The Tei index identifies a differential effect on left and right ventricular function with low-dose anthracycline chemotherapy.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to study the relative effect on left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) function of low-dose anthracycline-containing chemotherapy regimes.


METHODS
A total of 23 patients (mean age 48 +/- 20 years) underwent echocardiographic examinations before any anthracycline had been administered and then after low-dose anthracycline (doxorubicin 50-125 mg/m2). The Tei index was used to compare the relative effects on RV and LV function.


RESULTS
Anthracycline administration was significantly associated with an increase in the LV Tei index (0.38 +/- 0.12 vs 0.46 +/- 0.16, P = .02). There was no significant change in the RV Tei index (0.19 +/- 0.10 vs 0.20 +/- 0.10, P = .72). Comparing the relative effect on global LV and RV function the change in LV Tei was significantly greater than the change in RV Tei (0.07 +/- 0.13 vs 0.01 +/- 0.09, P = .044).


CONCLUSIONS
Low-dose anthracycline administration has a significant negative impact on LV function but does not affect RV function.
Belham
Mark
M
Department of Cardiology, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Cornwall, United Kingdom. markbelham@zoom.co.uk
Kruger
Anton
A
Pritchard
Colin
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018943:Anthracyclines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013318:Stroke Volume; D014463:Ultrasonography; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D018497:Ventricular Dysfunction, Right / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
D018943:Anthracyclines; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents