RESUMO
M-mode and pulsed Doppler echocardiography was used to evaluate the changes in structure and function of the left ventricle in 30 patients with chronic renal failure (CRF).The left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and systolic function were unchanged in the early stage of the CRF cases as compared with those of the controls (n = 30). However, the decrement in VE (early peak filling velocity) and the increase in VA/VE (late to early peak velocity ratio) indicated damage of the diastolic function. After 13 months follow-up, the LVMI of the CRF group elavated significantly and the VE diminished further.The ejection fraction (EF), shortening fraction (FS) and circumferencial muscular shortening velocity (mVcf) were decreased as compared with those before the follow up. 47.7% of the patients showed left ventricular heart failure.