COLOUR DOPPLER IMAGING OF LV INFLOW IN NORMAL VERSUS LV DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION AND ITS CORRELATION WITH FINDINGS DERIVED FROM PULSE DOPPLER ESTIMATION AND LV SYSTOLIC FUNCTION

Abstract

Aim and Background: The present study concentrates on colour flow pattern over the left ventricular (LV) inflow from the annulus to the apex and the angle that it makes towards the lateral wall of the LV, which was measured, analyzed and compared amongst various degrees of diastolic dysfunction. Most operators avail just to eyeballing colour flow pattern across the AV valve. The angles that the flow stream makes with the central direction of flow vary with different degrees of LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD).

Materials and Methods: A Prospective Observational Study comprising of 100 patients consulting at department of Cardiology in a medical college in South India., further these patients were divided into 5 groups of normal and various degrees of LVDD (Group 1: Normal; Group 2: Grade 1; Group 3: Grade 2; Group 4: Grade 3; Group 5: Grade 4); each group having 20 patients each.

Results: Examination of LV colour flow propagation angle values, as expected, revealed maximum values noted in both LVDD patient group 4 and group 5 when compared to patients with normal LV diastolic function(P < 0.001).Conclusion: In the present study we conclude that routine observation of color doppler filling pattern by M Mode might add useful information in certain grey areas of decision making as in for surgery and other interventions. Wider the deviation of color flow pattern more the seriousness of ventricular dysfunction.