Evaluation of the left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions by echocardiography in patients with acute leukemia.

Eighteen patients with acute leukemia were studied to evaluate their left ventricular systolic and diastolic function by M mode, two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic techniques. The study group was compared with another group of 18 patients of similar age with iron deficiency anemia. The latter group had a comparable heart rate and levels of Hb. There were no differences in systolic function, whereas the diastolic function was lower in patients with acute leukemia (E/A ratio = 1.1 +/- 0.3 vs. 1.42 +/- 0.5, p < 0.05). It is concluded that left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is more common in patients with acute leukemia and may be an indicator of restrictive cardiomyopathy.