Behçet s Disease and Left Ventricular Diastolic Function Abnormalities

Purpose: This study aimed to assess left ventricular (LV) diastolic function with conventional doppler echocardiography (DE) and tissue doppler imaging (TDI), in the diagnosis of Behçet s disease. Material and Methods: 35 patients with Behçet s disease were included in this study. All patients were evaluated by M-mode, two-dimensional conventional DE, as well as by TDI. The following conventional doppler parameters were measured: Peak early diastolic (E) and late diastolic (L) flow velocity, E/A ratio, early diastole flow velocity deceleration time (DT), and isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT). The following measurement was derived from the mitral annular velocity by TDI: Early diastolic (Em), late diastolic (Lm) velocities, Em/Lm and E/Em ratios. Results: Mean age of the patients was 38±10.8. Study group consisted of 20 male (57.1%) and 15 female patients (42.9%). Mean body mass index was compatible with overweight (26.8±4.9). Mean systolic blood pressure was 123.4±11.9 and diastolic blood pressure was 79.8±9.5. Left ventricular systolic dysfunction and severe valvular disease was not present in any patient. Left ventricular end-diastolic, end-systolic diameter, left atrium diameter and aortic root diameter were within normal ranges. Diastolic dysfunction was present in 9 of 35 patients (% 25.7) with Behçet s disease. Conclusion: Left diastolic dysfunction is more prevalent in patients with Behçet s disease without cardiac signs and symptoms. These findings support subclinical myocardial deformation. For this reason, left ventricular diastolic functions should be evaluated with echocardiography in Behçet s disease.