ABSTRACT
To evaluate left ventricular [LV] diastolic function in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy [HCM], we studied pulsed Doppler parameters, isovolumic relaxation time index [IVRT interval from minimum LV dimension to mitral valve opening] and LV end-diastolic volume and mass [using the area-length method and apical 4-chamber 2D-echocardiography]. Doppler indices included: E/A ratio, deceleration [Dec] and peak filling rate [PFR]. Measurements [mean +/- SE] were obtained in 16 patients with HCM, age 47 +/- 3y, and 8 normal subjects [46 +/- 3y, p NS] at rest and after a rapid IV infusion of IL saline. IVRT [msec] was significantly longer in HCM 58 = 6 compared to normal 40 +/- 6, P. However, resting Doppler measurements were not significantly different in HCM and normal groups, respectively E/A 0.9 +/- 0.07 vs 1.2 +/- 0.16 Dec 284 +/- 31 vs 330 +/- 50 cm/sec2, PER 449 +/- 72 vs 366 +/- 46 ml/sec. We divided the patients into 2 groups: HCM-A, n = 6, type III [Maron et al. classification] hypertrophy involving 2 segments of LV by 2D-echocardiography; HCM-B, n = 10, types I, II or apical hypertrophy involving