[Role of the systolic time interval in evaluating left ventricular dysfunction].

The systolic time intervals (STI) and specially the PEP/LVET ratio, can be used as noninvasives indexes of left ventricle performance. They can provide effective informations about left ventricle disfunction in situations such as acute myocardial infarction. So we emphasize the estimate of evolution of STI in the same patient more than its comparison with normal values. The measurements of STI proved to be simple and can be repeated serially. We conclude that this is an useful method for the monitoring of cardiac function and the evaluation of the impact of therapy on its course.