ABNORMALITIES IN TRANSMITRAL FLOW INDEXES IN PATIENTS WITH ACQUIRED-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-SYNDROME - A DOPPLER-ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC STUDY

Transmitral flow velocity was measured by Doppler echocardiography in 17 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and a contr ol group. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) in decelera tion half-time, deceleration rate, A wave velocity and A/E ratio betwe en normal subjects and control patients were noted. There was no signi ficant difference in E wave velocity acceleration half-time and ejecti on fraction between normal subjects and patients. We conclude that abn ormalities in transmitral flow indices consistent with abnormal diasto lic patterns of relaxation occur in patients with AIDS. Treatment of c ongestive heart failure in AIDS patients requires attention to the eva luation of left ventricular diastolic patterns at relaxation, and left ventricular diastolic function should be considered in the evaluation of cardiac function.