What does high deceleration time in echocardiogram indicate?

Question

Hi doctor,

I recently had an echocardiogram. The results were normal, but the deceleration time was 439 ms. My doctor did not say anything about it while reviewing the results. But, I have subsequently learned that it is very prolonged. What should I do now?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It suggests grade 1 diastolic dysfunction. It is explainable by your obesity, as evidenced by your BMI - body mass index mentioned.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

E to A ratio (early to late ventricular filling) for grade I diastolic dysfunction, which is characterized by prolonged deceleration time due to prolonged relaxation, is typically less than 1.0. Also, your E/Ea of 6 suggests either normal diastolic function or grade I diastolic dysfunction.

So, your readings have to be repeated by another echocardiography, although not as an emergency. For suspicion of cardiac amyloidosis (abnormal protein deposit in the heart), there should be diastolic dysfunction of severe grade.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Answer 3

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

In the first place, there is a discrepancy in the readings itself. Then, we have an explanation already (a high BMI) for this case, and there is grade 1 diastolic dysfunction. To shed more light on the morphology of myocardium for diagnosis of amyloidosis, one may require a cardiac MRI followed by a confirmatory endomyocardial biopsy.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.