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BACKGROUND:Brain natriuretic peptide, an important serum marker for diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, is crucial for risk factor analysis of cardiovascular diseases. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between brain natriuretic peptide and hemodynamic parameters before and after coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS:Thirty patients with coronary heart disease undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were selected, including 13 patients with left ventricular ejection fraction≥ 50% (normal heart function) and 17 patients with left ventricular ejection fraction RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Preoperative and postoperative levels of plasma brain natriuretic peptides were significantly lower in the patients with left ventricular ejection fraction≥ 50% than those with left ventricular ejection fraction < 50%; while in each group, the level of brain natriuretic peptides was remarkably increased after coronary artery bypass grafting (P < 0.05 orP< 0.001). Preoperative brain natriuretic peptide levels were positively correlated with New York Heart Association classification grading, left atrial diameter and left ventricular diameter (r=0.61;r=0.34;r=0.67), but negatively correlated with echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction and cardiac output (r=-0.75;r=-0.70). The postoperative peak level of brain natriuretic peptides was positively correlated with New York Heart Association classification grading, echocardiographic left ventricular end diastolic diameter and pulmonary artery pressure (r=0.72;r=0.70;r=0.45). These findings indicate that the plasma level of brain natriuretic peptides before coronary artery bypass grafting shows a good correlation with left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular end diastolic diameter, which accurately reflect the state of cardiac function before coronary artery bypass grafting.
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Objective To study the changes with aging of lung density parameters on inspiratory and expiratory HRCT in asymptomatic nonsmokers,and the correlation with pulmonary function test(PFT).Methods Lung HRCT scans were performed at end inspiratory and end expiratory in 63 subjects,and PFT were performed in 32 of them.All the subjects were divided into 5 groups according to the ages.Lung HRCT quantitative parameters of each groups were measured,and the correlation with PFT results was assessed.Results In each age group,the mean lung density of expiratory lung HRCT and the overall lung density difference between inspiratory and expiratory HRCT was significant decrease(P
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Objective To research the appearances of CT and pathology in pulmonary hamartoma so as to improve the CT diagnostic accuracy.Methods The CT and pathological findings of 25 cases of pulmonary hamartoma were analyzed. Dynamic contrast enhancement CT scanning were performed in 17 cases without calcification. All cases were confirmed by surgical operation and pathology.Results All hamartomas had smooth edge on CT. Focal fat without calcification inside were present in 8 of 25 cases, focal fat and calcification inside in 6 of 25 cases (24%), calcification without fat inside in 2 of 25 cases (8%). The CT contrasted value was less than 20 HU in16 of 17 cases (88.24% ). Contrast-enhancing septa were present in 13 of 17 cases(76.47%). The enhancing septa corresponded to loose connective tissue between cartilaginous core. Pathologically, all hamartomas had complete fibrous capsule around them. Cartilage ,broncheal gland, smooth muscle and fibrous connective tissue were found in all cases, and fat and calcification were found in 13 (52%) and 8 (32%) respectively.Conclusion Some specific CT features, including smooth edge, calcification and fat inside, are useful for diagnosis of pulmonary hamartoma. Dynamic contrast enhancement CT scanning is useful for differentiating pulmonary hamartoma with peripheral lung carcinoma.