Plasma brain natriuretic peptide combined with Tei index in assessment of heart function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Objective To clarify the value of Tei index in eveluating ventricular function of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients and the correlation between Tei index and the plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Methods The value of Tei index and plasma BNP were obtained and compared betweeen 42 HCM patients and 20 normal control subjects. Results The HCM patients had a significantly higher value of Tei index (0.55±0.11 vs. 0.35±0.07,P0.001),longer isovolumic relaxation,and contraction times than control subjects. The plasma BNP level was correlated with Tei index in non-obstructive HCM (n=32,r=0.75,P0.000 1),although the correlation was mild when all HCM patients were included (r=0.33,P=0.02). The correlation was still significant after adjusting for age,and the extent and severity of left ventricular hypertrophy. Multiple stepwise regression analysis identified mitral E/A ratio (r=0.49,F=13.1) and Tei index (r=0.37,F=7.6) as independent predictors of higher plasma BNP level in non-obstructive HCM. Conclusion Myocardial performance index is abnormal in HCM patients,indicating that both systolic and diastolic dysfunction exists in the patients. Plasma BNP level increase is correlated with Tei index in non-obstructive HCM patients.