BACKGROUND : The time interval between the onsets of mitral inflow and mitral annulus velocity(TE'-E) has been proposed as a new index representing left ventricular(LV) relaxation and related to LV filling pressure. This index has been reported as a preload independent parameter in experimental canine model. The impact of preload on this index, however, has not been studied in human. METHODS : Twenty-nine patients(18 men, mean 51짹15 years old) with end-stage renal disease underwent echocardiography immediately before and after hemodialysis(HD). The complete two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography including early(E) and late(A) transmitral inflow velocities were measured. Mitral annulus velocities(E���) by Doppler tissue imaging(DTI) and flow propagation velocity(Vp) by color M-mode were also measured. The Time intervals between peak of R wave and onset of mitral E velocity and between peak R wave and onset of E' at septal, lateral, anterior, and inferior areas of the mitral annulus were measured. TE'-E were calculated by correcting for the heart rate(using the ���R-R interval). RESULTS : The mean ejection fraction was 64짹15 %. Average weight reduction by HD was 3짹1 kg. The dimensions of LV end-diastole, left atrium and inferior vena cava were reduced significantly as 2짹3, 2짹5 , and 4짹5 mm, respectively(p<0.001). The table shows the changes of Doppler-Echo parameters after HD. CONCLUSIONS : We conclude that a new parameter for diastolic function, time interval between the onsets of mitral inflow and mitral annulus velocity appears to be preload-independent in human.