[Severe heart failure: treatment optimisation and monitoring using plasma NT-proBNP levels--an useful tool in clinical practice].

A young patient presented with a cardiomegaly of unknown origin. The cardiologic examination revealed a severe eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy and a dilatation of the other heart cavities as well as a strongly impaired global systolic function. The patient was treated with an ACE inhibitor, a diuretic and with a beta-blocking agent. The dosages of which were adapted accordingly to the plasma concentration of N-terminal-pro-brain-natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). After five months of treatment, a decrease of the NT-proBNP level to nearly normal values along with a significant reduction of the heart dimensions and a substantial improvement of left ventricular function were found.