cardiac imaging has undergone remarkable evolution with the introduction of myocardial work (MW), a cutting-edge echocardiographic parameter that integrates speckle-tracking-derived strain with estimated left ventricular (LV) pressure. This approach delivers a more robust, load-independent assessment of LV performance, overcoming many limitations of traditional metrics such as ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain, particularly in patients with dynamic loading conditions. Contemporary research demonstrates the diverse utility of MW across various cardiac disorders—including Fabry disease, acute coronary syndrome, hypertensive heart disease, and infectious etiologies such as Chagas disease. Despite these advances, gaps remain in our understanding of MW’s full diagnostic accuracy, prognostic value, and its practical role in detecting early cardiac dysfunction across broad and heterogeneous patient populations.This Research Topic aims to critically evaluate and broaden the evidence base concerning MW’s contribution to the diagnosis and prognostic assessment of numerous cardiac diseases. Specific objectives include direct comparisons of MW with conventional echocardiographic indices, clarifying its effectiveness in identifying early or subclinical LV dysfunction, and determining its value for risk stratification in populations spanning various age groups, comorbidities, and global backgrounds. By incorporating new findings from diverse clinical settings and conditions—including, but not limited to, infectious cardiomyopathies—this collection aspires to advance MW as a versatile and central tool in cardiac imaging and personalized patient care.The scope of this Research Topic encompasses original research, comprehensive reviews, and methodological studies that explore MW within the broader field of cardiac diagnostics. The range is defined to include multiple cardiac conditions and patient groups, while comparative and technical perspectives are especially encouraged. To facilitate further insights, articles within this collection may address, but are not limited to, the following themes:o Diagnostic accuracy of MW in various cardiomyopathies (e.g., Fabry, hypertensive, and infectious forms such as Chagas disease) and valvular heart diseaseo Prognostic utility of MW for outcome prediction and guiding treatment strategieso The use of MW in monitoring disease progression and response to therapyo Comparative studies on MW versus established echocardiographic parameters across clinical scenarioso Novel technical advancements and methodology related to MW assessmentWe welcome original research, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and technical perspectives that collectively define the scientific, clinical, and practical roles of MW. By advancing this body of knowledge, the field can move toward more nuanced and effective approaches to cardiac diagnostics and risk stratification for a wide spectrum of patients worldwide. Topic editors: Ricardo Alfonso Leon de la Fuente, Giulia Elena Mandoli Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79224/exploring-myocardial-work-in-cardiovascular-disease-advancing-diagnostics-and-prognostics-across-diverse-clinical-contexts