Aim: To evaluate if left ventricular (LV) systolic function by tissue DopplerEchocardiography (TDE) at rest and exercise preoperatively, could predict postoperative LV function and thereby be useful in timing of aortic valve surgery in patients with severe aortic regurgitation (AR).
Methods:In 29 patients (median 59 years, interquartile 39-64) echocardiography, TDE and radionuclide ventriculography were performed pre-and postoperatively, at rest and during supine bicycle exercise.Results: Preoperative EF (ejection fraction) was 62%. Patients formed two groups with basal LV peak systolic velocity (PSV) 5.9 cm/s preoperatively as the cut-off value (Low and High PSV). Preoperatively, Low PSV had lower PSV exercise , EF exercise , atrioventricular plane displacement (AVPD) at rest and upon exercise than High PSV (p<0. 005, p<0.05, p<0.005 and p<0.05). Postoperatively, Low PSV had smaller AVPD rest , AVPD exercise and PSV exercise (p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.01).
Conclusion:In chronic AR patients with EF and LV dimensions not fulfilling criteria for surgery according to guidelines, preoperative PSV and AVPD at rest and upon exercise detected postoperative LV dysfunction.