RESUMO
This work was performed to assess left ventricular [LV] diastolic and systolic performance in 50 psoriatic patients diagnosed clinically and with skin biopsy, as well, as 20 healthy individuals by using electrocardiographic and Doppler-Echocardiographic techniques. All the studied psoriatic subgroups showed subclinical alteration of LV performance both systolic performance in the form of prolonged QTc., reduction of LVEF [Ejection fraction] and% FS and the diastolic performance in the form of significant reduction of M-mode mitral-EF slope: and non-significant decrease in E peak velocity: significant increase in A peak velocity as well as significant decrease of E/A ratio of the transmitral Doppler flow study. The duration of psoriasis has more deleterious effect on the parameters reflecting LV systolic performance while the severity and extent of psoriatic lesion alter more the parameters of LV diastolic performance. The presence or absence of psoriatic arthritis or nail pitting does not affect the changes observed in LV performance. For the first time; pericardial effusion and tricuspid valve prolapse to be observed in psoriatic patients [4% and 6% respectively]. In conclusion cardiac examination is advised in psoriatic patients