[Doppler echocardiography in the evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function].

It is now well recognized that a disorder of left ventricular filling can be sufficient to account for congestive heart failure. Furthermore, evaluation of heart disease would not be complete if it did not include assessment of left ventricular filling, improvement of which probably ensures better control of the heart disease. An efficient and reliable tool for the study of diastolic function is therefore essential. The authors review the current state of knowledge and the more recent developments in Doppler echocardiography in the evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function. After revising the pathophysiology, the methods of studying ventricular filling are described. The recording technique is described, taking into account recent developments in transthoracic and transoesophageal approaches. This investigation provides parameters allowing semiquantitative estimation of filling pressures (mean left atrial pressure, end-diastolic pressure) and reliable evaluation of overall diastolic performance.