Cor Vasa 2002, 43(4):192-196
Single-dimensional color transmitral flow mapping (color M-mode): a useful method for left ventricular diastolic function assessment
- II. interní klinika Všeobecné fakultní nemocnice a 1. lékařské fakulty Univerzity Karlovy, Praha, Česká republika
Echocardiography is considered to be the method of choice for the assessment of left ventricular diastolic function. However, differentiation of pseudonormal filling pattern, characteristic for advanced forms of diastolic dysfunction with elevated filling pressures, remains to be a problem. Analysis of left ventricular filling using color M-mode is a new echocardiographic method providing useful complementary data in the study of diastolic function. Flow velocity propagation measured by color M-mode is determined mainly by ventricular relaxation and seems to be relatively insensitive to preload. Combined with pulsed-wave Doppler analysis, color M-mode can be used for the differentiation between normal and pseudonormal filling patterns and estimation of left ventricular fillling pressures. Another possible application of color M-mode is the differential diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis and restrictive cardiomyopathy. Diastolic function evaluation using color M-mode is relatively easy and should be performed in all cases suspected of the advanced form of impaired left ventricular filling.
Keywords: Diastolic function; Echocardiography; Color M-mode
Published: April 1, 2002 Show citation