Evaluation of left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions in patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, systolic and diastolic function parameters were measured with conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography in patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP), and compared to those of a control group.

Study design: Sixty patients (49 males; mean age 52.4+/-12.1yrs) in whom CSFP was detected during coronary angiography study, and 30 volunteers with normal coronary arteries (21 males; mean age 50.2+/-12.1 yrs) were included in this study. CSFP was determined using the TIMI frame count (TFC) method. TIMI frame count was calculated for each coronary artery using the TFC method. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions were assessed by conventional echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging. Correlation between TFC, and diastolic function parameters was investigated.

Results: Baseline demographic and laboratory results did not differ significantly between the groups. TIMI frame counts were greater in the CSFP group compared to controls (p<0.001). Left ventricular ejection fraction (65.93+/-8.06vs 66.63+/-5.96%), E/A ratio (1.11+/-0.36 vs 1.22+/-0.33), and isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) (85+/-17 cm/s vs 84+/-13 cm/s) measured with conventional echocardiography showed no significant difference between the two groups. Em (7.0+/-2.1 cm/s vs 7.4+/-1.7 cm/s), Am (7.4+/-2.0 cm/s vs 7.0+/-1.4 cm/s) and E/Em (10+/-3 vs 10+/-1) measured with tissue Doppler echocardiography showed no significant difference between the two groups. Corrected TIMI frame count for the left descending coronary artery (cLAD) and mean TFC were not correlated with the E/A ratio, deceleration time (DT), IVRT or E/Em ratio.

Conclusion: Left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions were preserved in CSFP.