Background : Doppler echocardiography is widely used for the noninvasive evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function. However the mitral flow velocity pattern is affected by several physiologic factors. The mitral annular velocity profile by Doppler tissue imaging may provide more additional information about left ventricular diastolic function. Thus, this study designed to assess the relationship between cardiac catheterization, MUGA scan, mitral flow velocity, and mitral annular velocity data and to assess the clinical availavility of mitral annulus velocity in the evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function. Methods : The study population consisted of 20 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy( 64±7years), 20 patients with normal left ventricular function (61±7years). Left ventricular catheterization was performed with fluid-filled catheter and left ventricular end diastolic pressure, -dP/dtmax were measured. The mitral flow velocity was recorded at mitral valve tip and the mitral annulus velocity during diastole was measured by Doppler tissue imaging(DTI). Simultaneously EF(ejection fraction), PER(Peak filling rate), PFR(Peak filling rate) were measured by MUGA blood pool scan. Results : Mean peak E velocity, mean peak A velocity, E/A ratio, mean peak E' velocity, mean peak A' velocity, E'/A' ratio and -dP/dtmax significantly difference betweeen two group. -dP/dtmax by cardiac catheterization showed significant correlation with mean peak E' velocity (r=0.552, p=0.003), E'/A' ratio(r=0.507, p=0.003), DT of E'(r=-0.556, p=0.001), TVI of E'(r=0.689, p<0.001) and DT of E wave(r=-0.538, p=0.003). PFR by MUGA scan also showed significant correlation with -dP/dtmax(r=0.537, p=0.01). Conclusion : Among mitral annulus velocity index mean peak E' velocity, E'/A' ratio, DT of E',TVI of E' had significant correlation with -dP/dtmax. And DT by mitral flow velocity, PFR by MUGA scan also had significant correlation with -dP/dtmax. Mitral annulus velocity determined by DTI is relatively convenient, safe, and preload-independent variable in evaluating diastole function. Thus mitral annulus velocity by Doppler tissue imaging is may be useful diagnostic modality for evaluating left ventricular diastolic function.(Korean J Med 57:1021-1029, 1999)