Evaluation of the left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in the intensive care unit

Abstract

Analyzing the diastolic function of patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit is not futile. The diastolic dysfunction has been recognized as risk factor of weaning failure and mortality in septic shock patients. In the cardiology setting, the diastolic dysfunction is responsible for more than 50% of the congestive heart failures episodes. Echocardiography is the best device to investigate the diastole because it allows analyzing both relaxation and compliance of the left ventricle. Several parameters should be recorded (mitral flow, pulmonary venous flow, tissular Doppler, propagation velocity, ventricular mass, and left atrial volume) to correctly interpret and diagnose the quality of the diastole. Limits of each parameter should also be known.