Feasibility, repeatability, and reproducibility of contemporary diastolic parameters and classification

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Echocardiography
• Diastolic Function

Background:

• Diastolic dysfunction is a key indicator of heart health.
• Accurate echocardiographic assessment is crucial for diagnosis and management.
• Evolving guidelines necessitate evaluation of their clinical utility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility, acquisition time, and reproducibility of echocardiographic parameters for diastolic function.
• To compare the 2009 and 2016 diastolic function classification algorithms.
• To evaluate intra- and inter-observer variability in diastolic function assessment.

Main Methods:

• 356 patients undergoing cardiac surgery were evaluated.
• A subgroup of 50 patients underwent repeated echocardiograms.
• Diastolic parameters were analyzed using 2009 and 2016 guidelines.

Main Results:

• Feasibility of diastolic parameters ranged from 93-99%, with maximal tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TR Vmax) at 65%.
• Acquisition and analysis times were similar for both guidelines (approx. 6 minutes).
• Reproducibility was moderate (r=0.62-0.87), with the 2016 algorithm showing fewer indeterminate classifications.

Conclusions:

• Diastolic parameters are feasible and reproducible, with TR Vmax being an exception.
• The 2016 algorithm provides a more restrictive classification of diastolic dysfunction.
• Echocardiographic assessment of diastolic function is reliable for clinical practice.