Right ventricular diastolic function in patients with isolated aortic stenosis

Left ventricular diastolic function (LVDF) in patients (pts) with aortic stenosis (AS) has been adequately studied contrary to right ventricular diastolic function (RVDF). In this study we evaluated RVDF in 20 AS-pts and 20 volunteers. Based on transtricuspid and transpulmonary Doppler flow velocities we calculated the RV-diastolic indexes, as follows (pts over controls): transtricuspid E/A ratio was lower (0.88+/-0.20 vs. 1.25+/-0.33, p<0.001), E wave-deceleration time was longer (184+/-3msecs vs. 127+/-3msecs, p<0.001), atrial filling fraction (AFF) was augmented (43.1+/-7.7% vs. 33.6+/-7.6%, p<0.001) and isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) was prolonged (116+/-73msecs vs. 31+/-15msecs, p<0.001). RVDF in AS is impaired, reflecting abnormal relaxation. RV-free wall hypertrophy and ventricular interdependence are the probable underlying mechanisms.