Echocardiographic variables related to mitral insufficiency in dilated cardiomyopathy

To evaluate the prevalence of mitral regurgitation (MR) in dilated cardiomyopathy (DC) and its relationship with left ventricular (LV) size and function. Forty-five patients, age ranged 2 to 84 (mean = 50 +/- 16) years, 32 male, with DC submitted to dopplerechocardiogram between October 1991 and December 1992 were studied. Among 45 patients with DC, MR was found in 26 (58%). The systolic diameter (LVSD) and diastolic diameter (LVDD) of LV were significantly higher in patients with MR (60.7 x 51.5, p < 0.001 e 70.2 x 65.4, p < 0.02), respectively, and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was significantly smaller in patients with MR (29.6 x 42.0, p < 0.001), when compared to the patients without MR. The majority of the patients with DC were found to have MR. The LV size and contractile function showed a direct correlation with the MR prevalence. The echocardiographic findings LVEF > or = or < 40%, LVSD > or = or < 50mm and LVDD > or = or < 65mm can identify group of patients with high (+/- 75%) or low (< 25%) MR prevalence.