Subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in multiple sclerosis

Objectives - To investigate the left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) function in multiple sclerosis (MS) using standard echocardiography and Doppler tissue imaging (DTI). Materials and methods - A total of 41 patients with definite MS and 32 healthy controls were included in the study. Results - LV end-systolic dimension was increased and LV ejection fraction was decreased in MS patients compared with controls (P <0.05). LV end-diastolic dimension was increased in MS patients, however, did not reach significance. Among DTI parameters, mitral annular peak early diastolic velocity to peak late diastolic velocity ratio (Em/Am) was decreased in MS patients, but not reach statistical significance. No significant differences in tricuspid annular Em/Am ratio was found between MS patients and controls. A statistically significant increase of DTI derived LV myocardial performance index was found in MS patients as compared with controls. RV myocardial performance index showed a tendency to be increased in MS patients, however, did not reach significance. Conclusions - These findings suggest subclinical LV dysfunction and preserved RV function in patients with MS.