Dissociation of cardiospecific biomarkers and left ventricular systolic function in patients with acute leukemias

Cardiovascular complications are a significant factor limiting the administration of antitumor therapy in patients with acute leukemias. Traditional assessment of cardiotoxicity is predominantly based on the dynamics of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF); however, functional myocardial changes may develop later than biochemical signs of damage. Elevation of cardiac troponin and NT-proBNP with preserved LVEF potentially reflects a subclinical stage of myocardial injury and may be used for earlier risk stratification.