The presence of diastolic mitral regurgitation has been described in patients with complete atrioventricular(AV) block, aortic valve regurgitation, hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathy, and in patients with long diastolic filling period in atrial fibrillation. However, because of rare incidence and difficulty in making diagnosis of this phenomenon, the frequency and hemodynamic effects of diastolic AV valve regurgitation(DAVVR) and relationship of electrocardiographic(ECG) parameters with DAVVR in patients with complete heart block have not been reported in Korea.

To evaluate the frequency, hemodynamic effects of DAVVR and relation of ECG parameters with DAVVR in patients with complete AV block, we studied 14 consecutive patients with complete AV block by means of two dimensional and Doppper echocardiography.

The DAVVR was observed in all cases of complete AV block except 3 cases on temporary pacemaker. The peak velocy of diastolic mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitaton were 105±23cm/sec and 98±30cm/sec, respectively. The peak and mean pressure gradient of diastolic mitral regurgitation were 4.7±1.7mmHg and 3.1±1.5mmHg respectively, and the peak and mean pressure gradient of diastolic tricuspid regurgitation were 4.1±2.6mmHg and 2.7±2.1mmHg, respectively. There was regular interval between p-wave of ECG and onset of diastolic AV valve regurgitation, which was 215±12msec, Diastolic AV valve regurgitation disappeared immediately after recovery of complete AV block to sinus rhythm or insertion of DDD-type permanent pacemaker in all cases.

In Conclusion, the DAVVR was observed in all cases of complete AV block except cases on temporary pacemaker insertion and its hemodynamic effect was mild. There was regular interval between p-wave of ECG and the onset of diastolic AV valve regurgitation.