Left ventricular dysfunction in patients with interstitial lung diseases referred for lung transplantation

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in patients with advanced interstitial lung disease (ILD) and the relationship between LV function and factors limiting physical activity. In 2005-2006, 40 patients with end stage ILD were admitted with qualifications for lung transplantation (LT). From this group, 18 patients (7 women, 11 men) were referred for LT (active list), 22 patients (8 women, 14 men), who did not meet the ATS/ERS criteria for LT were excluded from this procedure (waiting list). All patients had echocardiography, spirometry, 6-min walking test (6MW), and gas exchange measurements. The following main echocariographic data that describe the LV function and morphology were taken into account: LVs, LVd, LVPWd, LVPWs, Ao, LA, ESV, EDV, and EF. We noted significant differences in LVPWd (P=0.01), ESV (P=0.01), and EDV (P=0.02), which presented lower values in patients on the active list compared with those on the waiting list. A positive correlation was found between 6MW and LVs (r=0.41), LA (r=0.45), ESV (r=0.62), and EDV (r=0.68). Correlations between spirometric, gas exchange, and left ventricle echocardiographic data were also observed. We conclude that patients on active list for lung transplantation present a decrease in the diameter and volume of the left ventricle. The latter change may influence the functional ability of interstitial lung disease patients.