The American journal of cardiology
-
Improvement in left ventricular (LV) systolic function after aortic valve replacement (AVR) has been observed in patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS). However, the factors that predict such recovery remain unclear. We sought to identify the predictive value of the LV spherical shape for LV functional recovery after "isolated" AVR in patients with severe AS and LV dysfunction. ⋯ Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative EF, end-systolic volume index, and end-diastolic sphericity were independent parameters predicting postoperative EF. The sensitivity and specificity in predicting normalization of EF (> or =50%) after AVR were 65% and 83% for end-diastolic sphericity <0.57 and 68% and 91% for end-systolic sphericity <0.47, respectively. In conclusion, LV spherical shape and dilatation predicted poor LV functional recovery after isolated AVR in severe AS.