Subclinical diastolic functional abnormalities in rheumatoid arthritis : evaluation with echo doppler

Abstract EN

Aim of the study: To evaluate left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients through analyzing transmitral flow (TV) and pulmonary venous flow (PVF) with special regard to age, disease duration and activity.

Materials & Methods: Thirty RA patients diagnosed according to ACR criteria without evidence of cardiac disease were compared with 10 -matched control subjects.

Both groups were subjected to M-mode and Doppler echocardiography to assess TF and PVF.

Results: In RA patients, there was a reduced E/A ratio (mean+SD) 1.1+0.30.

Vs.

controls 1.4+0.35 (p<0.05).

Also, there was an increased S/D ratio 1.4 +/- 0.4 V.

controls 1.2+0.3 (p<0.05).

A relation was found between E/A ratio and disease duration in RA patients.

Conclusion: Our results confirmed that there are diastolic abnormalities in RA patients.

They also pointed out that these abnormalities affect echo-Doppler parameters of left ventricular filling and PVF in the form of impaired E/A and S/D ratios.

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