Reversed remodelling in dilated cardiomyopathy by passive containment surgery is associated with decreased circulating levels of endothelin-1

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the influence on circulating levels of endothelin-1 and big endothelin-1 in relation to echocardiographic findings and functional assessment, by passive containment surgery in heart failure patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Methods: Thirteen patients with dilated cardiomyopathy subjected to cardiac surgery received the Acorn Cardiac Support Device. Patients with ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (n=6) underwent coronary artery bypass surgery receiving one to three bypass grafts. In the idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy group (n=7), mitral valve plasty was performed in five patients while two patients received the cardiac support device only. Circulating plasma levels of endothelin-1 and big endothelin-1 were measured in all patients before surgery and 12 months after surgery. Concomitantly New York Heart Association functional class and 6-min walk were evaluated and cardiac dimensions measured with echocardiography.

Results: Following surgery there was a significant decrease in circulating plasma levels of endothelin-1 (5.9+/-0.6 pM preoperatively vs 4.3+/-0.3 pM postoperatively, P<0.05). New York Heart Association functional class improved (2.8+/-0.2 preoperatively vs 1.8+/-0.2 postoperatively, P<0.05). The 6-min walk increased (384+/-24 m preoperatively vs 465+/-33 m postoperatively, P<0.05). There was also a decrease in left ventricular end diastolic diameter (69+/-2mm preoperatively vs 62+/-2mm postoperatively, P<0.05) and left ventricular end systolic diameter (60+/-2mm preoperatively vs 54+/-3mm postoperatively, P<0.05). Linear correlation revealed a relationship between decreased left ventricular end diastolic diameter and decreased endothelin-1 levels (R=0.56; P<0.05).

Conclusions: Following passive containment surgery using the Acorn Cardiac Support Device there is a decrease in circulating levels of endothelin-1 concomitant with a decrease in cardiac dimensions and function improvement.