[Left ventricular function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after decompensation (author's transl)].

13 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were studied for left ventricular function immediately after acute decompensation. Parameters of right and left ventricular function were measured. Mean pulmonary wedge pressure (Paw) was elevated (11.9 mm Hg) but there was no correlation between Paw and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP). The indices of left ventricular contractility were in the normal range. In 4 patients, LVEDP was too high. A correlation was established between RVEDP and LVEDP. Left ventricular compliance, as studied by the index of Diamond and Forrester, was abnormal. Two conclusions are discussed: (1) in COPD, Paw cannot indicate left ventricular dysfunction; (2) alteration of left ventricular compliance is possibly related to an elevation of RVEDP.