[An echocardiographic study of left ventricular diastolic function in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2]

To evaluate left ventricular diastolic function by Doppler echocardiography in patients with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus, without coronary artery disease.

Previous studies suggest that the velocity curve obtained by Doppler echocardiography of the mitral inflow may reflect the filling pattern of the left ventricle.

To evaluate the presence of diastolic impairment of the left ventricle in diabetic patients without evidence of coronary artery disease, 30 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and 20 normal control subjects underwent M-mode, two-dimensional (2-D) and Doppler echocardiography. In the group of diabetic patients (Diabetics), the peak E wave velocity was 0.70 +/- 0.11 m/sec, while in the control group (Controls) it was 1.1 +/- 0.23 m/sec (mean values, +SD, p < 0.001). The peak A wave velocity was 0.89 +/- 0.17 in Diabetics, versus 0.60 +/- 0.34 in Controls. Consequently, E/A ratio was 0.81 +/- 0.18 in Diabetics, versus 1.73 +/- 0.29 in Controls (p < 0.001). Isovolumic relaxation time was 0.08 +/- 0.021 sec in Diabetics, while in Controls it was 0.04 +/- 0.02 sec (p < 0.001). Left atrium diameter was 41 +/- 11 mm in Diabetics, and 37 +/- 4 mm in Controls (p = NS). Left ventricular volumes, ejection fraction, interventricular septal and posterior wall thickness were similar in both groups. No correlation was found between diabetes duration and diastolic function indexes. In Diabetics no correlation was found between age and E/A ratio (correlation coefficient +/- 0.11) while in Controls E/A ratio was lower in the older subjects (r = +/- 0.75). This ratio was 1.89 +/- 0.20 in Controls aged < 65 years, and 1.6 +/- 0.33 in Controls aged > or = 65 years. (p = 0.06). These data suggest that 1) E/A ratio and isovolumic relaxation time are significantly altered in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients without coronary artery disease; 2) Doppler echocardiography is a useful technique to detect left ventricular diastolic impairment; 3) diastolic impairment seems not to correlate with disease duration; 4) systolic function is normal in our group of type 2 diabetic patients.