N-terminal proatrial natriuretic peptide correlates with systolic dysfunction and left ventricular filling pattern in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the diastolic Doppler filling pattern in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and its relation to N-terminal pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-ANP).


METHODS
32 patients (26 male, six female) with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy were investigated. All were in sinus rhythm. Conventional M mode echocardiography and Doppler echocardiography was done in each patient. Pulsed wave Doppler inflow signals were obtained and the following variables were measured: maximum E wave, maximum A wave, E/A ratio, E wave deceleration time, A wave deceleration time. NT-pro-ANP was measured using radioimmunoassay.


RESULTS
Mean (SD) left ventricular ejection fraction was 34 (7)% and mean left ventricular end diastolic diameter on M mode echocardiography was 69 (7) mm. Left ventricular filling indices were as follows: maximum E wave velocity, 0.86 (0.22) m/s; maximum A wave velocity, 0.71 (0.24) m/s; E/A ratio, 1.41 (0.65). Mean E wave deceleration time was 140 (50) ms; mean A wave deceleration time was 100 (20) ms. In a stepwise forward regression model, NT-pro-ANP correlated significantly with left atrial diameter (r = 0.603; p < 0. 001), left ventricular ejection fraction (r = -0.758; p < 0.001), and Doppler derived E/A ratio (r = 0.740; p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy there is a relation between NT-pro-ANP and both systolic and diastolic variables. In a multivariate model NT-pro-ANP correlated with left atrial diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction, and Doppler derived E/A ratio on transmitral inflow.
Fruhwald
F M
FM
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Karl-Franzens University, Auenbruggerplatz 15, A-8036 Graz, Austria. friedrich.fruhwald@kfunigraz.ac.at
Fahrleitner
A
A
Watzinger
N
N
Dobnig
H
H
Schumacher
M
M
Maier
R
R
Zweiker
R
R
Leb
G
G
Klein
W
W
D000368:Aged; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor / Q000097:blood*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002311:Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D018619:Echocardiography, Doppler, Pulsed; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000097:blood*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013318:Stroke Volume; D013599:Systole; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
D015415:Biomarkers; C099254:N-terminal proatrial natriuretic peptide; D011498:Protein Precursors; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor