Abstract

GONCALVES, Miguel et al. Echocardiography and cardiovascular risk: The relationship in the renal transplant recipient. Port J Nephrol Hypert [online]. 2017, vol.31, n.3, pp.167-174. ISSN 0872-0169.

Introduction: ardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of death among renal transplant recipients (RTR). It is not known whether echocardiographic abnormalities are useful to identify RTR at high risk of CVD. Methods: Retrospective review of RTR with functioning and stable graft and an echocardiography performed in the last year. Risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and death using a risk calculator specific for RTR. Results: Among 107 patients (57.9% males, 50.4±13.9 years), 7-year risk of MACE was >10% in 30.9% of patients and 7-year risk of death >10% in 56.1%. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was found in 55.1%, diastolic dysfunction in 39.3%, dilated left atrium (LA) in 53.3%, high pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) in 29.0%, valvular calcifications in 22.4% and moderate to severe mitral regurgitation (MR) in 3.7%. Mean Ejection fraction was 68.36±6.87%. Univariate analysis showed an increased risk of MACE and death in patients with LVH, diastolic dysfunction, dilated LA, high PASP, valvular calcifications and MR. Multivariate analysis identified an independent association between the risk of MACE >10% and valvular calcifications and high PASP. Risk of death>10% in multivariate analysis had an independent association with diastolic dysfunction and elevated PASP. Conclusion: Echocardiographic abnormalities identify RTR at increased risk of MACE and death. Valvular calcifications and high PASP are predictors of MACE whereas diastolic dysfunction and high PASP predict death.

Keywords : Cardiovascular risk calculator; Diastolic dysfunction; Echocardiography; Pulmonary hypertension; Renal transplant recipient; Valvular calcifications.

        · text in English     · English ( pdf )