[Estimating Left Ventricular Diastolic Function through Simultaneous Measurement of T E-e' using Dual-Doppler].

OBJECTIVE

Time interval between the onset of E and e' (T E-e') was applied as a non-invasive index for estimating left ventricular diastolic function. The T E-e' was measured simultaneously using dual- Doppler.

METHODS

Dual-Doppler method was established, which allowed simultaneous recording and display of E and e', thus facilitating the measuring of T E-e'. Seventy-eight patients with suspected coronary artery disease, class II or above NYHA heart function, and ≥ 50% left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) were recruited. The patients were given conventional echocardiography and dual-Doppler echocardiography. Left ventricle end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) of the patients was measured during left heart catheterization. The patients were divided into diastolic dysfunction group (n = 48) and control group (n = 30) according to their LVEDP.

RESULTS

The patients with diastolic dysfunction had higher T E-e' [(24.1 ± 31.4) ms vs. the controls (8.1 ± 23.3) ms, P = 0.019]. Significant linear correlation was found between T E-e' and LVEDP (r = 0.424, P < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed a sensitivity of 56.3% and a specificity of 76.7% for T E-e' detecting elevated LVEDP. T E-e' estimated by dual-Doppler had better inter-observer reliability (limit of agreement: -28. 0-27. 3 ms) compared with the conventional method (limit of agreement: -37.7-34.9 ms).

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous T E-e' estimated by dual-Doppler has improved reliability, which is correlated with LVEDP. Patients with diastolic dysfunction have greater T E-e'.