Relationship between pericardial fluid B-type natriuretic peptide and ventricular structure and function.

BACKGROUND

We undertook this study to investigate the levels of pericardial B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and its relationship with ventricular structure and function.

METHODS

Pericardial and plasma BNP concentrations were measured in 18 patients with congenital ventricular septal defect.

RESULTS

The mean level of BNP in the pericardial fluid (324.8+/-137.3 pg/mL) was higher than the plasma (20.8+/-6.1 pg/mL) (p=0.03). Pericardial BNP was correlated with the plasma BNP (r=0.85, p<0.01). A good correlation was also found between the pericardial BNP and left atrial diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction, right ventricular diameter and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The levels of BNP in pericardial fluid were higher than in the plasma. Similar to plasma BNP, pericardial BNP is also related to the ventricular structure and function.