[Cardiodynamics and left ventricular myocardial contractile reserve in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy].

Cardiodynamics and contractile myocardial reserves were measured at radionuclide ventriculography and volume loading of the heart (upward position of the legs at 45 degrees) in 43 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The patients displayed a sharp fall in total and regional ejection fractions (BP), stroke volume (SV), cardiac index, a decrease in Vcf and maximum ejection rate (Vmax) in combination with notable cardiomegaly. There were two types of responses to loading test: positive (increased BP, SV, Vcf, Vmax, reduced end-systolic volume) and negative (decreased EP, SV, Vcf, Vmax, increased end-systolic volume) Inotropic effects evidencing the existence or depletion of myocardial contractile reserve. Loading test in DCM patients allows more objective evaluation of the patient's condition and validated therapeutic measures.