DOPPLER ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF LEFT-VENTRICULAR DIASTOLIC FUNCTION IN ADOLESCENTS WITH DIABETES-MELLITUS

Doppler echocardiograms of the mitral valve were recorded along with electrocardiograms and respirations from 20 diabetics and 16 normal subjects, all aged 10 to 15 years. E and A areas (the components of the total velocity-time integral in the early passive period of ventricular filling [E] and the late active period of atrial emptying [A], respectively), the peak E and A velocities (cm/s) and the 1 3 area fraction (or the proportion of filling in the first 1 3 of diastole) were measured. Each of the following was significantly greater for the normal subjects versus diabetic patients: peak E (96 ± 14 vs 81 ± 14 cm/s, p < 0.005), E/total area (0.74 ± 0.04 vs 0.69 ± 0.06, p < 0.005) and peak E A velocity ratio (2.38 ± 0.55 vs 1.92 ± 0.55, p < 0.05). The mean heart rates and ages were not significantly different for the 2 groups. The remaining parameters (peak A velocity, A/total area, E A area, and 1 3 area fraction) were also not significantly different for the 2 groups. This study is the first to demonstrate diastolic dysfunction in pediatric patients with diabetes and may indicate abnormalities of ventricular relaxation or compliance in diabetes mellitus. © 1990.