Standard and Novel Echocardiographic Parameters Improve Risk Assessment of the Seattle Heart Failure Model in Patients Referred for LVAD and/or Transplantation

Hg. Mean left atrial volume index was 49.8617.1 sq cm. After the initial diagnosis with a two year followup, there were no readmissions in 65.3% of patients who were on appropriate diuretic therapy and had regular clinical visits. Frequent readmissions were seen in 34.7% of patients inspite of appropriate diuretic therapy. All-cause mortality rate was 4.3% at two year follow up. Conclusions: In patients with stiff left atrial syndrome, most consistent associated features were increased mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure with significantly peaked V waves on right heart catheterization and increased left atrial size. Based on established diagnosis, judiciously directed therapeutic strategies with diuretics were shown to prevent hospital readmissions and improve long term clinical outcomes. Inspite of awareness of this unique clinical entity, it is still poorly understood and appropriate therapeutic regimens to stabilize or stem disease progression are still elusive.