Doppler-derived left ventricular negative dP/dt as a predictor of atrial fibrillation or ischemic stroke in patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation and normal ejection fraction.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Doppler-derived left ventricular (LV) -dP/dt in predicting atrial fibrillation (AF) or ischemic stroke in patients with moderate to severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR).

Methods: Doppler-derived LV -dP/dt was determined from the continuous-wave Doppler spectrum of the MR jet (-dP/dt = 32/time between 3 and 1 m/sec) in 80 patients (mean age 59 ± 16 years, 41% men) with moderate to severe degenerative MR, normal LV ejection fraction (LVEF ≥ 60%), and sinus rhythm at diagnosis. Events were defined as new AF or ischemic stroke.

Results: During a mean follow-up of 18 ± 13 months, there were 9 events (6 new AF, 3 ischemic strokes). Univariate analysis showed that older age, decreased LV -dP/dt, increased LV mass index, and left atrial volume index (LAVI), shortened deceleration time (DT), reduced A' velocity, and elevated E/E' ratio, prolongation of pulmonary venous (PV) atrial reversal (AR) flow duration relative to mitral inflow A-wave duration (AR-Adur) were associated with events. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, Doppler-derived LV -dP/dt (for each 100 mmHg/sec increase, hazard ratio: 0.165, 95% confidence interval: 0.036-0.761, P = 0.021) and E/E' (hazard ratio: 0.820, 95% confidence interval: 0.682-0.987, P = 0.036) were significant independent predictors of AF or ischemic stroke.

Conclusions: Doppler-derived LV -dP/dt is independently associated with the occurrence of AF or ischemic stroke in patients with moderate to severe degenerative MR and provides additional prognostic information.