[Systolic and diastolic left ventricular function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy].

Echocardiographic investigation of the defects in left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions was made in patients at different stages of dilated cardiomyopathy (DC). The established clinico-echocardiographic parallels demonstrate that noticeable dilation of the left ventricle appears as early as initial DC when systolic function is still unchanged. Early DC stages are characterized by left ventricular dysfunction presenting as enhanced blood filling in atrial systole. Progression of circulatory insufficiency brought about the "pseudonormal" pattern with intensive blood flow in early diastole.