Satoshi Nakatani, MD; Toshio Imanishi, MD; Izuru Nakasone, BS; Kenji Sunagawa, MD; Kunio Miyatake, MD
Abstract
Although left ventricular dP/dtmax can be accurately assessed using Doppler echocardiography, the fact that Doppler-derived dP/dtmax depends both on preload and Doppler incident angle limits its clinical value. We investigated the clinical usefulness of Doppler-derived (dP/dtmax)/IP (IP, isovolumic pressure), which is known to be relatively insensitive to preload and theoretically independent of the incident angle in 9 subjects. We conclude that Doppler-derived (dP/dtmax)/IP is relatively insensitive to both the incident angle and preload. In addition to its noninvasiveness, these unique features makes it very attractive as a clinical index of ventricular contractility.
(Jpn Circ J 1998; 62: 469-471)
Key Words: Ultrasound; dP/dt; Mitral regurgitation
Mailing address: Satoshi Nakatani, MD, The Cardiology Division of Medicine, National Cardiovascular Center, 5-7-1 Fujishiro-dai, Suita, Osaka 565, Japan