Left ventricular myocardial function during the acute phase of a subarachnoid haemorrhage

Abstract

Objectives. Previous reports suggest that left myocardial ventricular function changes during the course of a subarachnoid haemorrhage. The aim of this study was to evaluate left myocardial ventricular function with tissue Doppler echocardiography at two time points during the acute phase of a subarachnoid haemorrhage. Design. Eighteen consecutive patients (median 52 years, range 33–74) with spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage and no history of heart disease were examined at 1–5 days and at 6–11 days following ictus. Eighteen control subjects were included for comparison (52 years, 32–72). Results. Tissue Doppler indices of left ventricular contractility were higher in patients than in controls at both examinations (p<0.001). Indices of left ventricular stroke volume were elevated compared to controls at examination 1 (p<0.05), but not at examination 2. Early diastolic relaxation rate decreased from examination 1 to 2 (p=0.001). Three patients had increased troponin T (range 0.010–0.131µg/l). Conclusion. In patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage, systolic and diastolic function is increased compared to healthy controls, suggesting a hyperdynamic and hypervolemic circulation.