Left Atrial Mechanical Functions, Atrial Electromechanical Delay and P Wave Dispersion in Patients with Mild to Moderate Psoriasis

Objectıves: Many systemic diseases including cardiovascular disturbances have been described in psoriatic patients. In the previous studies, left ventricul (LV) subclinical myocadial dysfunction was reported in the psoriasis patients. To evaluate the effect of psoriasis on left atrial (LA) functions, which is an important determinant left ventricular filling, atrial electromechanical coupling and P wave dispersion in mild to moderate psoriasis patients. Methods: Thirty (mean age 39 13 years) patients with psoriasis and thirty (mean age 34 8 years) controls were enrolled. The severity of the disease was evaluated by the ‘’Psoriasis Area and Severity Index’’. LA volumes were measured using the biplane area-length method and LA mechanical function parameters were calculated by echocardiography. Atrial electromechanical delays were measured by tissue Doppler imaging. 12-lead electrocardiogram was used to measure P wave dispersion. All ECGs were stored in a digital system and all the measurements were done by computer based method. Results: There were no significant differences between the groups for left atrial mechanical function indices. No difference was detected between the groups with regards to interatrial electromechanical delay (PAlat – PAtricus) and intraatrial electromechanical delay (PAsep – PAtricus) (14.4 5.7 ms vs 12.5 4.2 ms p>0.05 and 6.3 3.5 ms vs 5.1 3.4 ms, p>0.05, respectively).There were no differences between groups with regards to P wave dispersion. Conclusıons: This study showed that, patients with mild to moderate psoriasis had conserved left atrial mechanical function and unimpaired atrial conduction of sinus impulses.