Using pulmonary vein diameters for prescribing diuretic therapy and estimating its effectiveness in heart failure...

Background: Determining the optimal prescribing and stopping points for diuretic therapy remains a challenge in outpatients who have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The aim was to study pulmonary vein diameters for prescribing diuretic therapy and estimating its effectiveness in outpatients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Materials & methods: Patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction were examined before and after 6 months of standard heart failure therapy, including loop diuretics. The maximum and minimum diameters of pulmonary veins were estimated by echocardiography. Results: A decrease in the maximum and minimum diameters of the pulmonary vein and the left atrial volume was detected after treatment. Increases in pulmonary vein diameters and left atrial volumes in the absence of symptoms and signs of heart failure were detected after withdrawing diuretic therapy; this caused its resumption in a maintenance dose. Conclusion: Pulmonary vein diameters can be used for prescribing diuretic therapy and estimating its effectiveness in outpatients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.