Dynamic changes in echocardiographic parameters in acute decompensated heart failure: REALITY-ECHO

Appropriate evaluation of hemodynamic status is vital in the management of acute heart failure (AHF). We aimed to investigate the changes in echocardiographic parameters during very acute phases of AHF and their association with clinical outcomes.

Patients who were admitted to four Japanese hospitals with AHF were prospectively enrolled. Comprehensive echocardiography and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were assessed both on admission and the second day.

A total of 271 patients (80 ± 12 years old, 52 % male) was included. Overall, transmitral E velocity, E/A, tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient (TRPG), and inferior vena cava diameter significantly decreased, and stroke volume and left ventricular ejection fraction showed a significant increase by the second day, whereas E/e' did not change. On the second day, BNP increased in 50 patients (18 %). Despite similar baseline characteristics, patients with increased BNP showed a significantly smaller improvement in transmitral flow parameters (E and A velocity, E/A, and flow patterns) and a smaller decrease in TRPG compared with patients with decreased BNP. Other echocardiographic parameter changes were not different between the groups. A combination of improvement in transmitral flow and TRPG was significantly associated with 90-day and 1-year composite events of all-cause death and heart failure hospitalization after adjustment by the Get With the Guidelines-Heart Failure risk score.

Echocardiographic parameters show a dynamic change in the very acute phase of AHF. Several parameters, such as the transmitral flow and TRPG might be useful in monitoring favorable hemodynamic change.