0283: Correlation between N-terminal pro-natriuretic peptide levels and left atrial size in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction

Abstract

Elevated N-terminal Pro B-type Natriuretic Peptide (NT Pro-BNP) levels are correlated with the severity of left ventricular systolic dysfunction and left ventricular filling alterations. Besides, left atrial (LA) size is believed to reflect chronic diastolic dysfunction. Evaluate the relationship between NT Pro-BNP and LA size. 81 patients (77.7% males; mean age, 61.55±15 years), with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] <55%), underwent transthoracic echocardiography to evaluate LA size and venous blood sampling to determine NT-pro-BNP levels. Mean LVEF was 35.6±10.8 % (LVEF <35% in 32 patients). The NT Pro-BNP values were elevated (mean 3304±4218.9 pg/ml). Higher NT Pro-BNP was significantly correlated to LA size (r=0.56, p<0.001). The optimal cut-off value to predict LA size >20 cm2 was 1188 pg/mL (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve [AUC] 0.83 [0.71–0.93], p<0.0001, sensitivity 77.6%, specificity 75%). The present study shows that plasma NT Pro-BNP levels is strongly correlated to LA size. NT-proBNP level more than 1188 pg/mL may suggest LA dilatation.