*2.2. Echocardiographic Evaluation*

Left Ventricular (LV) dimensions and function were assessed according to international guidelines [11]. In particular, LV volumes and LVEF were calculated by Simpson's biplane method, and all volumes were indexed according to body surface area. LV dilation based on LV end-diastolic volume was considered mild, moderate, or severe according to international guideline sex-specific reference values [11–13]. The LV filling pattern was classified as a restrictive filling pattern in the presence of E-wave deceleration time < 120 ms or E-wave/A-wave > 2 associated with E-wave deceleration time < 150 ms. Right ventricular dysfunction was defined as a right ventricle fractional area change (RVFAC) < 35%. Mitral regurgitation (MR) was considered significant only if moderate to severe.
