Can the amplitude of mitral annulus motion be used in the assessment of left ventricular systolic function in patients with left ventricular wall thickness in the upper limit of normal to mild hypertrophy?
BACKGROUND
Mitral annulus motion (MAM) obtained by echocardiography can be used in the assessment of left ventricular systolic function (LVSF). However, it has been shown that the amplitude of MAM is decreased in patients with left ventricular wall thickness (LVWT) greater than 14 mm.


OBJECTIVE
To study if the amplitude of MAM can be used in the assessment of LVSF in patients with LVWT in the upper limit of normal to mild hypertrophy (12 mm to 14 mm).


METHODS
Eighteen consecutive patients with LVWT of 12 mm to 14 mm were compared to 18 age- and sex-matched patients with LVWT less than 12 mm.


RESULTS
There was no significant difference between the amplitude of MAM in the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
MAM can be used in the assessment of LVSF in patients with LVWT in the upper limit of normal to mild hypertrophy and be related to reference values.
Emilsson
Kent
K
Department of Clinical Physiology, Karlskoga Hospital, Sweden.