| Abstract: | Systolic Time Intervals (STI) were recorded in 45 patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCMY) to evaluate left ventricular function. Shortening of LVETI was seen in 37 (82%), prolongation of PEPI in 42 (93%), and increase in PEP/LVET ratio in 43 (95%) patients of DCMY. Global left ventricular dysfunction could be identified in all the patients (100%) with the combination of PEPI and PEP/LVET ratio. On follow up evaluation of 14 patients, change in STI status was seen to correlate with clinical status of the patients. STI as a non-invasive indicator of left ventricular function are useful in diagnosis and follow up of patients with DCMY. |
