MYOCARDIAL ATROPHY IN ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME-ASSOCIATED WASTING

This study evaluated the effects of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome wasting syndrome (AWS) on the heart in a population free of overt opp ortunistic infection or clinical evidence of cardiac disease. Data fro m 53 patients with AWS and 16 healthy age-matched controls were studie d. By echocardiography, a significant reduction in left ventricular ma ss was found in patients with AWS that remained significantly reduced when corrected for body surface area. Mean ejection fraction was withi n the normal range in patients with AWS but was significantly less tha n in controls. End-systolic volume index was slightly elevated in pati ents with AWS. Although no difference in end-systolic wall stress was seen, the end-systolic wall stress-shortening relation differed signif icantly. These findings are consistent with myocardial atrophy and sub tle left ventricular dysfunction in patients with AWS.