111cm/s, .45 cm/s). In pts of that group PVF profile remained same in sinus rythrn.All pts of group I underwent DDD reprogramming. Subjective improvement of feeling was observed in all pts. Only in that group follow-up TEE was performed about 7 days after reprogramming to the DDD mode. Registered PVF profile was similar to pts of group II. VmaxZ in pts of group I was significantly lower in DDD mode (12.9 -4-6.5 cm/s) than in VVI pacing (89.2 4-7.4 cm/s).Conclusions: 1) Assessment of PVF by TEE may be a simple and relatively non-invasive technique to diagnose pts with pacemaker syndrome symptoms, in particular in pts with severe LV dysfunction. 2) Significantly higher atrial reverse flow velocity of pulmonary vein seems to be peculiar parameter to pacemaker syndrome in pts with VVI pacing. (LVDd) and in systole (LVDs), and no increase in E-wave deceleration time (E decT), were all predictive of events. Multivariate analysis (Cox model) indicated as independent prognostic variables new or worsened TR (RR = 5.8), VOEP < 14 ml/kg/min, (RR = 5.7), increase of LVDd (RR = 2.2) and E decT increase _< 15% (RR = 1.6). IP108In conclusions, our data confirm the prognostic value of ergometric and echocardiographic data in pts with HF considered for HT, and suggest that serial echocardiographic examinations have independent prognostic value. Heart failure progression is associated with ventricular remodeling and ongoing myofibrillar degradation in several ways. Myofibrillar degradation can be identified through cardiospecific T-troponin (TnT). I P109/10296 [Objectives: Evaluate the incidence, clinical and echocardiographic features, and in-hospital course of minimal myocardial injury (MMD)(TnT >= 0.2 ng/ml) in-patients with decompensated heart failure. Methods: A total of 159 patients with diagnosed decompensated heart failure were included between October 1997 and July 1999, based on Framingham modified criteria. Those with acute coronary syndrome (unstable angina or myocardial infarction within 30 days) were excluded from the study. A T-troponin (TnT) value of >---0.2 ng/ml in samples taken 6, 12 or 24 hours after admission was considered abnormal.Results: High levels of TnT were identified in 24 patients (15%)(MMD group) with a mean value of 0.33, 0.29 and 0.32 ng/ml for each sample. Mean age for MMD group was 65.9 as compared with 63.7 years in patients with normal TnT (NoMMD group) (p = ns), and there was a 75% and 58% (p = ns) of men, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups in relation to history, clinical findings and functional class. Bidimensional echocardiograms in MMD and NoMMD patients revealed the following: left ventricular (LV) diastolic diameter 61.7 4-10.2 vs. 57.6 4-10.8 mm (p = 0.09); LV systolic diameter 52.7 4-13.5 vs. 42.4 4-12.0 mm (p = 0.003); LV end-diastolic volume 246.2 4-134 vs. 182.6 4-84.3 ml (p = 0.014); LV end-systolic volume 182.16 -4-119.0 vs. 118.39 4-84.9 ml (p = 0.008) and ejection fraction 31.4 vs. 38.4% (p = 0.06), respectively. Heart failure etiolog...