Spectrum of echocardiographic abnormalities in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. Determining the spectrum of echocardiographic abnormalities in these patients can help the prevention of mortality in this group of chronically ill patients. 123 adult patients with chronic renal failure who underwent hemodialysis and echocardiography during February till November 2006 were enrolled. Complete 2-D, M-mode, Doppler and color Doppler study were performed by a single operator for each patient and the abnormalities were recorded. The mean age was 38.3+13 and 61.5 % were female. The mean cardiac dimensions were right ventricular diastolic dimension: 1.89+0.05 cm, inter-ventricular septal dimension: 1.3+1.23 cm, enddiastolic dimension: 6.1+0.6 cm, endsystolic dimention: 3.84+2.5 cm, ejection fraction: 59.2+11 %, left ventricular mass: 238+90 gr. The prevalence of LV systolic dysfunction (EF < 50 %) was 20.3%, valvular regurgitation > mild, mitral regurgitation: 52.8%, aortic regurgitation: 24.4%, and tricuspid regurgitation: 35.8%. Valvular calcification was seen in 14.5% of the patients but no significant stenosis was noted. The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (SPAP>30 mm Hg) was 14.7% and that of pericardial effusion (> mild) was 14.7%. Cardiac ejection fraction was lower in patients requiring more hemodialysis sessions (p value <0.036). Echocardiographic abnormalities are very common in patients suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD), so periodic echocardiographic examination for diagnosis and treatment of cardiac abnormalities is highly recommended.