Systolic and diastolic dysfunction in patients with clinical diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy. Relation to symptoms and prognosis

Development of different phenotypes of hypertensive heart failure: systolic versus diastolic failure in Dahl salt-sensitive rats

OBJECTIVE

There are two phenotypes of heart failure, systolic failure and isolated diastolic heart failure with preserved left ventricular systolic function. Although isolated diastolic heart failure frequently occurs, there are only models for diastolic dysfunction unassociated with heart failure and models with overt diastolic heart failure have not been established. We attempted to develop two different models, i.e. diastolic and systolic failure models, based on hypertension.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dahl salt-sensitive rats were placed on 8% NaCl diet from 7 weeks old (7-week starting group) or 8 weeks old (8-week starting group). As an age-matched control, Dahl salt-sensitive rats were consistently placed on normal chow. In these rats, echocardiogram was serially recorded, followed by hemodynamic and histological studies.

RESULTS

The 7-week starting rats showed a steep elevation in blood pressure and progressive left ventricular hypertrophy, and fell into overt heart failure at approximately 19 weeks. The development of heart failure was not associated with a decrease in left ventricular midwall fractional shortening or an increase in left ventricular end-diastolic dimension as compared with the age-matched control, which mimics the characteristics of clinically observed isolated diastolic heart failure. The 8-week starting rats showed a gradual rise in blood pressure and less progressive left ventricular hypertrophy, and fell into heart failure at approximately 26 weeks with a decrease in mid-wall fractional shortening and an increase in left ventricular end-diastolic dimension. Hemodynamic and histological studies at failing stage revealed comparable elevation of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and comparable left ventricular fibrosis in both groups.

CONCLUSION

These two different models of overt heart failure may be useful as models of isolated diastolic heart failure and systolic heart failure based on the same hypertensive heart disease, respectively, and may contribute to discrimination of the mechanisms of the development of the two different phenotypes of heart failure.

Echocardiographic features of genetic diseases: part 1. Cardiomyopathy

Introduction To The Series Genetic disorders have characteristic cardiovascular manifestations. These cardiovascular abnormalities often are a major determinant of the morbidity and mortality in this patient population. Some characteristics are unique and can be detected with echocardiography. Drs Alizad and Seward have compiled in this series a review of genetic disorders that have recognizable morphologic and/or functional cardiovascular abnormalities. The following topics will be explored, with examples from the database of the Mayo Clinic Echocardiography Laboratory:Cardiomyopathy Storage disease Shunts Connective tissue Tumors Complex cardiovascular defects Complex genetic disorders Organ system

Myocardial contractile reserve on dobutamine echocardiography predicts late spontaneous improvement in cardiac function in patients with recent onset idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine whether identification of contractile reserve with dobutamine would predict recovery of myocardial function during follow-up in patients with recent onset idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC).

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of patients presenting with new onset IDC is variable and difficult to predict.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients (17 men, 5 women, 46 +/- 14 years) with recently diagnosed IDC (4 +/- 3 months) underwent dobutamine echocardiography. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV sphericity before and at peak dobutamine infusion (30 +/- 11 microg/kg/min) were determined. A follow-up echocardiographic assessment was done at 6 +/- 4 months.

RESULTS

The LVEF on dobutamine was directly related to baseline LV mass expressed as g/ml (Pearson r = 0.65, p = 0.0003). Baseline variables that were significantly predictive of follow-up LVEF were deceleration time (r = 0.69, p = 0.0006), wall motion score index (WMSI) (r = -0.63, p = 0.002), LV mass (r = 0.56, p = 0.008) and LVEF on dobutamine (r = 0.84, p = 0.0001). When either deceleration time or WMSI or LV mass was entered into a regression equation to predict follow-up LVEF, the LVEF on dobutamine added significantly to predictive power. However, if LVEF on dobutamine was entered first, none of the other three variables added significantly to prediction. Baseline LV sphericity at end diastole (ED) (r = 0.13, p = 0.6) did not correlate with follow-up LV sphericity in ED, whereas LV sphericity in ED on dobutamine (ED [r = 0.70, p = 0.0004]) correlated with LV sphericity in ED on follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that dobutamine-induced improvement in baseline LVEF and LV sphericity identifies patients with IDC who exhibit substantial improvement in LV function and geometry over time.

N-terminal proatrial natriuretic peptide correlates with systolic dysfunction and left ventricular filling pattern in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the diastolic Doppler filling pattern in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and its relation to N-terminal pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-ANP).

METHODS

32 patients (26 male, six female) with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy were investigated. All were in sinus rhythm. Conventional M mode echocardiography and Doppler echocardiography was done in each patient. Pulsed wave Doppler inflow signals were obtained and the following variables were measured: maximum E wave, maximum A wave, E/A ratio, E wave deceleration time, A wave deceleration time. NT-pro-ANP was measured using radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

Mean (SD) left ventricular ejection fraction was 34 (7)% and mean left ventricular end diastolic diameter on M mode echocardiography was 69 (7) mm. Left ventricular filling indices were as follows: maximum E wave velocity, 0.86 (0.22) m/s; maximum A wave velocity, 0.71 (0.24) m/s; E/A ratio, 1.41 (0.65). Mean E wave deceleration time was 140 (50) ms; mean A wave deceleration time was 100 (20) ms. In a stepwise forward regression model, NT-pro-ANP correlated significantly with left atrial diameter (r = 0.603; p < 0. 001), left ventricular ejection fraction (r = -0.758; p < 0.001), and Doppler derived E/A ratio (r = 0.740; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy there is a relation between NT-pro-ANP and both systolic and diastolic variables. In a multivariate model NT-pro-ANP correlated with left atrial diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction, and Doppler derived E/A ratio on transmitral inflow.

Delayed Recovery of Diastolic Function in Patients with Suspected Acute Myocarditis as Assessed with Doppler Echocardiography

Pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiography was performed repeatedly in two women (24 and 23 years old) who had clinically suspected acute myocarditis. Systolic function recovered earlier than diastolic function in both cases. Although left ventricular diastolic dysfunction has been demonstrated in lymphocytic myocarditis, this difference in the rates of systolic and diastolic function recovery after acute myocarditis has not been previously described. The slower recovery of the diastolic function might be related to the slower resolution of the infiltrated myocardium. We also discuss the contribution of echocardiography to the difference in the rates of cardiac function recovery after acute myocarditis.

Beta-blockade in heart failure: a comparison of carvedilol with metoprolol

OBJECTIVES

This study was performed to compare the long-term clinical efficacy of treatment with metoprolol versus carvedilol in patients with chronic heart failure.

BACKGROUND

Beta-adrenergic blockade is of proven value in chronic heart failure. Metoprolol, a selective beta-blocker, is widely used, but recent trials suggest carvedilol, a nonselective beta-blocker with alpha-1-receptor antagonist activity and antioxidant activities, is also effective. It is uncertain, however, if these additional properties of carvedilol provide further clinical benefit compared with metoprolol.

METHODS

In this randomized double-blind control trial, 51 patients with chronic heart failure and mean left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction of 26% +/- 1.8% were randomly assigned treatment with metoprolol 50 mg twice daily or carvedilol 25 mg twice daily in addition to standard therapy after a four-week dose titration period for a total of 12 weeks. Response was assessed by a quality of life questionnaire, New York Heart Association class, exercise capacity (6-min walk test), radionucleotide ventriculography for LV ejection fraction, two-dimensional echocardiography measurement of LV dimensions and diastolic filling and 24-h electrocardiograph monitoring to assess heart rate variability.

RESULTS

Both carvedilol and metoprolol produced highly significant improvement in symptoms (p < 0.001), exercise capacity (p < 0.05) and LV ejection fraction (p < 0.001), and there were no significant differences between the two drugs. Carvedilol had a significantly greater effect on sitting and standing blood pressure, LV end-diastolic dimension and normalized the mitral E wave deceleration time.

CONCLUSIONS

Both metoprolol and carvedilol were equally effective in improving symptoms, quality of life, exercise capacity and LV ejection fraction, although carvedilol lowers blood pressure more than metoprolol.

Effects of long-term adrenergic beta-blockade on left ventricular diastolic filling in patients with acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function are known to be affected in the wake of a myocardial infarction (MI). beta-Adrenergic blocking agents have demonstrated improvement of LV systolic and diastolic function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and theoretically would have same beneficial effects in MI. beta-Adrenergic blocking agents are widely used in MI; however only few reports on changes of LV systolic and diastolic function during long-term treatment after acute MI are available.

METHODS

Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography were used to evaluate LV diastolic filling in 77 patients randomly assigned to placebo (n = 38) or metoprolol (n = 39). The patients were randomly assigned at day 5 to 7 (baseline) after acute MI and were treated for 12 months. LV diastolic filling was assessed by pulsed Doppler measurements of transmitral and pulmonary venous flow.

RESULTS

Mitral E-wave deceleration time was prolonged in the metoprolol group (baseline vs 12 months: 167 +/- 51 ms to 218 +/- 36 ms; P =. 01) versus the placebo group (baseline vs 12 months: placebo 174 +/- 46 ms to 189 +/- 41 ms), which implies a less restrictive filling of the LV in the metoprolol group. This was supported by a decrease of E/A ratio (baseline vs 12 months: placebo, 1.06 +/- 0.40 to 0.96 +/- 0.29; metoprolol, 1.09 +/- 0.33 to 0.80 +/- 0.21; P =.05) and prolongation of the isovolumetric relaxation time in the metoprolol treated group (baseline vs 12 months: placebo, 83 +/- 19 ms to 95 +/- 20 ms; metoprolol, 82 +/- 23 ms to 117 +/- 22 ms; P =.01). The difference between mitral A wave and pulmonary venous flow reversal duration was significantly changed during follow-up (baseline vs 12 months: placebo, 22 +/- 11 ms to 24 +/- 11; metoprolol, 11 +/- 21 to 32 +/- 17 ms; P =.02). Patients with normal LV filling pattern at baseline in the metoprolol group preserved a normal LV filling pattern during the study, and patients with restrictive LV filling pattern in the metoprolol group had a nonrestrictive LV filling pattern develop. Maximal or near maximal changes of the diastolic Doppler measurements occurred by 3 months of follow-up, whereas a significant increase in LV ejection fraction was noted after 12 months treatment with metoprolol.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term treatment with the beta-blocking agent metoprolol seems to improve LV diastolic filling after acute MI. Less restrictive LV filling was noted during beta-blockade indicated by a significant prolongation of the mitral E deceleration time, which was predominantly noted in patients with restrictive LV filling. This observation might have prognostic implications because this LV filling pattern is known to be associated with poor outcome. The changes of LV diastolic filling occurred during the first 3 months, whereas systolic recovery was seen at up to 12 months of treatment.

Evaluation of the hemodynamic relationship between the left atrium and left ventricle during atrial systole by pulsed tissue Doppler imaging in patients with left heart failure

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the hemodynamic relationship between the left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV) during atrial systole in the presence of an elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and LV failure using pulsed tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). Fifty-three patients with LV systolic dysfunction and no regional LV asynergy were divided into 3 groups: relaxation failure group (RF, n=20) with a ratio of peak early diastolic to atrial systolic velocity of the transmitral flow (E/A) < or = 1; pseudonormalization group (PN, n=19) with 1 <E/A<2; and restrictive group (RS, n=14) with E/A> or =2. In addition, 20 normal patients (E/A > or = 1) were studied as a control group. The transmitral and pulmonary venous flow velocities were recorded by transesophageal pulsed Doppler echocardiography. The wall motion velocity patterns were recorded at the middle portion of the LV posterior wall (LVPW) and at the mitral annulus (MA) of the LVPW site in the apical LV long-axis view by transthoracic pulsed TDI. The LVEDP was significantly greater in the PN and RS groups than in the RF and control groups. The moan pulmonary capillary wedge pressure was greatest in the RS group. The percent fractional change of the LA area during atrial systole determined by 2-dimensional echocardiography was significantly lower in the RS group than in the PN group. The peak atrial systolic pulmonary venous flow velocity was significantly greater in the PN group than in the RS group. The peak atrial systolic motion velocity (Aw) at the LVPW was significantly lower in the PN and RS groups than in the RF and control groups. The Aw at the MA was significantly lower in the RS group than in the other groups. There was no significant difference in Aw between the LVPW and MA in the RS group, whereas Aw at the MA was significantly greater than that at the LVPW in the PN group. In conclusion, the measurements of Aw at the LVPW and MA can be used to noninvasively evaluate the hemodynamic relationship between the LA and LV during atrial systole in patients with LV failure.

Assessment of diastolic function by tissue Doppler echocardiography: comparison with standard transmitral and pulmonary venous flow

The objective of this study was to determine the utility of Doppler tissue echocardiography in the evaluation of diastolic filling and in discriminating between normal subjects and those with various stages of diastolic dysfunction. We measured myocardial velocities in 51 patients with various stages of diastolic dysfunction and in 27 normal volunteers. The discriminating power of each of the standard Doppler indexes of left ventricular filling, pulmonary venous flow, and myocardial velocities was determined with the use of Spearman rank correlation and analysis of variance F statistics. Early diastolic myocardial velocity (E(m)) was higher in normal subjects (16.0 +/- 3.8 cm/s) than in patients with either delayed relaxation (n = 15, 7.5 +/- 2.2 cm/s), pseudonormal filling (n = 26, 7.6 +/- 2.3 cm/s), or restrictive filling (n = 10, 7.4 +/- 2.4 cm/s, P <.0001). E(m ) was the best single discriminator between control subjects and patients with diastolic dysfunction (P =.7, F = 64.5). Myocardial velocities assessed by Doppler tissue echocardiography are useful in differentiating patients with normal from those with abnormal diastolic function. Myocardial velocity remains reduced even in those stages of diastolic dysfunction characterized by increased preload compensation.

Intraventricular conduction delay: a prognostic marker in chronic heart failure

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is associated with high mortality, and there are several established clinical and laboratory parameters that predict mortality in CHF. The purpose of this study was (a) to identify the best ECG parameter that predicts mortality, (b) to evaluate the prognostic marker of ECG against well-established indicators of prognosis. Relevant data from 241 CHF patients were analysed retrospectively. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing and radionuclide ventriculogram were also performed where possible. The mean follow-up period was 31 months. On univariate analysis by the Cox proportional Hazard method, intraventricular conduction delay (IVCD) [P<0.0001, hazard ratio 1.017 (1.011-1.024)] and QTc [P<0.0001, hazard ratio 1.012 (1.006-1.017)] were identified as predictors of mortality. On bivariate analysis, IVCD and MVO2 were better predictors when combined together. A model based on multivariate analysis showed that IVCD, MVO2 and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were the best predictors of mortality. The addition of plasma sodium, age and NYHA class had no added benefit on the predictive power of the model. Further analysis of IVCD and QTc showed that, for different cut-off values, IVCD is better than QTc, and that there is a graded increase in mortality with increasing value of IVCD. We have found that IVCD is an important ECG predictor of prognosis in patients with CHF.

Tissue Doppler to Assess Diastolic Left Ventricular Function

Doppler indices of left ventricular (LV) filling have been used traditionally for the assessment of LV diastolic function. In many circumstances, however, the interpretation of these indices is difficult because they respond to alterations of different physiological variables such as preload, relaxation, and heart rate. A typical example of their limitation is seen in patients with abnormal LV relaxation and increased preload compensation, who often present a "pseudonormal" LV filling pattern. Thus, there is a need for noninvasive indices of diastolic function capable of discriminating the effects of relaxation and preload. Tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE) is available in most modern cardiac ultrasound imaging systems. TDE can be used to obtain regional myocardial velocities during isovolumic relaxation, early filling, and atrial systole with high spatial and temporal resolution. This article discusses the complementary role, limitations, and future challenges of TDE in the study of diastolic function.

The influence of diastolic and systolic function on exercise performance in heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy or ischemic heart disease

BACKGROUND

Peripheral adaptations and ventricular abnormalities influence physical performance in chronic heart failure. However, the role of the heart in determining exercise capacity has not been completely elucidated.

AIMS

To define cardiac determinants of exercise capacity in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

METHODS

In 101 patients with heart failure (NYHA class II-III) due to primary or ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy we measured peak exercise oxygen consumption (Pvo2), left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), left and right atrial and ventricular cavity dimensions, mitral and tricuspid flows. Patients were subdivided in class A (Pvo2 > 20 ml/min per kg; n = 44), class B (Pvo2 16-20 ml/min per kg; n = 42) and class C (Pvo2 < 16 ml/min per kg; n = 15).

RESULTS

Left ventricular diastolic and systolic dimensions, left atrial diameter, right atrial and ventricular areas were greater in class C than in class B and A; EF was lower in class C than in the other two classes; mitral peak flow velocity at early diastole (PFVE) and the ratio between early and late peak flow velocity (PFVE/PFVA) were higher in class C; mitral and tricuspid deceleration time (DT) in class B and A significantly exceeded those in class C. Peak vo2 was correlated with left and right ventricular dimensions, left atrial diameter, EF, mitral PFVE and PFVE/PFVA, mitral and tricuspid DT. Left ventricular EF, DT of the mitral valve and left ventricular diastolic diameter were independent predictors of peak vo2 at multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with dilated cardiomyopathy Pvo2 is related to left and right ventricular dimensions, left and right ventricular filling pattern and EF. Both systolic and diastolic dysfunction influence functional capacity.

Noninvasive evaluation of hemodynamics by Doppler echocardiography

Doppler echocardiography plays an invaluable role in the diagnosis and management of patients with heart disease. Noninvasive measurements of cardiac output, pulmonary artery pressures, and left and right ventricular filling pressures can be obtained with reasonable accuracy at baseline and at intervals to assess the response to therapy. Furthermore, simple measurements of Doppler-acquired mitral inflow parameters provide independent and incremental prognostic data in patients with restrictive heart disease and in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and heart failure.

Left ventricular systolic and diastolic function after pericardiectomy in patients with constrictive pericarditis: Doppler echocardiographic findings and correlation with clinical status

OBJECTIVES

The study assessed changes in left ventricular systolic and diastolic function after pericardiectomy in patients with constrictive pericarditis and correlated postoperative Doppler echocardiographic findings with clinical status.

BACKGROUND

Despite the efficacy of pericardiectomy, some patients with constrictive pericarditis fail to improve postoperatively. Data on serial evaluation of systolic and diastolic function after pericardiectomy and its relation to clinical status are not available.

METHODS

From 1985 to 1995, a total of 58 patients with constrictive pericarditis underwent pericardiectomy and had at least one follow-up Doppler echocardiographic study with a respirometer: 23 patients had one examination within 3 months postoperatively, 19 had a study within 3 months and another one more than 3 months postoperatively, and 16 had one study more than 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

In the early postoperative period, diastolic function was normal in 17 patients (40.5%), restrictive in 17 (40.5%), and constrictive in 8 (19%). Among 19 patients who had serial Doppler echocardiography, in 2 patients with restrictive physiology and 5 with constrictive physiology the results had become normal, and 1 patient who had had constrictive physiology had restrictive findings. In late follow-up, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter increased compared with preoperative measurement (p = 0.0009). Diastolic filling pattern at late follow-up was normal in 20 patients (57%), restrictive in 12 (34%) and constrictive in 3 (9%). There was a significant relationship between diastolic filling patterns and symptomatic status (chi2 = 20.9, p < 0.0001). Patients with persistent abnormal diastolic filling on Doppler echocardiography had had symptoms for a longer time preoperatively than did patients with normal diastolic physiology (p = 0.0471).

CONCLUSIONS

Diastolic filling characteristics remain abnormal in a substantial number of patients with constrictive pericarditis after pericardiectomy. These abnormalities may resolve gradually but can persist. Diastolic filling abnormalities after pericardiectomy correlate well with clinical symptoms and tend to occur in patients who have had symptoms longer preoperatively. This finding supports the recommendation that pericardiectomy be performed promptly in symptomatic patients with constrictive pericarditis.

Left ventricular end-systolic wall stress is a potent prognostic variable in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with heart failure. Left ventricular dilation is viewed as a compensatory response to maintain stroke volume, and left ventricular dilation is directly related to the increase of wall stress. However, only a few studies have examined whether wall stress can be a prognostic variable in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. This study was designed to elucidate whether left ventricular systolic wall stress was related to the prognosis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Twenty-five normal control subjects and 68 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy participated in this study. Hemodynamic parameters and left ventricular systolic wall stress were determined using echocardiography. In addition, the extent score determined by thallium-201 myocardial scintigraphy was measured as an index of cumulative loss of myocardium. During the 53-month follow-up period, 13 patients died of cardiac events. In a stepwise multivariable analysis, end-systolic wall stress and fractional shortening were significant predictors of survival. The extent score was markedly greater in the patients who died than in alive patients. There was a significant correlation between end-systolic wall stress and extent score (r=0.501, p=0.0001). Left ventricular end-systolic wall stress is an important predictor of mortality in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Relation of atrial natriuretic peptides to left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in heart failure

BACKGROUND

Plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptides are correlated with atrial pressures, as are left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular filling abnormalities.

AIMS

This study investigated the relation of atrial natriuretic peptides to both left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in heart failure.

METHODS

Plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide and N-terminal pro-atrial natriuretic peptide were measured in 63 patients with chronic heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. According to Doppler transmitral flow measurements, 19 patients had a restrictive and 44 patients had a non-restrictive left ventricular filling pattern.

RESULTS

Plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide and N-terminal pro-atrial natriuretic peptide were higher in patients with a restrictive filling pattern than in patients with a non-restrictive filling pattern (197 vs. 75 pmol/l, P<0.0001 and 1.14 vs. 0.45 nmol/l, P<0.0001). In univariate analysis, atrial natriuretic peptide and N-terminal pro-atrial natriuretic peptide correlated with deceleration time, E/A ratio and left ventricular ejection fraction. In multivariate analysis, both peptides appeared independently related to left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular filling pattern.

CONCLUSION

In patients with chronic heart failure, atrial natriuretic peptides provide information on left ventricular systolic as well as diastolic function.

Left ventricular versus biventricular dysfunction in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Eighty-five consecutive patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy were categorized according to the presence (biventricular dysfunction) or absence (left ventricular [LV] dysfunction) of reduced right ventricular ejection fraction (<35%) along with reduced LV ejection fraction (<50%). Compared with the 36 patients with LV dysfunction, the 49 patients with biventricular dysfunction had significantly worse New York Heart Association functional class (2.7+/-0.6 vs 1.9+/-0.5; p <0.001), LV ejection fraction (26+/-10% vs 34+/-8%; p <0.0001), and outcome (transplant-free survival, 55% vs 89%; p <0.001). Thus, dilated cardiomyopathy is frequently characterized by biventricular involvement, which identifies a more severe disease and a worse long-term prognosis.

New theories. Causes of dilated cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heterogeneous disease, both clinically and genetically. Two genes responsible for X-linked DCM have been identified. Five genetic loci responsible for X-linked DCM have been identified. Five genetic loci responsible for autosomal dominant DCM have also been mapped but no genes identified so far. New paradigms may be necessary in order to elucidate the etiology of primary dilated cardiomyopathy.

Calcium channel blockers in cardiac failure

Congestive cardiac failure is an increasingly prevalent syndrome associated with a high morbidity and mortality. The role of calcium channel blockers in the treatment of heart failure is unclear. The potential benefits of these agents derive not only from their vasodilator properties, but also from anti-ischemic effects, beneficial effects on endothelial function and the development of atherosclerosis, and favorable effects on calcium cycling at a molecular level. Pitted against this array of potential benefits are direct negative inotropic effects and the potential for neuroendocrine activation. Treatment with short-acting dihydropyridine agents has not resulted in long-term clinical benefits in patients with cardiac failure. Diltiazem may be beneficial in patients with nonischemic heart failure, and verapamil has a neutral effect in cardiac failure, although it may have a role in combination with ace inhibition. To date, amlodipine has been associated with the most promising results, with evidence of a mortality benefit in nonischemic heart failure. Mibefradil is of no benefit in the management of heart failure, although the trend toward increased mortality in the treatment arm of the Mortality Assessment in Congestive Heart Failure (MACH)-1 trial may have been due to drug interactions. The potential role of calcium blockers in diastolic dysfunction and in combination with ace-inhibition requires further study.

Prognostic value of a Doppler index combining systolic and diastolic performance in idiopathic-dilated cardiomyopathy

This study sought to investigate, in patients with idiopathic-dilated cardiomyopathy, the clinical and prognostic value of a Doppler-derived index of myocardial function that combines systolic and diastolic time intervals of the left heart cycle. The Doppler index was measured in 75 patients (aged 61 +/- 13 years; 45 men and 30 women) in sinus rhythm and 75 age- and sex-matched controls. Ejection time was measured from the left ventricular outflow Doppler signal. The sum of isovolumic times was obtained by subtracting the ejection time from the interval between cessation and onset of mitral inflow measured from the mitral inflow velocity profile. The index was the sum of isovolumic times divided by ejection time. The values of the Doppler index in patients with idiopathic-dilated cardiomyopathy (0.85 +/- 0.32) were significantly higher than values in controls (0.37 +/- 0.08, p < 0.001). During follow-up of 5 years, 1 patient underwent cardiac transplantation and 36 patients died, 29 of cardiac, 5 of noncardiac, and 2 of unknown causes. Univariate analysis demonstrated that the Doppler index (chi-square = 18.3, p < 0.001), ejection fraction (chi-square = 15.2, p <0.001), symptom status (chi-square = 9.2, p = 0.002), and mitral deceleration time (chi-square = 5.2, p = 0.02) were significant predictors of outcome. However, multivariate stepwise analysis of these variables showed that the Doppler index (chi-square = 10.7, p = 0.001) and ejection fraction (chi-square = 6.7, p = 0.01) were the most significant independent predictors of outcome. The Doppler index reflects disease severity and has incremental prognostic value in dilated cardiomyopathy. Ease of use, nongeometric dependency, excellent separation of clinical groups, and a strong relation to outcome enhance its appeal.

Diastolic effects of chronic digitalization in systolic heart failure

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of short-term digitalization on exercise tolerance may, in part, reflect enhanced diastolic performance. However, cardiac glycosides can impair ventricular relaxation from cytosolic Ca++ overload. To detect any time-dependent adverse effect, we assessed the diastolic function after long-term use of digitalis in patients with mild to moderate systolic left ventricular failure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From a cohort of 80 patients who received long-term, randomized, double-blind treatment with digitalis versus placebo at the WJB Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 38 survivors were evaluated at the end of follow-up (mean 48.4 months) with evaluators blinded to treatment used. Each survivor underwent equilibrium scintigraphic and echocardiographic assessment of diastolic function. Peak and mean filling rates normalized with filling volume (FV), diastolic phase durations normalized with duration of diastole, and filling fractions were measured from the time-activity curve. The isovolumic relaxation period and ventricular dimensions were computed echocardiographically. By actual-treatment-received analysis, treated versus untreated patients manifested a trend toward longer isovolumic relaxation (80.76 ms vs 61.54 ms, P = .06) but a markedly lower peak rapid filling rate (6.39 FV/sec vs 10.56 FV/sec, P = .02) despite comparable loading conditions. In addition, treated patients exhibited a lower mean rate of rapid filling (2.75 FV/sec vs 3.78 FV/sec, P = .05) in the absence of a longer rapid filling duration. However, the end-diastolic ventricular dimension did not differ between the 2 groups. Similar results were obtained by intention-to-treat analysis. Importantly, the mortality rate from worsening heart failure in the inception cohort was lower in the digitalis group versus the placebo group (P = .05) with no difference in total cardiac or all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

After long-term digitalization for systolic left ventricular failure, cross-sectional comparison with a control group from the same inception cohort shows a decrease in the rate and degree of ventricular relaxation. This effect did not interfere with the overall ventricular filling or with a favorable impact on outcome from worsening heart failure.

New Doppler echocardiographic applications for the study of diastolic function

Doppler echocardiography is one of the most useful clinical tools for the assessment of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function. Doppler indices of LV filling and pulmonary venous (PV) flow are used not only for diagnostic purposes but also for establishing prognosis and evaluating the effect of therapeutic interventions. The utility of these indices is limited, however, by the confounding effects of different physiologic variables such as LV relaxation, compliance and filling pressure. Since alterations in these variables result in changes in Doppler indices of opposite direction, it is often difficult to determine the status of a given variable when a specific Doppler filling pattern is observed. Recently, color M-mode and tissue Doppler have provided useful insights in the study of diastolic function. These new Doppler applications have been shown to provide an accurate estimate of LV relaxation and appear to be relatively insensitive to the effects of preload compensation. This review will focus on the complementary role of color M-mode and tissue Doppler echocardiography and traditional Doppler indices of LV filling and PV flow in the assessment of diastolic function.

Risk stratification in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy: contribution of Doppler-derived left ventricular filling

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a major cause of mortality among patients with heart failure. The aim of the present study was to investigate the independent contribution of Doppler-derived left ventricular (LV) filling to the prediction of survival in patients with DCM, of either ischemic or nonischemic origin, and to derive a simple risk stratification score based on easily available clinical and echocardiographic parameters. We followed 197 consecutive patients (159 men, mean age 60+/-13 years) with an echocardiographic diagnosis of DCM (LV end-diastolic dimension >60 mm, fractional shortening <25%) over an average period of 62+/-13 months. The presumed etiology of DCM was ischemic in 52% of the patients. During follow up, 69 patients died of cardiac causes and 41 required transplantation. At 5 years, overall cardiac event-free survival was 55% and freedom from death or heart transplantation was 43% (compared with 86% for the 5-year age- and sex-adjusted survival rate in our country). Kaplan-Meier survival curves generated for different thresholds of the peak E velocity and the E/A ratio indicated significant worsening of prognosis with increasing values of these parameters in both ischemic and nonischemic patients. Using Cox stepwise regression analyses, age (chi-square to remove 24.4; p <0.001), peak E velocity (chi-square to remove=18.9; p <0.001), LV ejection fraction (chi-square to remove 6.4; p <0.011), and systolic blood pressure (chi-square to remove 4.5; p=0.034) independently predicted cardiac deaths, whereas New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class (chi-square to remove 48.5; p < 0.001), LV ejection fraction (chi-square to remove 19.1; p <0.001), E/A ratio (chi-square to remove 10.8; p <0.001), and systolic blood pressure (chi-square to remove 5.8; p <0.016) were independently associated with cardiac death or need for transplantation. Based on these parameters, a risk score was elaborated, which allowed appropriate classification of each individual patient into low- (5-year survival rate of 72%), intermediate- (46% survival rate), and high-risk groups (11% survival rate). In conclusion, our data show that among the noninvasive parameters commonly available in patients with either ischemic or nonischemic DCM, age, the NYHA functional class, the LV ejection fraction, the systolic blood pressure, the peak E velocity, and the E/A ratio provide relevant and independent information regarding the risk of cardiac death or the need for heart transplantation.

Exercise performance in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy: relationship to resting left ventricular function

Relationship between maximal exercise tolerance and resting indexes of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function were evaluated in 35 men, aged 55.1 +/- 10.4 years, with dilated cardiomyopathy. Clinical diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy was confirmed with M-mode echocardiography (M-mode echocardiographic end-diastolic dimension >55 mm, fractional shortening <25%, increased E point septal separation). Coronary angiography was considered mandatory for exclusion of patients with coronary artery disease. Patients with mitral regurgitation (> or =grade 2) and rhythm other than sinus were excluded. According to the functional classification of New York Heart Association 6 patients were in class I, 11 in class II, 12 in class III and 6 in class IV. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), stroke volume (SV) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were measured with contrast angiography. Peak early (VE) and late (VA) transmitral filling velocities and their ratio (E/A), isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT) and deceleration time (DT) were computed from pulsed wave Doppler echocardiograms. On completion of all resting measurements, patients underwent symptom limited upright treadmill exercise testing using a modified Naughton protocol and maximal exercise performance metabolic equivalent work load (NETS) was calculated from the speed, incline and length of time at the stage using standard tables to make interpatient comparisons. Significant correlation has been found between NYHA class and METS (r= -0.77, P<0.001). However NYHA class II and NYHA class III patients were found to have similar METS (P=0.317). Patients were further divided into two groups on the basis of exercise data. Group I consisted of 22 patients with relatively preserved exercise tolerance (> or =4 METS) and Group II included 13 patients with impaired exercise tolerance (> or =4 METS). This arbitrary classification was based upon previously described survival differences in these two groups. There were no differences between two groups in terms of age, gender distribution (all were male), heart rate and arterial blood pressure. LVEF, LVEDP, stroke volume, VE, VA, E/A, IRT and DT were also similar between two groups. Strong positive correlation was observed between LVEDP and VE (r=0.74) while IRT and VA negatively correlated with LVEDP (r= -0.77 and r= -0.81 respectively) but neither of resting indexes of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function showed significant correlation with METS and exercise duration.

Diastolic heart failure: standard Doppler approach and beyond

Evidence of normal systolic left ventricular function has been reported in up to 30-40% of patients with clinical signs of congestive heart failure, suggesting that diastolic dysfunction is an important predictor of prognosis and mortality. Doppler echocardiography as a noninvasive diagnostic procedure is able to provide immediate and relevant information on functional and structural changes underlying the clinical syndrome of heart failure. Four distinct early filling/late diastole (E/A) ratio patterns (normal, delayed relaxation, pseudonormal, restrictive) can be discerned if viewed within the context of other available clinical information. These patterns evolve from one to another in a single individual, with changes in disease evolution, treatment, and loading condition. They represent a continuum from normal to severe diastolic dysfunction, showing progressively increasing left ventricular (LV) chamber stiffness and subsequently decreasing deceleration time. The combination of Doppler restrictive filling pattern and decreased deceleration time provides important information that helps to differentiate gradations of diastolic dysfunction and has been found to be a potent predictor of prognosis and mortality in various cardiac conditions. When clinical and transthoracic data alone are not sufficient in guiding therapy of congestive heart failure, transesophageal echocardiography can be used to assess most Doppler flows, especially pulmonary venous and left atrial (LA) appendage flows. The use of the multiplane transducer in multiple intermediate scan planes further improves the possibility of optimizing the Doppler incident angle and obtaining the best Doppler recordings of the left upper or right upper pulmonary venous flow. Whereas LV diastolic dysfunction is common in patients with congestive heart failure and appears to be an important predictor of prognosis, little information is available about right ventricular (RV) diastolic dysfunction. The role of RV function in congestive heart failure has probably been underestimated and it is possible that RV diastolic dysfunction assessment is equally important in the follow-up of heart failure patients. Recently, 2 novel echocardiographic technologies for the assessment of ventricular wall dynamics have been developed--color kinesis and tissue Doppler imaging. Both techniques have recently been shown to provide global as well as regional information on LV contraction and filling. Complementary use of both techniques may allow a more complete noninvasive assessment of global and regional systo-diastolic LV function.

Short deceleration time of mitral inflow E velocity: prognostic implication with atrial fibrillation versus sinus rhythm

The present study retrospectively identified 367 patients who had restrictive physiology as defined by deceleration time < or = 130 msec; 293 were in sinus rhythm (SR) (194 men and 99 women; mean age 64 +/- 14 years) and 74 were in atrial fibrillation (AF) (51 men and 23 women; mean age 72 +/- 11 years; p < 0.001). Both groups had similar underlying diagnoses and no significant difference in Doppler indices (E wave, 96 +/- 23 vs 99 +/- 22 cm/sec in SR and AF, respectively; deceleration time, 116 +/- 12 vs 116 +/- 13 msec; and left ventricular outflow tract time velocity integral, 14.8 +/- 4.8 vs 14.5 +/- 4.4 cm). Left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly lower in SR patients (29% +/- 16% vs 39% +/- 20%; p = 0.0003). There were 120 deaths (41%) in the SR group and 35 (47%) in the AF group (median follow-up for both groups, 2.2 years). Restrictive physiology as defined by Doppler echocardiography (deceleration time < or = 130 msec) appears to predict a similar poor prognosis with AF as with SR.

Long-term survival effect of metoprolol in dilated cardiomyopathy. The SPIC (Italian Multicentre Cardiomyopathy Study) Group

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the additive effect of metoprolol treatment on long-term incidence of fatal and non-fatal cardiac events in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

DESIGN

586 patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy were prospectively enrolled in a multicentre registry and followed up for a mean (SD) of 52 (32) months. Metoprolol, carefully titrated to the maximum tolerated dose, was added to conventional heart failure treatment in 175 patients.

RESULTS

Survival and transplant-free survival at seven years were significantly higher in the 175 metoprolol treated patients than in the remaining 411 on standard treatment (81% v 60%, p < 0.001, and 69% v 49%, p < 0.001, respectively). By multivariate analysis, metoprolol independently predicted survival and transplant-free survival (relative risk reduction values for all cause mortality and combined mortality or transplantation 51% (95% confidence interval 21% to 69%), p = 0.002, and 34% (5% to 53%), p = 0.01, respectively). New York Heart Association class, left ventricular end diastolic diameter, and pulmonary wedge pressure were also predictive. Seven year survival (80% v 62%, p = 0.004) and transplant-free survival (68% v 51%, p = 0.005) were significantly higher in 127 metoprolol treated cases than in 127 controls selected from the entire control cohort and appropriately matched. Metoprolol was associated with a 30% reduction in all cause mortality (7% to 48%, p = 0.015) and a 26% reduction in mortality or transplantation (7% to 41%, p = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of metoprolol to standard heart failure treatment, including angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, was effective in the long-term, reducing both all cause mortality and transplantation in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Restrictive left ventricular filling patterns are predictive of diastolic ventricular interaction in chronic heart failure

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine whether restrictive left ventricular (LV) filling patterns are associated with diastolic ventricular interaction in patients with chronic heart failure.

BACKGROUND

We recently demonstrated a diastolic ventricular interaction in approximately 50% of a series of patients with chronic heart failure, as evidenced by paradoxic increases in LV end-diastolic volume despite reductions in right ventricular end-diastolic volume during volume unloading achieved by lower body negative pressure (LBNP). We reasoned that such an interaction would impede LV filling in mid and late diastole, but would be minimal in early diastole, resulting in a restrictive LV filling pattern.

METHODS

Transmitral flow was assessed using pulsed wave Doppler echocardiography in 30 patients with chronic heart failure and an LV ejection fraction < or = 35%. Peak early (E) and atrial (A) filling velocities and E wave deceleration time were measured. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume was measured using radionuclide ventriculography before and during -30-mm Hg LBNP.

RESULTS

Nine of the 11 patients with and 2 of the 16 patients without restrictive LV filling patterns (E/A > 2 or E/A 1 to 2 and E wave deceleration time < or = 140 ms) increased LV end-diastolic volume during LBNP (p = 0.001). The change in LV end-diastolic volume during LBNP was correlated with the baseline A wave velocity (r = -0.52, p = 0.005) and E/A ratio (r = 0.50, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Restrictive LV filling patterns are associated with diastolic ventricular interaction in patients with chronic heart failure. Volume unloading in the setting of diastolic ventricular interaction allows for increased LV filling. Identifying patients with chronic heart failure and restrictive filling patterns may therefore indicate a group likely to benefit from additional vasodilator therapy.

Left ventricular function and endomyocardial biopsy in early and advanced dilated cardiomyopathy

We evaluated left ventricular function and endomyocardial biopsy in 20 patients with early and advanced dilated cardiomyopathy, with the purpose of assessing the correlation between histologic variables and systolic and diastolic filling indexes. Group 1 included 10 patients with no clinical history of heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction > or = 45% and group 2, 10 patients with a clinical history of heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction <45%. Group 1 showed lower left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes indexes (49+/-14 versus 86+/-23 ml/m2, P<0.001; 98+/-25 versus 127+/-35 ml/m2, P=0.049), higher left ventricular ejection fraction (50+/-4 versus 32+/-4%, P<0.001) and lower coefficient of variation of percentage shortening of left ventricular transverse hemiaxes (0.3+/-0.1 versus 0.5+/-0.1, P=0.001) compared with group 2. Group 1 had higher A wave peak velocity (78+/-18 versus 60+/-20 cm/s, P=0.048), lower E/A ratio (0.9+/-0.3 versus 1.5+/-0.6, P=0.02) and slower E wave deceleration time (204+/-51 versus 155+/-50 ms, P=0.047) compared with group 2. Semiquantitative histologic scores did not differ significantly between groups. There was no significant correlation between histologic variables and left ventricular systolic and diastolic indexes. Thus, dilated cardiomyopathy shows borderline to severe left ventricular systolic impairment and distinct left ventricular diastolic filling abnormalities, according to the clinical stage. This study suggests a marked dissociation between histologic findings and functional abnormalities in early and advanced dilated cardiomyopathy.

Determination of left ventricular filling pressure by Doppler echocardiography in patients with coronary artery disease: critical role of left ventricular systolic function

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to determine the usefulness of transthoracic Doppler measurements in detecting increased left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic pressure in patients with coronary artery disease, specifically examining the influence of systolic function on the accuracy of these methods.

BACKGROUND

Studies that have correlated Doppler indexes with LV filling pressures primarily involved patients with LV systolic dysfunction. The reliability of Doppler indexes in estimating filling pressures in patients with coronary artery disease and preserved systolic function is unclear.

METHODS

Pulsed wave Doppler transmitral and pulmonary venous flow velocity curves and LV pressure were recorded in 83 patients with coronary artery disease.

RESULTS

Conventional Doppler indexes (deceleration time of mitral E wave velocity, ratio of peak mitral E to A wave velocities and pulmonary venous systolic fraction) correlated with LV filling pressure in patients with an ejection fraction (EF) < or = 50% but not in those with an EF > 50%. Previously published regression analysis for prediction of LV filling pressure was accurate in patients with an EF < or = 50% but not in those with an EF > 50%. The difference between flow duration with atrial contraction in the pulmonary veins and transmitral flow duration with atrial contraction correlated with LV filling pressure in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of the early diastolic portion of the transmitral or pulmonary venous flow velocity curves can be used to predict LV filling pressures in patients with systolic dysfunction, but are inaccurate in patients with preserved systolic function. The combined analysis of both flow velocity curves at atrial contraction is a reliable, feasible predictor of increased LV filling pressure, irrespective of systolic function.

Prognostic implications of restrictive left ventricular filling in acute myocardial infarction: a serial Doppler echocardiographic study

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to evaluate the relative prognostic significance of restrictive left ventricular (LV) filling after acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND

Data regarding the contribution of diastolic dysfunction to prognosis after myocardial infarction are limited, and the additional value over the assessment of systolic dysfunction is not known.

METHODS

Serial Doppler echocardiography was performed in 95 patients on days 1, 3 and 7 and 3 months after acute myocardial infarction. Patients were classified into two groups: a restrictive group (n = 12) with a peak velocity of early diastolic filling wave (E)/peak velocity of late filling wave (A) ratio > or = 2 or between 1 and 2 and a deceleration time (DT) < or = 140 ms during at least one echocardiographic study; and a nonrestrictive group (n = 83) with an E/A ratio < or = 1 or between 1 and 2 and a DT > 140 ms at all examinations.

RESULTS

Cardiac death occurred in 10 patients during a mean follow-up interval of 32 +/- 17 months. The survival rate at 1 year was 100% in the nonrestrictive group and only 50% in the restrictive group. After 1 year there was a continuing divergence of mortality, resulting in a 3-year survival rate of 100% and 22%, respectively. Univariate Cox analysis revealed that restrictive LV filling, wall motion score index, ejection fraction and end-systolic and end-diastolic volume indexes, as well as peak creatine kinase, peak MB fraction and heart failure during the hospital course were significant predictors of cardiac death, although restrictive filling was the single best predictor (p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that restrictive filling adds prognostic information to clinical and echocardiographic variables of systolic dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

Restrictive LV filling after acute myocardial infarction is the single best predictor of cardiac death and adds significantly to clinical and echocardiographic markers of systolic dysfunction.

Right and left ventricular diastolic function in patients with and without heart failure: effect of age, sex, heart rate, and respiration on Doppler-derived measurements

Doppler echocardiography is widely used to assess right and left ventricular diastolic function. Although the factors affecting Doppler-derived measurements have been described in unaffected patients, there is little information available for patients with heart failure. Therefore we performed two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography studies of right and left ventricular function in 140 subjects, 88 with congestive heart failure and 52 age-matched normal subjects. The separate effects of age, sex, heart rate, and respiration were assessed by correlation analysis and multiple linear regression. In normal subjects both left and right ventricular parameters significantly correlated with age and heart rate. No significant effect of respiration was apparent in left ventricular function, but in the right ventricle inspiration caused a significant increase in transtricuspid peak E-wave velocity, E/A ratio, and shortening of the E-wave deceleration time. There was a significant correlation between left and right ventricular diastolic parameters. In heart failure, age correlated weakly with mitral valve peak A wave (r = 0.23, p = 0.03) and with tricuspid valve peak E-wave velocity (r = 0.37, p < 0.001), although in those with a restrictive filling pattern age was associated with a significant increased shortening of the mitral E-wave deceleration time (r = -0.8; p = 0.0015). Heart rate and deceleration time of mitral and tricuspid E wave significantly correlated, but heart rate did not correlate with either mitral or tricuspid peak E-wave or A-wave velocities or E/A ratio. In heart failure the effect of respiration was similar to normal subjects. Sex was not associated with Doppler variables in either normals or heart failure subjects. Thus this study demonstrates that age, heart rate, and respiration have important and separate associations with Doppler echo diastolic parameters of the right and left ventricle in normal subjects and similar, although weaker relations in patients with heart failure.

Evaluation of diastolic filling of left ventricle in health and disease: Doppler echocardiography is the clinician's Rosetta Stone

Abnormalities of diastolic function have a major role in producing the signs and symptoms of heart failure. However, diastolic function of the heart is a complex sequence of multiple interrelated events, and it has been difficult to understand, diagnose and treat the various abnormalities of diastolic filling that occur in patients with heart disease. Recently, Doppler echocardiography has been used to examine the different diastolic filling patterns of the left ventricle in health and disease, but confusion about diagnosis and treatment options has arisen because of the misinterpretation of these flow velocity curves. This review presents a simplified approach to understanding the process of diastolic filling of the left ventricle and interpreting the Doppler flow velocity curves as they relate to this process. It has been hypothesized that transmitral flow velocity curves show a progression over time with diseases involving the myocardium. This concept can be applied clinically to estimate left ventricular filling pressures and to predict prognosis in selected groups of patients. Specific therapy for diastolic dysfunction based on Doppler flow velocity curves is discussed.

Left atrial size is the major predictor of cardiac death and overall clinical outcome in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy: a long-term follow-up study

HYPOTHESIS

This study was undertaken to determine whether echo-derived left atrial dimension and other echocardiographic, clinical, and hemodynamic parameters detected at the time of entry into the study may influence prognosis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy during a long-term follow-up.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort analysis of 123 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Clinical evaluation, chest x-ray, M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiogram, exercise test, 72-h ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring, and cardiac catheterization study were performed in all patients. The study was divided into two phases: in the first phase, patients were divided into two groups according to the left atrial size (> or = 45 mm; < 45 mm), with cardiac death as the end point. In the second phase, all patients were further divided into two groups according to their clinical course. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine independent correlated parameters of cardiac mortality and overall clinical outcome.

RESULTS

Cardiac mortality rate was 47.9%: 29% in the group without left atrial dilation and 54.3% in the group with dilated left atrium. Multivariate analysis revealed that left atrium > or = 45 mm, New York Heart Association functional classes III/IV, and the presence of one or more episodes of ventricular tachycardia at Holter monitoring were independent predictors of cardiac mortality, while left atrium > or = 45 mm, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure > 17 mmHg, and exercise tolerance < or = 15 min were independent predictors of poor clinical outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results revealed that left atrial size is the principal independent predictor of prognosis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy in that patients with left atrial dilation had an increase in mortality and a worse clinical outcome compared with those without left atrial dilation.

Doppler evaluation of left and right ventricular diastolic function: a technical guide for obtaining optimal flow velocity recordings

Doppler mitral flow velocities and related variables are used to assess left (LV) and right ventricular filling and, indirectly, ventricular diastolic function. Three abnormal ventricular filling patterns (impaired relaxation and pseudonormal and restrictive physiology) are recognized in patients with various heart diseases and have been related to alterations in LV diastolic properties and filling pressures. More recently, these variables have been used to assess the hemodynamic effects of drug therapy or heart surgery and prognosis in patients with restrictive and dilated cardiomyopathies. Despite these encouraging results, widespread clinical use of these Doppler techniques has been hampered by difficulties in obtaining accurate and reproducible measurements from Doppler flow velocity recordings. This is due, in part, to an underappreciation of factors such as cardiac filling mechanics, Doppler examination principles, and ultrasound machine settings, which can markedly affect the quality of the flow velocity recordings. The purpose of this article is to provide the technical information for performing a systematic and comprehensive Doppler evaluation of LV diastolic function that can be used on a routine basis. This information includes discussing the different flow velocity recordings required for a Doppler assessment of LV diastolic function, their proper recording technique, and the common technical pitfalls.

The noninvasive assessment of left ventricular diastolic function with two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography

Left ventricular diastolic filling can be determined reliably by Doppler-derived mitral and pulmonary venous flow velocities. Diastolic filling abnormalities are broadly classified at their extremes to impaired relaxation and restrictive physiology with many patterns in between. An impaired relaxation pattern identifies patients with early stages of heart disease, and appropriate therapy may avert progression and functional disability. Pseudonormalization is a transitional phase between abnormal relaxation and restrictive physiology and signifies increased filling pressure and decreased compliance. In this phase, reducing preload, optimizing afterload, and treating the underlying disease are clinically helpful. A restrictive physiology pattern identifies advanced, usually symptomatic disease with a poor prognosis. Therapeutic intervention is directed toward normalizing loading conditions and improving the restrictive filling pattern, although this may not be feasible in certain heart diseases. Finally, many patients have left ventricular filling patterns that appear indeterminate or mixed. In these cases, clinical information, left atrial and left ventricular size, pulmonary venous flow velocity, and alteration of preload help assess diastolic function and estimate diastolic filling pressures.

Persistence of restrictive left ventricular filling pattern in dilated cardiomyopathy: an ominous prognostic sign

OBJECTIVES

We sought to assess the prognostic implications of the evolution of restrictive left ventricular filling pattern (RFP) in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

BACKGROUND

Previous work has demonstrated that a RFP in DCM is associated with a poor prognosis. Few data are available on the prognostic implications of the evolution of this pattern.

METHODS

The evolution of left ventricular filling was studied by Doppler echocardiography in 110 patients with DCM. According to the left ventricular filling pattern at presentation and after 3 months of treatment, the patients were classified into three groups: Group 1A (n = 24) had persistent restrictive filling; Group 1B (n = 29) had reversible restrictive filling; and Group 2 (n = 57) had nonrestrictive filling.

RESULTS

During follow-up (41 +/- 20 months), mortality plus heart transplantations was significantly higher in Group 1A than in Groups 1B and 2 (p < 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, the model incorporating E wave deceleration time at 3 months was more powerful at predicting mortality with respect to this variable at baseline (p = 0.0039). Clinical improvement at 1 and 2 years was significantly more frequent in Groups 1B and 2 than in Group 1A (p < 0.0001 at 2 years).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with DCM, the persistence of restrictive filling at 3 months is associated with a high mortality and transplantation rate. The patients with reversible restrictive filling have a high probability of improvement and excellent survival. Doppler echocardiographic reevaluation of these patients after 3 months of therapy gives additional prognostic information with respect to the initial study.

Determinants of pulmonary hypertension in left ventricular dysfunction

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to analyze the determinants of pulmonary hypertension in patients with left ventricular dysfunction.

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension in patients with left ventricular dysfunction is a predictor of poor outcome. The independent role of cardiac functional abnormalities in the genesis of pulmonary hypertension is unclear.

METHODS

In 102 consecutive patients with primary left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction < 50%), systolic pulmonary artery pressure was prospectively measured by Doppler echocardiography (using tricuspid regurgitant velocity), and left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, functional mitral regurgitation, cardiac output and left atrial volume were quantified.

RESULTS

Systolic pulmonary artery pressure was elevated in patients with left ventricular dysfunction (51 +/- 14 mm Hg [mean +/- SD]), but the range was wide (23 to 87 mm Hg). Of the numerous variables correlating significantly with systolic pulmonary artery pressure, the strongest were mitral deceleration time (r = -0.61, p = 0.0001; odds ratio of pulmonary pressure > or = 50 mm Hg [95% confidence interval] if < 150 ms, 48.8 [14.8 to 161]) and mitral effective regurgitant orifice (r = 0.50, p = 0.0001; odds ratio [95% confidence interval] if > or = 20 mm2, 5.9 [2.3 to 15.5]). In multivariate analysis, these two variables were the strongest predictors of systolic pulmonary artery pressure in association with age (p = 0.005). Ejection fraction or end-systolic volume was not an independent predictor of pulmonary artery pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

Pulmonary hypertension is frequent and highly variable in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. It is not independently related to the degree of left ventricular systolic dysfunction but is strongly associated with diastolic dysfunction (shorter mitral deceleration time) and the degree of functional mitral regurgitation (larger effective regurgitant orifice). These results emphasize the importance of assessing diastolic function and quantifying mitral regurgitation in patients with left ventricular dysfunction.

Feasibility of obtaining pulmonary venous flow velocity in cardiac patients using transthoracic pulsed wave Doppler technique

The purpose of this study was to determine, in an adult population, the percentage of patients in whom high quality pulmonary venous flow velocity recordings can be obtained using current transthoracic pulsed wave Doppler techniques. Pulmonary venous and mitral flow velocity variables obtained with a pulsed wave Doppler method were used for the indirect assessment of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function and LV filling pressures. The general clinical use of these methods, however, remains uncertain because the transthoracic success rate of obtaining all components of pulmonary venous flow velocity has been variable, and sometimes reported to be as low as 30% to 60%. Mitral and pulmonary venous flow velocity variables were obtained using pulsed wave Doppler signals in 200 consecutive adult patients (mean age 68.2 +/- 11.4 years) in normal sinus rhythm who were referred for echocardiographic study. Six cardiac sonographers and five ultrasound systems were used. The success rate for obtaining pulmonary venous systolic and diastolic flow velocity was 95%, reverse flow velocity at atrial contraction was 90%, and the duration of reverse flow at atrial contraction was 89%. In the 5% to 11% of patients in whom pulmonary flow velocities could not be adequately recorded, the most common reasons were depth limitations of the pulsed wave Doppler machine, marked cardiac enlargement, or left atrial wall motion artifact. The success rate also was influenced by the ultrasound equipment used, individual variation among sonographers, and even the type (impaired, pseudonormal, restricted) of associated mitral filling pattern. Given current machine technology, sonographer education, and daily practice, high quality, complete recordings of pulmonary venous flow velocity can be obtained in approximately 90% of adult patients using the precordial transthoracic Doppler technique. These results suggest that using these variables as an aid for evaluating LV diastolic function and filling pressures may have broader clinical applicability than previously appreciated.

Noninvasive doppler echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricular filling pressures in patients with cardiomyopathies: a simultaneous Doppler echocardiographic and cardiac catheterization study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to examine the relation of the mitral flow velocity curves to left ventricular filling pressures in patients with two different types of myocardial problems: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have suggested that assessment of Doppler-derived mitral flow velocity curves can be used to predict left ventricular filling pressures in specific disease entities. However, it is unclear whether information derived from specific mitral flow velocity curves obtained from one disease entity can be valid in other disease states.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 42 patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (group A) and 55 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (group B); both groups underwent simultaneous cardiac catheterization and were studied by Doppler echocardiography. High fidelity measures of left atrial and left ventricular pressures were obtained simultaneously with mitral flow velocity curves.

RESULTS

There was a significant relation between the Doppler echocardiographic variables and mean left atrial pressure in group A patients. The left atrial pressure was directly related to the E/A ratio (r = 0.49, p = 0.004) and inversely related to the deceleration time (r = 0.73, p < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of the deceleration time, < 180 m/s, which indicated a mean left atrial pressure > or = 20 mm Hg, were both 100%. In group B patients, there was no significant relation between mean left atrial pressure and deceleration time.

CONCLUSIONS

Doppler echocardiographic mitral flow velocity curves are useful in predicting and estimating left ventricular filling pressures in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. However, because of the complexity of the multiple interrelated factors that determine diastolic filling of the left ventricle, these flow velocity curves cannot be used in patients with other disease entities, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Future studies of different disease states are necessary to fully understand the role of Doppler echocardiography in the assessment of diastolic filling.

Gene mapping of familial autosomal dominant dilated cardiomyopathy to chromosome 10q21-23

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common form of primary myocardial disorder, accounting for 60% of all cardiomyopathies. In 20-30% of cases, familial inheritance can be demonstrated; an autosomal dominant transmission is the usual type of inheritance pattern identified. Previously, genetic heterogeneity was demonstrated in familial autosomal dominant dilated cardiomyopathy (FDCM). Gene localization to chromosome 1 (1p1-1q1 and 1q32), chromosome 3 (3p25-3p22), and chromosome 9 (9q13-9q22) has recently been identified. We report one family with 26 members (12 affected) with familial autosomal dominant dilated cardiomyopathy in which linkage to chromosome 10 at the 10q21-q23 locus is identified. Using short tandem repeat polymorphism (STR) markers with heterozygosity > 70%, 169 markers (50% of the genome) were used before linkage was found to markers D10S605 and D10S201 with a pairwise LOD score = 3.91, theta = 0, penetrance = 100% for both markers. Linkage to 1p1-1q1, 1q32, 3p25-3p22, and 9q13-9q22 was excluded. We conclude that a new locus for pure autosomal dominant FDCM exists, and that this gene is localized to a 9 cM region of 10q21-10q23. The search for the disease causing gene and the responsible mutation(s) is ongoing.

Restrictive left ventricular filling patterns in very old patients with congestive heart failure: clinical correlates and prognostic significance

OBJECTIVES

In certain younger patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), Doppler/echocardiography has identified a "restrictive" pattern of early diastolic ventricular filling characterized by very rapid early filling and a steep deceleration slope. We asked whether a similar restrictive pattern can be identified in very old patients with CHF, and if so, what are its clinical correlates and prognostic implications.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort with prospective follow-up.

SETTING

Academic long-term care facility.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-nine residents with clinical CHF (age 89 +/- 5 (SD) years)

MEASUREMENTS

Transmitral Doppler flow, clinical characteristics, recurrent CHF episodes, hospitalizations, and mortality were measured.

RESULTS

Fifteen (38%) of the subjects had restrictive filling patterns, characterized by a ratio of early to late flow (E/A) > 1.00 and 24 (62%) had nonrestrictive patterns. The restrictive pattern was associated with a longer duration of CHF, more angina, and higher rate of symptomatic recurrences of CHF.

CONCLUSION

A restrictive diastolic filling pattern may represent a late stage in the evolution of congestive heart failure when left ventricular filling pressure is markedly increased. The treatment of CHF in older patients may need to account for different patterns of diastolic filling.

Determinants of prognosis in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle disease of unknown cause, is characterized by high mortality and is a major cause of cardiac transplantation. It has become, therefore, increasingly important to identify patients at higher risk. The aim of this study was to assess which of the data obtained at the time of diagnosis are the best predictors of survival.

METHODS AND RESULTS

One hundred forty-four patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (118 men; mean age, 39 years) were assessed clinically, noninvasively, and hemodynamically. The effect of variables derived from the evaluation on outcome (death or heart transplantation) was examined. During a mean follow-up time of 4.1 years, 68 patients (47%) died and 9 (6%) underwent heart transplantation. The 1-, 2-, and 5-year transplant-free survival rate was 79, 69, and 44%, respectively. Cox multivariate regression analysis identified three variables as independent predictors of outcome: (1) pulmonary artery systolic pressure, P = .0001; (2) left ventricular ejection fraction, P = .0013; and (3) left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, P = .007. The prognostic index was constructed from regression coefficients and parameters significant in the Cox model. The minimal prognostic index in the study group was 1.4 and the maximal was 6.0 with a corresponding 1-year survival of 98 and 18%, respectively. The validity of the prognostic index was tested in the consecutive group of 81 patients, who were followed for a mean 2.3 years. The prognostic index of the poor outcome group differed significantly from that in survivors (3.7 vs 2.9, respectively, P < .01). The sensitivity and specificity of model predictions were 68 and 52%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The severity of pulmonary hypertension and left ventricular dysfunction provides an independent insight into the prognosis of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. The prognostic index is useful when assessing prognosis and may be helpful in the timing of heart transplantation.

Analysis of left ventricular diastolic function

Our understanding of left ventricular diastolic function has evolved with our understanding of Doppler echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular filling dynamics. Left ventricular diastolic function consists of several variables which affect the Doppler echocardiographic recordings in a complex way. While there are still limitations with the non-invasive assessment of left ventricular diastolic function and filling pressures by Doppler echocardiography, great progress has been made and careful interpretation of properly obtained Doppler recordings can give clinically relevant information concerning left ventricular diastolic function, filling pressures, and prognosis in patients with cardiac disease.

Where Does Ultrasound Stand in Technology Assessment and Outcomes Research

Although diagnostic ultrasound has been widely applied for various clinical conditions and diseases, its clinical effectiveness remains less well defined. Technology assessment can be applied to ultrasound and includes several criteria such as techologic capability, range of possible uses, diagnostic accuracy, impact on health care providers, therapeutic impact, and patient outcome. A review of each of these criteria is provided to raise sonographer awareness as to the need for further reserch in this area.