Doppler-derived mitral deceleration time of early filling as a strong predictor of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in postinfarction patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the correlations between Doppler-derived transmitral flow velocity variables and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in patients with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Background Abnormal relaxation and increased chamber stiffness have opposing effects on the left ventricular filling pattern. When both abnormalities are present at the same time, as often occurs in patients with systolic dysfunction, the ability of Doppler recording to assess diastolic function and predict left ventricular filling pressure may be significantly compromised. Method Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and Doppler transmitral flow velocity profile were simultaneously recorded in 140 postinfarction patients with ejection fraction < or = 35%. Results Correlation between the ratio of mitral peak flow velocity in early diastole to peak flow velocity in late diastole (E/A ratio) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure was weak (r = 0.65). Although the specificity of E/A > or = 2 in predicting > or = 20 mm Hg in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure was high (99%), its sensitivity was low (43%). Conversely, a very close negative correlation was found between mitral deceleration time of early filling and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (r = -0.90). Sensitivity and specificity of < or = 120 ms in deceleration time in predicting > or = 20 mm Hg in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure were 100% and 99%, respectively. Conclusions Doppler-derived mitral deceleration time of early filling provides a simple and accurate means of estimating pulmonary capillary wedge pressure that is particularly useful in patients with a normal or normalized mitral flow velocity pattern.