Doppler-derived mitral and pulmonary venous flow variables are predictors of pulmonary hypertension in dilated cardiomyopathy.

This study assessed whether Doppler-derived mitral and pulmonary venous flow parameters were predictors of pulmonary artery hypertension in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. Doppler echocardiographic examinations were performed in patients (n = 100) with dilated cardiomyopathy in sinus rhythm either symptomatic or asymptomatic before and after optimized therapy with ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and vasodilators. In case of weak or poor Doppler signals, measurable tricuspid regurgitation and pulmonary venous flow tracings were obtained after intravenous administration of 2.

Prognostic value of left atrial enlargement in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Previous studies have shown that abnormal mitral flow patterns and left atrial (LA) enlargement are independently associated with survival in patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. However, it is not known whether these outcome indicators can provide different information in patients of various age groups. This study was designed to assess the prognostic value of the restrictive mitral flow pattern (RMFP) and increased LA size in patients with LV dysfunction (ejection fraction <45%) grouped into those < or = 70 years old (n = 102; mean age 61) and those >70 years old (n = 105; mean age 78).