Prognostic significance of electrocardiographic findings in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

Summary The prognostic significance of electrocardiographic variables was retrospectively investigated in 88 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and with normal coronary arteriograms. During an average follow-up of 3.7 ± 2.9 years, 43 patients died, 26 of progressive heart failure, 15 patients with sudden death, and one due to cerebral embolism. Excluding one patient, who died of esophageal cancer, the cumulative survival rate was 73% at 2 years and 60% at 5 years. By univariate life table analysis, abnormal Q-waves, a QRS duration 0.12s, a cardiothoracic ratio 60%, systolic blood pressure <110mmHg, and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure 15 mmHg were significantly associated with increased mortality within 5 years. Multivariate analysis using Cox's proportional hazards model determined the major independent risk factors in the following order: (1) for all patients; the presence of abnormal Q-waves, left bundle branch block or intraventricular conduction disturbances, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, systolic blood pressure and the cardiothoracic ratio; (2) for patients without left bundle branch block or intraventricular conduction disturbances; abnormal Q-waves, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and systolic blood pressure. The present study thus demonstrated that the electrocardiogram could provide independent prognostic predictors in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, possibly reflecting the severity of myocardial damage.This study was supported in part by a Research Grant for Intractable Diseases from the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Japan.     

扩张型心肌病患者窦性心率震荡的研究

目的 探讨扩张型心肌病患者窦性心律震荡（HRT）的特征及其对预后的影响。方法 选择扩张型心肌病并室早的患者187例，选择同期有室早而无器质性心脏病100例作对照组，分别检测窦性心率震荡的初始（TO）和窦性心率震荡的斜率（TS）：将窦性心率震荡分类为HRT1（TO〈0且TS〉2．5ms／RR间期）、HRT2（TO≥0或TS≤2．5ms／RR间期）、HRT3（TO≥0且TS≤2．5ms／RR间期），分别对不同心功能分级，存活组及死亡组进行分析。结果 扩张型心肌病与对照组比较TO、TS均有显著性差异（P〈0．001和P〈0．005）。在心功能Ⅲ级与Ⅳ级时HRT2,在两组间无显著性差异（p〉0．05），其他不同分级心功能的窦性心率震荡分类均有显著差异（p〈0．05或p〈0．01）。存活组与死亡组比较窦性心率震荡分类亦有显著性差异（HRT1p〈0．01，HRT2p〈0．05，HRT3p〈0．01）。结论 扩张型心肌病患者存在室早后窦性心率震荡减弱或消失现象，窦性心率震荡对其预后有一定的预测价值。     

Prognostic significance of serum cholesterol levels in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

AIMS: Previous studies indicate that low cholesterol levels are associated with adverse prognosis in heart failure patients, because elevated lipoprotein levels may negate bacterial endotoxin load induced by gastrointestinal congestion. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined the prognostic significance of lipid levels in a cohort of 422 patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (iDCM) [50+/-12 years, 342 males, 80 females, left ventricular ejection fraction (LV-EF): 31.6+/-10.6%]. During 42 months of follow-up, 86 patients (20.3%) died or received a heart transplant. In univariate Cox regression analysis, reduced LV-EF, high New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, and increased LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) were strong risk factors associated with that endpoint, whereas decreased total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and apoprotein I levels were identified as weak risk predictors. After step-wise multivariable analysis, only LVEDD, NYHA class, and LV-EF emerged as parameters independently contributing to the model predicting risk for death or heart transplantation (P<0.05). Cholesterol levels were positively associated with LV-EF and negatively associated with LVEDD (P<0.05). Circulating sCD14 levels, a marker of endotoxin exposure, were related to cholesterol levels (P<0.05) and LV-EF (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Decreased cholesterol levels do not independently predict adverse prognosis in patients with iDCM. Our findings indicate that low cholesterol levels are dependent on the severity of cardiac disease.     

Prognostic significance of morphometric endomyocardial biopsy analysis in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Background

To date, considerable controversy exists on the prognostic significance of morphometric endomyocardial biopsy findings in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC).

Methods

Quantitative analyses of interstitial structured tissue, myofibril volume fraction, and myocytic fiber diameters of left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy specimens were performed in 124 patients with IDC.

Results

During 51 ± 22 months follow-up after left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy, major arrhythmic events, defined as sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), or sudden cardiac death, were observed in 24 patients (19%). Death from any cause or heart transplant was observed in 39 patients (31%). The amount of interstitial structured tissue, myofibril volume fraction, and myocytic fiber diameters determined from left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy specimens did not differ significantly between patients with and patients without major arrhythmic events or between patients with and patients without transplant-free survival during follow-up.

Conclusions

Quantitative analysis of the amount of interstitial structured tissue, myofibril volume fraction, and myocytic fiber diameters in left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy specimens does not appear to be useful for predicting arrhythmic events and transplant-free survival in IDC.     

左心室收缩不同步在非缺血性扩张型心肌病患者的预后价值

目的:运用组织多普勒超声心动图研究左心室收缩不同步在非缺血性扩张型心肌病患者中的预后价值。方法: 入选62例非缺血性扩张型心肌病患者,所有患者均行心电图、超声心动图（包括组织多普勒超声心动图）及冠状动脉造影,入选患者根据心室内延迟时间（IVD）分为2组:IVD≤65 ms组(n=10）和IVD>65 ms组(n=52）,主要终点定义为随访期内的全因死亡。结果: IVD>65 ms组患者有较长的心室内延迟时间［(129±68) ms vs.(58±9) ms;P<0.05］,较高的左束支传导阻滞发生率(31% vs. 10%;P=0.05),更长的QRS间期［(145±29) ms vs.(129±23) ms,P<0.05］较高的病死率(56% vs. 10%;P<0.01). IVD≤65 ms组中1例患者发生心源性猝死;而IVD>65 ms组中有12例发生,且其他原因引起的死亡也发生在组IVD>65 ms组。Kaplan-Meier生存分析显示IVD>65 ms组患者有较低的生存率(P<0.05),多因素分析显示IVD是唯一具有显著差异的死亡预测因子(P<0.01)。结论: 高IVD是非缺血性扩张型心肌病患者死亡的独立预测因素。     

左室收缩不同步在非缺血性扩张型心肌病患者中预后价值

目的:运用组织多普勒超声心动图研究左室收缩不同步在非缺血性扩张型心肌病患者中的预后价值。方法:入选72例非缺血性扩张型心肌病患者,均行心电图、超声心动图(包括组织多普勒超声心动图)及冠状动脉造影等检查;根据心室内延迟时间(IVD)将入选患者分为2组:IVD≤65 ms组(20例)和IVD>65 ms组(52例),主要终点定义为随访期内的全因死亡。结果:与IVD≤65 ms组比较,IVD>65 ms组患者有较长的IVD[(129±68)ms∶(58±9)ms;P<0.05],较高的左束支传导阻滞发生率(31%∶10%;P=0.05),较高的病死率(56%∶5%;P<0.01)。IVD≤65 ms组、IVD>65 ms组分别有1例、12例患者发生猝死;因进展性心力衰竭死亡的17例患者均发生在IVD>65 ms组。Kaplan-Meier生存分析显示IVD>65 ms组患者有较低的生存率(P<0.05),多因素分析显示IVD是惟一具有显著差异的死亡预测因子(P<0.01)。结论:高IVD是非缺血性扩张型心肌病患者死亡的独立预测因素。     

扩张性心肌病患儿心率变异性的预后意义

目的探讨扩张性心肌病(DCM)患儿心率变异性(HRV)变化的预后意义。方法收集42例扩张性心肌病患儿,分成A组心功能Ⅰ～Ⅱ级(NYHA分级,n=20)和B组心功能Ⅲ～Ⅳ级(n=22),以及健康儿童对照组(n=20);采用Mars3000动态心电图仪常规记录24h动态心电图,分析HRV时域参数(SDNN、SDANN、PNN50和rMSSD)和频域参数(TF、VLF、LF、HF、LF/HF)。结果(1)DCM患儿(A组与B组)与对照组比较,各参数差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01);(2)DCM患儿共死亡16例,存活26例,死亡组与存活组各参数比较,t检验有统计学意义。结论HRV可作为评估DCM患儿病情程度的指标,并可作为预后的预测因子。     

Prognostic significance of blood pressure response to exercise in patients with systolic heart failure

High systolic blood pressure (SBP) has been linked to worse cardiovascular outcomes. However, emerging data suggest that in patients with heart failure (HF), low SBP correlates with increased mortality. The purpose was to examine the impact of baseline and post-exercise systolic and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), as well as pulse pressure (PP), on cardiac mortality in patients with systolic HF. One hundred sixty patients with systolic HF (left ventricular ejection fraction 33 ± 8) were studied. Blood pressure (BP) levels were determined at rest and at peak exercise during a cardiopulmonary exercise test. Patients were followed up for a period of 2.5 ± 0.8 years. During this period 22 patients died and 5 subjects underwent heart transplantation. Patients with higher SBP and DBP at rest, and patients with SBP ≥160 mmHg and PP ≥75 mmHg at peak exercise had the most favorable prognosis. There was a fourfold increase in cardiac mortality risk for patients with SBP <160 mmHg at peak exercise (hazard ratio: 3.97, 95% confidence interval: 1.60–9.84) and a threefold increase for patients with PP <75 mmHg at peak exercise (hazard ratio: 2.96, 95% confidence interval: 1.29–6.82). There is an inverse relationship between SBP and cardiac mortality in patients with systolic HF. BP response to exercise could serve as a simple risk stratification model in HF patients.     

Prognostic significance of heart rate turbulence following ventricular premature beats in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Heart Rate Turbulence in Dilated Cardiomyopathy. INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of heart rate turbulence (HRT) characterized by HRT onset and slope after ventricular premature beats in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC). METHODS AND RESULTS: Blinded HRT analysis was performed in 242 patients with IDC who were enrolled in the Marburg Cardiomyopathy database between 1992 and 2000. During 41 +/- 23 months of follow-up, 54 patients (22%) died or underwent heart transplant. On Cox univariate regression analysis, abnormal HRT onset, HRT slope, HRT onset combined with HRT slope, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, LV size, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III showed a significant association with total mortality or the need for heart transplant. On multivariate analysis, abnormal HRT onset identified patients without transplant-free survival, as did LV size and NYHA class III heart failure. Major arrhythmic events were observed in 42 patients (17%) during follow-up. On univariate analysis, abnormal HRT onset, HRT onset combined with HRT slope, male sex, NYHA class III, LV ejection fraction, and LV size were associated with a higher incidence of major arrhythmic events. On multivariate analysis, only LV ejection fraction remained as a significant arrhythmia risk predictor, with a relative risk of 2.2 per 10% decrease in ejection fraction (95% confidence interval 1.5-3.2). CONCLUSION: In this selected patient population with IDC, HRT onset is a significant predictor of transplant-free survival, as are LV size and NYHA class. For arrhythmia risk stratification, however, only LV ejection fraction remained a significant risk predictor on multivariate analysis.     

Prognostic value of ambulatory electrocardiography monitoring in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND: Performance of ambulatory electrocardiography (AECG) may provide data useful for counseling patients regarding prognosis and for selecting potential patients for defibrillator implantation, but this practice remains controversial. METHODS: We reviewed clinical and AECG data on 355 patients diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Predictors of survival were identified in a multivariable analysis using a Cox proportional hazard model. Ability of the derived model to predict outcomes was tested using a second cohort of 144 patients. RESULTS: Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) was present on AECG in 31% of the subjects. Ambulatory electrocardiography provided 3 independent predictors of mortality: NSVT (relative risk [RR], 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-2.51; P = .02), mean heart rate (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02-1.04; P = .0001), and heart rate range (RR, 0.990; 95% CI, 0.982-0.997; P = .008). Performance of the multivariable model was validated (area under the curve = 0.83) on a second cohort of patients. CONCLUSION: Ambulatory electrocardiography provides useful prognostic information in patients with DCM, identifying 3 independent predictors of mortality.     

Prognostic factors in dilated cardiomyopathy

Thirty-eight patients, 27 men and 11 women, mean age 49 +/- 12 yr, suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy were included in this prospective study of prognostic factors. Twenty-two subjects admitted heavy alcohol consumption (greater than 80 g/d, for at least 10 yr). The survival rates for 2, 5 and 7 yr were 87, 35 and less than 20%, respectively. Prognostic factors were evaluated in 34 (22 alcoholic and 12 non-alcoholic) patients: 10 improved or were cured, as determined clinically, radiologically and echocardiographically (group 1); 24 deteriorated, 13 of whom died (group 2). Statistically significant values for group 1 versus group 2 were: echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) end diastolic diameter (3.50 +/- 0.80 vs 4.02 +/- 0.5 cm/m2, p less than 0.026) and LV end systolic diameter (2.97 +/- 0.65 vs 3.43 +/- 0.53 cm/m2, p less than 0.02); hemodynamic LV systolic pressure (113.9 +/- 15 vs 101.82 +/- 17.36 mm Hg, p = 0.045); angiographic LV end diastolic volume (137.8 +/- 57.44 vs 177.85 +/- 55.45 ml/m2, p = 0.057), LV end systolic volume 93 +/- 53.5 s 139.28 +/- 48.99 ml/m2, p less than or equal to 0.036), ejection fraction 0.36 +/- 0.16 vs 0.22 +/- 0.7%, p less than or equal to 0.006) and velocity of fiber shortening (0.79 +/- 0.53 vs 0.36 +/- 0.3 circ/s, p = 0.036). Other electrical, radiological and hemodynamic parameters were not significant and alcohol consumption did not influence the prognosis. The severity of LV functional impairment appears to be the major determinant of a poor prognosis and reduced survival in idiopathic and alcoholic cardiomyopathies.     

Prognostic significance of the dobutamine echocardiography test in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Dobutamine stress echo provides potentially useful information on idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC). From February 1, 1997, to October 1, 1999, 186 patients (131 men and 55 women, mean age 56 ± 12 years) with IDC, ejection fraction <35%, and angiographically normal coronary arteries were studied by high-dose (up to 40 μ/kg/min) dobutamine echo in 6 centers, all quality controlled for stress echo reading. In all patients, wall motion score index (WMSI) (from 1 = normal to 4 = dyskinetic in a 16- segment model of the left ventricle) was evaluated by echo at baseline and peak dobutamine. One hundred eighty-four patients were followed up (mean 15 ± 13 months) and only cardiac death was considered as an end point. There were 29 cardiac deaths. Significant parameters for survival prediction at univariate analysis are: ΔWMSI (chi-square 20.1; p <0.0000), New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (chi-square 17.57; p <0.0000), rest ejection fraction (chi-square 10.41; P = 0.0013), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (chi-square 8.23; P = 0.0041), and hypertension (chi-square 8.08, P = 0.0045). In the multivariate stepwise analysis only ΔWMSI and NYHA were independent predictors of outcome (ΔWMSI = hazard ratio 0.02, p <0.0000; NYHA CLASS = hazard ratio 3.83, p <0.0000). Kaplan-Meier survival estimates showed a better outcome for patients with a large inotropic response (ΔWMSI ≥0.44, a cutoff identified by receiver-operating characteristic curves analysis) than for those with a small or no myocardial inotropic response to dobutamine (93.6% vs 69.4%, P = 0.00033). Thus, in patients with IDC, an extensive contractile reserve identified by high-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography is associated with a better survival.     

Prognostic implications of tissue Doppler in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Previous studies have shown that a ratio of early transmitral flow velocity to early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (E/E') of > 15, obtained by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), correlates with left ventricular filling pressure. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to assess whether E/E' provides prognostic information in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. METHODS: We studied 33 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and mean ejection fraction of 31%. All the patients underwent routine two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic examination and TDI to determine early peak velocity of the mitral annulus. Pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP) and peak oxygen consumption (VO2max) were also measured. Patients were divided into two groups according to the value of E/E': Group I (n = 15 patients) with E/E' > or = 15 and Group II (n = 18 patients) with E/E' < 15. Patients were followed for 12+/-4 months; new hospital admission due to heart failure, heart transplantation and death were considered as cardiac events. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the two groups in conventional two-dimensional echocardiographic measurements (dimensions and ejection fraction) and Doppler parameters (mitral inflow). With regard to mitral annular velocities obtained by TDI at two different points (septum and lateral wall), the E', A' and S' velocities differed significantly between the two groups, with lower velocities in Group I. Systolic velocity measured in the lateral portion of the mitral annulus showed the most significant difference: Group I - 4.46 cm/sec versus Group II - 7.19 cm/sec, p < 0.00001. Pro-BNP was 5622 pg/ml in Group I, and 1254 pg/ml in Group II, p = 0.004. VO2 max was significantly different between the two groups: Group I - 17.6 ml/kg/min versus Group II - 22.8 ml/kg/min, p = 0.004. During follow-up, events were more common in Group I, with 9 patients (60%) having events, while in Group II, the event rate was 11.1% (2 patients), p = 0.004. CONCLUSION: The ratio of early transmitral flow velocity to early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus is a powerful predictor of clinical outcome. Lower velocities of mitral annulus on TDI are expected in patients with E/E' > or = 15. Systolic velocities of under 5 cm/sec measured in the lateral portion of the mitral annulus appeared to be strongly related to prognosis.     

The prognostic significance of left ventricular response to isoproterenol infusion in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

To evaluate the prognostic value of the left ventricular response to isoproterenol infusion in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), 25 patients, 17 men and eight women, were studied. According to responses of left ventricular function to isoproterenol (0.02 microgram/kg/min), the patients were classified in two groups: the normal response group, in which fractional shortening increased by more than 10% (n = 10); and the low response group, in which fractional shortening increased by 10% or less (n = 15). A follow-up spanning four to 40 months with an average of 21 months disclosed that six patients died, two deteriorated, and six had no change in the low response group, while seven patients were improved, three stabilized, and no one deteriorated or died in the normal response group. There was a difference in the clinical courses of the two groups. Thus, the left ventricular response to isoproterenol proved useful in predicting the course of DCM.     

Prognostic value of left atrial appendage function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether parameters of left atrial appendage (LAA) function, assessed by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), could predict the clinical outcome in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Fifty-five patients (20 had ischemic cardiomyopathy; mean age, 56+/-14 years) who underwent TEE to evaluate LAA function from 1992 to 1996 were studied. After a mean follow-up period of 34+/-13 months, 16 patients died; the cause was cardiac in 14 and noncardiac in 2. Patients who died of cardiac cause had a lower LAA emptying velocity than survivors (38+/-18 vs 54+/-18 cm/s, p=0.01). There were, however, no significant differences between survivors and nonsurvivors with regard to the maximal LAA area (4.3+/-1.3 vs 4.5+/-0.9 cm2, p=0.55), minimal LAA area (2.4+/-1.1 vs 2.9+1.1 cm2, p=0.13), and LAA ejection fraction (46+/-16 vs 36+/-18%, p=0.05). On the Cox proportional hazards model analysis, LAA emptying velocity <50 cm/s (chi-square 5.9, p=0.02), LAA ejection fraction <43% (chi-square 5.6, p=0.02), female gender (chi-square 5.2, p=0.02), pulmonary artery wedge pressure > or =14 mmHg (chi-square 4.8, p=0.03), E/A ratio > or =1.3 (chi-square 4.6, p=0.03), deceleration time <148 ms (chi-square 4.6, p=0.03), and cardiothoracic ratio > or =54% (chi-square 4.3, p=0.04) were significantly related to cardiac death. The stepwise multivariate analysis revealed that LAA emptying velocity (chi-square 6.1, p=0.01) and gender (chi-square 5.4, p=0.02) were the independent predictors for outcome. In conclusion, the parameters of LAA function may be useful predictors of the clinical outcome in patients with DCM.     

Prognostic value of low-dose dobutamine echocardiography in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Dobutamine echocardiography is widely used for the evaluation of myocardial contractile reserve. The purpose of the study was to determine the prognostic value of low-dose dobutamine echocardiography in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM). PATIENTS: The study group consisted of 77 consecutive patients with recently diagnosed IDCM (mean [+/- SD] age, 49 +/- 9 years; men, 82%) and left ventricular (LV) ejection fractions of < 40%. INTERVENTIONS: Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic variables were measured before and after the infusion of dobutamine at the rate of 10 microg/kg/min for 5 min. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: During a mean follow-up period of 63 +/- 7 months (range, 49 to 75 months) 30 patients (39%) died and five patients (6%) underwent successful heart transplantations. Using multivariate regression analysis, the only significant factors related to fatal outcome or the need for cardiac transplantation were the following: (1) LV end-systolic volume of > 150 mL after low-dose dobutamine infusion (odds ratio [OR], 2.2; confidence interval [CI], 1.2 to 4.1; p = 0.011); (2) no decrease of LV end-diastolic volume after dobutamine infusion (OR, 1.9; CI, 1.1 to 3.4; p = 0.031); (3) atrial fibrillation (OR, 2.7; CI, 1.4 to 5.3; p = 0.003); and (4) male gender (OR, 2.6; CI, 1.2 to 5.5; p = 0.017). A scoring system was proposed with one point assigned for each of the above-mentioned factors. The mortality rates for total scores of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 0%, 19%, 48%, 83%, and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The response of the LV to low-dose dobutamine infusion adds clinically valuable prognostic information to the evaluation of the patient with IDCM.     

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). Echocardiographic and Doppler indexes were recorded in patients with LV systolic dysfunction due to dilated cardiomyopathy who were followed up for 22 plus minus 14 months. In patients >70 years, indexed LA size (>26 mm/m(2)) was the single best predictor of death (hazard ratio [HR] 3.0, p = 0.018) and emerged as the most important outcome variable of the combined end point (HR 2.2, p = 0.016) on multivariate analysis. In patients < or =70 years, RMFP, characterized by an early wave deceleration time <140 ms, was independently associated with cardiac death or heart failure hospitalization (HR 5.7, p = 0.0013). When demographics, clinical, echocardiographic, and Doppler measurements were analyzed in hierarchical order, indexed LA size yielded the most valuable contribution in predicting the combined end point in older patients (global chi-square from 11.5 to 18.7). RMFP was associated with the higher additional prognostic value in younger patients (global chi-square from 14.4 to 24.1). These data suggest that LA enlargement has an independent and additional prognostic value in elderly patients with LV dysfunction.     

Prognostic indexes in primary dilated cardiomyopathy

The purpose of this study was to investigate, if besides the hypocontractility, which is the main finding in Primary Cardiomyopathy (PDC) there was some other mechanism in the development of heart failure and if this fact could influence in it's prognosis. We studied 13 patients with PDC in the hemodynamic cardiac laboratory from January 1982 to January 1988, these with systemic arterial hypertension. Coronary heart disease, myocarditis, primary valvular lesion, infiltrative disease, nephropathy, congenital heart disease, diabetes and alcoholism, were excluded. The control group was formed by 12 healthy subjects, which were studied for another purpose. We analyzed nine variables, including ejection fraction, peripheral vascular resistance, systolic and diastolic circumferential stress, left ventricular mass, left ventricular end diastolic and systolic volumes as well as force-velocity and force-fiber length relationship. The patients were followed up from 8 to 60 months (average 39 months). The cases with PDC were divided in two groups, "compensated" and "decompensated". The last ones with low ejection fraction and significantly increases systolic stress. We investigated which was the mechanism of compensation and decompensation through the force-velocity and force-fiber length relation. We found that compensation is associated with great increase of the after-load forces, the more end systolic volume at the end of the systole is not only controlled by the "force", but the decompensation is developed when the hypocontractility is added to the incompetence to compensate the after load. We found that the three deaths in this study had these hemodynamic characteristics, being the cause of death: the presence of heart failure in two patients and ventricular fibrillation in one.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Relation of pulse pressure to blood pressure response to exercise in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Almost one third of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) will have an abnormal blood pressure response (ABPR) to exercise, and this has been associated with a greater risk of sudden cardiac death. In the present study, we examined the association between the steady (mean arterial pressure) and pulsatile (pulse pressure) blood pressure components as they relate to ABPR in patients with HC (n = 70). All patients completed a standard Bruce protocol during symptom-limited stress testing with concurrent hemodynamic measurements. Pulse pressure (PP) was significantly greater in patients with HC with an ABPR (n = 19) than in the patients with HC without an ABPR to exercise (p <0.05). According to binary logistic regression analysis, PP at rest was a significant predictor of ABPR in patients with HC (p <0.05). Mean arterial pressure was not significantly different between the 2 groups, nor was it a predictor of an ABPR in the presence of HC. Those within the greatest tertile of PP at rest were 4.8 times more likely to have an ABPR than those within the lowest PP tertile (95% confidence interval 1.24 to 18.2, p <0.05). In conclusion, elevations in PP at rest might identify patients with HC at a greater risk of having an ABPR during exercise.