[Transesophageal echocardiographic study on systolic flow pattern of the pulmonary vein in patients with mitral stenosis and atrial fibrillation].

To determine the clinical significance and effect of cycle length on systolic backward (C) and forward (S) flow patterns of the pulmonary vein, we performed transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiography in patients with atrial fibrillation (Af). Study population consisted of 10 patients with mitral stenosis and sinus rhythm (MS-SR), 15 with MS and Af (MS-Af), 15 with mitral valve replacement and Af (MVR-Af), 10 with Af without organic heart disease (lone-Af) and 15 normal subjects. Various parameters, including peak velocities of C and S waves, closing amplitude of anterior mitral valve echogram during end-diastole, amplitude of the mitral annulus and interatrial septal motion during systole and left atrial pressure during the mitral closing period or end-diastole, were measured in each group. Results were as follows: 1. C wave was observed in all Af groups and six of 10 patients with MS-SR. Particularly, peak velocity of the C wave in MS-Af group was increased significantly compared with those of every other group. 2. Peak velocity of S wave in all Af groups, particularly in MS- and MVR-Af groups, decreased significantly compared with that of the normal group. 3. There were significant negative correlations between preceding R-R interval and peak velocity of the C wave or closing amplitude of anterior mitral valve echogram or left atrial pressure during end-diastole in MS-Af group. 4. There were significant positive correlations between preceding R-R interval and peak velocity of the S wave or amplitude of the mitral annulus or interatrial septal motion during systole in MS-Af group. 5. Peak velocities of the C and S waves had no correlations to preceding R-R interval in lone-Af group. We concluded that the C and S waves of pulmonary venous flow velocity pattern in MS-Af are affected by cycle length, and that the former is influenced by left atrial pressure and/or pliability of the mitral valve during the mitral closing period, and the latter by the grade of left atrial dilatation and/or preceding left atrial emptying.