[Postoperative changes in left ventricular systolic function in patients with aortic valve stenosis]

Left ventricular systolic function in aortic stenosis remains intact for long period due to myocardial hypertrophy. Aim of this study was postoperative follow-up of the left ventricular systolic function both in patients with preserved and with decreased systolic performance. The study comprised 78 patients with severe and moderate aortic valve stenosis, out of whom 42 patients underwent surgery. In the majority of patients (88.1%) systolic function was improved, both in patients with preoperatively preserved systolic performance, and those who were with decreased systolic performance before the surgery. Systolic function was not improved in only 4.8%, while 3 (7.1%) patients died. Systolic function was improved mainly in the patients in whom systolic function disturbance was caused by the increase of afterload, and less frequently in patients with the decrease in myocardial contractility.