Potentials and limitations of color M-mode and tissue Doppler indexes in identifying pseudonormal mitral filling pattern in patients with acute symptoms of heart failure and preserved left ventricular systolic function

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of flow propagation velocity by color M-mode (Vp) and peak early diastolic mitral annulus velocity by tissue Doppler (Ea) in identifying pseudonormal mitral filling in 25 patients with acute symptoms of heart failure and preserved left ventricular systolic function compared with 25 gender- and age-matched healthy subjects. Although normal velocities for both Vp and Ea were found in 40% of patients, E/Vp and E/Ea ratios were able to differentiate pseudonormal from normal filling irrespective of values for Vp and Ea. (C) 2004 by Excerpto Medica, Inc.