Maximum longitudinal relaxation velocity of the left ventricle: its clinical value and relationship with NT-proBNP plasma levels in heart failure.

BACKGROUND

M-mode recordings of the mitral annulus to measure the maximum ascending velocity during early diastole as an expression of maximum longitudinal relaxation velocity of the left ventricle (RVm) can be used as an index of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of RVm with LV functional parameters in patients with heart failure, with N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) plasma levels, and with their functional classification.

METHODS AND RESULTS

RVm was recorded in 97 patients by M-mode echocardiography. Patients were classified according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) and the concentration of NT-proBNP was determined. Patients with ejection fraction (EF)>40 showed a significant correlation between RVm and mitral annulus motion (MAM), mitral flow propagation velocity, E/A, age, deceleration time (DT), and NT-proBNP. In patients with EF<or=40, RVm correlated significantly with MAM, EF, and NT-proBNP. RVm values were higher in NYHA class I compared to II and III, P<0.0001.

CONCLUSIONS

RVm correlates better with functional parameters in patients with EF>40, though its relationship with NT-proBNP both in patients with EF>or<or=40 is to be highlighted. Correlation between RVm and NT-proBNP is influenced by age, EF, and E/A, whereas in patients with EF>40 it is influenced only by age. RVm values showed a significant decrease in NYHA class II and III.