Abnormal Tei index predicts poor left ventricular mass regression and survival after AVR in aortic stenosis patients

Abstract

A Tei index is known to reflect overall cardiac performance including systolic and diastolic function in a variety of heart disease. We investigated the relationship between preoperative Tei index and postoperative left ventricular (LV) mass regression and survival after aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic valve stenosis (AS). One hundred fifty-four patients with AS were classified into a group with abnormal (Abn) LV function (n=47, 0.45 < or = Tei index) and a group with normal (Nor) LV function (n=107, Tei index < 0.45). The pre- and postoperative echocardiographic variables including LV dimension, LV wall thickness, and LV mass regression as well as 6-year survival were compared between the two groups. There was a significant difference in both absolute and relative LV mass index (LVMI) regression (P=0.004 and 0.0007). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the preoperative LVMI, Tei index, and follow-up period were independent predictors of LVMI regression after AVR. Thirteen patients died (valve-related death in 5). Although the overall survival rate in the Nor-LV group (92.8%) was significantly better than that in the Abn-LV group (71.6%), there was no significant difference in survival free from valve-related death. Preoperative Tei index can be one of the significant predictors of LVMI regression and overall survival after AVR.