Prediction of left ventricular reverse remodeling after therapy with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers and β blockers in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Background: Predictors of left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) after therapy with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor blockers and β blockers in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) remains unclear. Methods: We studied 44 patients with IDC who had been treated with the therapy. LVRR was defined as LV end-diastolic dimension∈ 55 mm and fractional shortening∈ ∈25% at the last echocardiogram. Results: During a mean follow-up period of 4.7∈;plusmn3.3 years, LVRR occurred in 34% (15/44) of the patients. We divided the patients into 2 groups: (1) patients with LVRR (n∈=∈15); (2) patients without LVRR (n∈=∈29). The presence of atrial fibrillation was 40% in patients with LVRR and 14% in those without (p∈=∈0.067). Initial LV end-diastolic dimension was significantly smaller (62∈;plusmn6 vs. 67∈;plusmn6 mm, p∈=∈0.033) in patients with LVRR than in those without. Initial LV end-diastolic dimension of 63.5 mm was an optimal cutoff value for predicting LVRR (sensitivity: 67%, specificity: 59%, area under the curve: 0.70, p∈=∈0.030). When patients were further allocated according to initial LV end-diastolic dimension∈ ;∈63.5 mm with atrial fibrillation, the combined parameter was a significant predictor of LVRR by univariate logistic regression analysis (odds ratio, 5.78, p∈=∈0.030) (sensitivity: 33%, specificity: 97%, p∈=∈0.013). Conclusions: Combined information on LV end-diastolic dimension and heart rhythm at diagnosis is useful in predicting future LVRR in patients with IDC.