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Objective:To investigate short-term safety, efficacy and the learning curve of this self-developed novel transcatheter valve repair system (Neonova?) in patients with mitral regurgitation, and explore the role of perioperative echocardiography.Methods:Ten patients who visited the Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from June 2021 to March 2022 and met the inclusive criteria were prospectively enrolled. All the patients were at high risk of surgery with moderate to severe or severe mitral regurgitation (MR). Clamps of Neonova? were implanted under guidance of transesophageal echocardiography and digital subtraction angiography. Clinical outcomes, echocardiography indexes and learning curves of this technique were evaluated immediately after intervention, 7 d, 1 month and 3 months post-intervention.Results:The technical success rate was 100% with MR relieved in all patients immediately after intervention. The device and procedural success rates were both 90.0% with 1 patient received surgical replacement at 37 days post-intervention while the others′ reduced to mild (8/9) and moderate (1/9) MR. New York Heart Association class and the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire improved significantly (all P<0.001). Mean mitral valve pressure gradient didn′t increase significantly after intervention when compared with that before intervention( P=0.324), and no mitral stenosis was observed. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter decreased significantly ( P=0.008) during follow up.Procedure duration ranged from 60 to 300 (175.8±75.2)minutes. The simple linear regression model between procedure volume and duration showed that procedure duration decreased significantly with the increase of procedure volume ( F=15.857, P=0.004). Conclusions:Neonova? implantation can improve MR severity and clinical symptoms safely and effectively. Transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography are essential for perioperative management of transcatheter mitral valve repair.
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Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of the domestic D-Shant device for the treatment of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) using echocardiography.Methods:Twenty-four CHF patients who were treated with domestic D-Shant device in Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from September 2020 to December 2021 were enrolled in the study. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP)/ left atrial pressure (LAP), right atrial pressure (RAP), pulmonary artery pressure, interatrial septal gradient pressure, cardiac index and pulmonary/systemic blood flow ratio (Qp/Qs) were measured before and after implantation using right heart catheterization.Left atrial end-diastolic area index (LAEDAI), left atrial end-diastolic volume index (LAEDVI), left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI), left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVI), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), right atrial end-diastolic diameter, right ventricular end-diastolic diameter, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), right ventricular tractional area change (RVFAC), device shunt aperture, velocity and pressure, together with mitral and tricuspid regurgitation severity were measured using echocardiography before, and 1 month as well as 3 months after D-Shant device implantation. Clinical data were collected and analyzed including 6-minute walking test (6MWT), New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification and the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the relation between the changes in PCWP/LAP as well as echocardiographic parameters before and 3 months after implantation and NYHA classification. Binary Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictive factors of NYHA classification improvement at 3-month follow-up after D-Shant device implantation.Results:①D-Shant devices were successfully implanted in all patients. ②Compared with preoperative values, invasive PCWP/LAP systolic, diastolic and mean pressures, transatrial septal gradient, and pulmonary systolic, diastolic and mean pressures decreased significantly after implantation(all P<0.001); Qp/Qs increased significantly after implantation( P<0.001). ③Compared with preoperative values, TAPSE, RVFAC and pulmonary artery flow velocity increased at 1 month after implantation(all P<0.05), whereas a significant reduction in mitral regurgitation grade, and an increase in LVEF and pulmonary artery flow velocity at 3 months after implantation(all P<0.05). Right atrial end-diastolic diameter, right ventricular end-diastolic diameter, LAEDAI, LAEDVI, LVEDVI, LVESVI, ratio of early to late diastolic peak velocities of mitral inflow(E/A), systolic peak velocity of mitral annulus at septal site(S′), ratio of early diastolic peak velocity of mitral inflow to diastolic peak velocity of mitral annulus(E/e′), pulmonary artery diameter, inferior vena cava diameter and degree of tricuspid regurgitation did not change among before, and 1 month as well as 3 months after implantation. There were no significant changes in the device shunt aperture, velocity and pressure between 1 month and 3 months after implantation(all P>0.05). ④The significant improvements in NYHA classification, KCCQ scores and 6MWT were observed at 1 and 3 months after implantation compared with preoperative values (all P<0.01). ⑤NYHA classification at 3 months after implantation was correlated with LVEF pre-post, PCWP/LAP pre-post, TAPSE pre-post and RVFAC pre-post ( rs=0.738, -0.730, 0.738, 0.723; all P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that LVEF pre-post was an independent predictor for NYHA classification improvement at 3 months after implantation ( OR=0.687, 95% CI=0.475-0.992, P=0.045) . Conclusions:Domestic D-Shant device can effectively improve the cardiac function and clinical symptoms in patients with CHF. Echocardiography is a feasible and effective method to evaluate the benefits of domestic D-Shant device for the treatment of CHF.
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Objective:To summarize the ultrasonophic features of left atrial appendage aneurysm, and to provide an important reference for the early and accurate diagnosis of left atrial appendage aneurysm.Methods:Patients with atrial appendage aneurysm have no obvious symptoms in the early stage, and there are many difficulties and challenges in diagnosis. This paper analyzed and summarized the diagnostic characteristics of a child with left atrial appendage aneurysm by combining the prenatal and postnatal ultrasonic imaging characteristics.Results:Echocardiography is the first choice for the diagnosis of left atrial appendage aneurysm. Some cases can make precise diagnosis prenatally.Conclusions:Echocardiography is the preferred imaging examination method for evaluating left atrial appendage aneurysm. Multimodal imaging technology can identify and diagnose left atrial appendage aneurysm early and accurately, and provide important basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment plan.
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Objective:To explore the diagnostic value of high frequency ultrasound in the diagnosis of closed penile cavernous rupture.Methods:The ultrasonic examination data of 8 patients with closed penile cavernous rupture treated in Union Medical College Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology from August 2016 to May 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, and the high-frequency ultrasonic image features were analyzed.Results:Among the 8 patients with closed penile cavernous rupture, 6 were located at the distal end of the corpus cavernosum, one was located at the middle of the corpus cavernosum, and one was located at the proximal end of the corpus cavernosum. All of them were unilateral penile cavernosum rupture, 3 on the left side and 5 on the right side. In all 8 cases, the white membrane of the corpus cavernosum of the penis was continuously interrupted, and the broken end could be clearly displayed. The largest white membrane breach was 16.1 mm, and the smallest was 2.1 mm. Hematoma formed around the rupture of the tunica albuginea of the penis corpus cavernosum, and the maximum range of hematoma was 40.3 mm×15.4 mm, the minimum range of hematoma was 7.9 mm×5.6 mm.Conclusions:High frequency ultrasound is convenient, rapid and accurate, and can be used as the first choice of auxiliary examination for closed penile cavernous rupture.
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Objective:To explore the ultrasonographic features of desmoid fibromatosis and provide evidence for clinical management.Methods:The ultrasonic images and clinical data of 22 cases of desmoid fibromatosis confirmed by pathology in the Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology from 2016 to 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The location, size, shape, boundary, internal echo, posterior acoustic enhancement, relationship with surrounding tissues and blood flow of the lesion were evaluated.Results:The maximum diameter of lesions in 22 patients ranged from 0.8 cm to 11.3 cm (5.2±2.4)cm. (1) There were 17 cases of extra-abdominal shape: 10 cases of irregular shape, 4 cases of spindle shape, and 3 cases of oval shape. In 10 cases, the lesion boundary was not clear, and the lesion was infiltrated along the muscle, fascia or adipose tissue. Uneven hypoechogenicity was found in 11 cases, and strip or patchy strong echo was found in 4 cases. 5 cases with posterior echogenicity enhancement; color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) blood flow classification: grade 0 in 2 cases, grade 1 in 7 cases, grade 2 in 7 cases, and grade 3 in 1 case. (2) Abdominal wall type in 5 cases: oval shape in 2 cases, spindle shape in 2 cases, irregular shape in 1 case; In 3 cases, the boundary was not clear and was infiltrative along the muscle. Inhomogeneous hypoecho was found in 4 cases. Posterior echogenicity was enhanced in 1 case. CDFI blood flow classification: grade 1 in 2 cases, grade 2 in 2 cases, grade 3 in 1 case.Conclusions:The sonograms of typical desmoid fibromatosis have certain features. Combined with the patient′s history and clinical manifestations, they can provide an important basis for the clinical management of the disease.
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With the continuous development of ultrasound equipment and imaging technology, the application of ultrasound imaging technology is more and more wide, and gradually covers the whole process of disease diagnosis and treatment. Focusing on the highlights of ultrasound development, this article briefly introduces the new fields and new progress of clinical application of ultrasound from interventional ultrasound, point-of-care ultrasound, and musculoskeletal ultrasound.
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Objective:To investigate the effect of preoperative pulmonary hypertension (PH) on right ventricular function in patients with heart transplantation(HTx) one year after surgery.Methods:A total of 120 patients who underwent HTx in Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2017 to January 2020 were retrospectively recruited.According to the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) obtained by preoperative right heart catheterization, the research subjects were divided into the pulmonary hypertension group (PH group, n=81) and without pulmonary hypertension group (NPH group, n=39). Conventional echocardiographic indices of right ventricular function such as right ventricular area change (RV-FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity (S′), and two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2D-STI) strain parameters including right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RV-GLS), right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RV-FWLS) were obtained to assess the right ventricular function of grafted hearts. The echocardiographic parameters one year after the operation of the two groups were analyzed to compare the differences in right ventricular function and their correlation with preoperative mPAP. Results:The grafted heart RV-GLS and RV-FWLS were significantly decreased in the PH group (all P<0.01), while RV-FAC, TAPSE, and S′ were similar between the two groups (all P>0.05). RV-FWLS and RV-GLS correlated with preoperative hemodynamic parameter mPAP( rs=-0.46, -0.54; all P<0.05)while RV-FAC, TAPSE, and S′ were not significantly correlated with mPAP (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Preoperative PH correlates with right ventricular function in HTx patients 1 year after the operation. The absolute values of RV-FWLS and RV-GLS in HTx patients with preoperative PH decrease 1 year after the operation. 2D-STI is more sensitive than conventional echocardiography to monitor the changes in right ventricular function in HTx patients after the operation.
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Objective:To explore the feasibility, accuracy and reproducibility of a novel, fully automated three-dimensional echocardiography right ventricular(RV) quantification software(3D Anto RV) to evaluate the RV volume and RV ejection fraction (RVEF) using artificial intelligence in patients after heart transplantation (HT) comparing with the gold reference-cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR).Methods:Forty-six patients after HT who were scheduled for echocardiogram at their routine follow-up examinations and also agreed to undergo CMR examination within the following 24 hours in Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from October 2018 to June 2019 were prospectively included. The right ventricular end-diastolic volume (RVEDV), right ventricular end-systolic volume (RVESV), right ventricular stroke volume (RVSV) and RVEF of HT patients were measured by CMR 3D Auto RV and conventional semi-automated three-dimensional echocardiography RV quantification software (Tomtec 4D RV function 2.0). The results of the 3D Auto RV and conventional semi-automated Tomtec were respectively compared with CMR using paired two-tailed student′s t-tests, Pearson correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman analyses. Results:The feasibility of the 3D Auto RV was 87%.The fully automated analysis realized in 27 (59%) patients by 3D Auto RV and the analysis time required only (12±1)s. The results of the remaining 19 (41%) patients needed manual adjustment and the mean analysis time in manual adjustment was also <2 min that was shorter than the conventional semi-automated three-dimensional echocardiography RV quantification software[(108±15)s vs (160±34)s, P<0.001]. For the results of RV volumes: There were good correlations between the 3D Auto RV and CMR, conventional semi-automated Tomtec and CMR for the measurements of RVEDV, RVESV and RVSV ( r=0.77-0.84, all P<0.001). In addition, compared with CMR, although there were significantly underestimated RV volumes by the 3D Auto RV and conventional semi-automated Tomtec, the negative bias was smaller in the 3D Auto RV than the conventional semi-automated Tomtec. For the results of RVEF: the corresponding RVEF derived from 3D Auto RV and CMR showed an excellent correlation and consistency ( r=0.84, P<0.001; bias=-1.1%, Limit of agreement=-8.1%-6.0%). In addition, the correlations between the manual adjustment by 3D Auto RV and the CMR ( r=0.63-0.72, all P<0.001) was lower than the correlations between the 3D Auto RV and the CMR ( r=0.76-0.82, all P<0.001) for RV volumes and RVEF.Finally, 3D Auto RV had a good reproducibility. Conclusions:The new fully 3D Auto RV quantification software underestimate RV volumes that less than the conventional semi-automated Tomtec. And the 3D Auto RV quantification software can accurately evaluate the RVEF in patients after HT with rapid analysis and higher reproducibility, which may also support the routine adoption of this method during follow-ups of HT patients in the daily clinical workflow.
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Objective:To investigate the values of right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) by three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3D-STE) in predicting the degree of RV myocardial fibrosis (MF) in patients with end-stage heart failure (HF).Methods:A total of 102 consecutive patients with end-stage HF undergoing heart transplantation were enrolled in the Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from June 2018 to December 2019. Echocardiographic examinations were performed in these patients before heart transplantation. The conventional RV function parameters were obtained, including fractional area change, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion(TAPSE), myocardial performance index, tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity(Tricuspid s′). Two-dimensional (2D) RVFWLS was calculated by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). Right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic volume (RVEDV), RV end-systolic volume (RVESV), RV stroke volume (RVSV), RV ejection fraction (RVEF) and 3D-RVFWLS were measured by 3D-STE. The degree of MF was quantified using Masson′s trichrome stain in RV myocardial samples after heart transplantation. Patients were divided into mild, moderate, and severe groups according to the degree of MF on histology, then echocardiographic parameters were compared among the 3 groups. Pearson correlation analysis and the multiple linear regression analysis between echocardiographic parameters and RV MF were analyzed.Results:Compared with patients with mild and moderate MF, 3D-RVFWLS, 2D-RVFWLS and conventional parameters of RV function were significantly decreased in patients with severe MF.RV MF strongly correlated with 3D-RVFWLS ( r=-0.71, P<0.01), modestly correlated with 2D-RVFWLS ( r=-0.53, P<0.01), and weakly correlated with RVFAC, TAPSE, RVEF, Tricuspid s′, RVSV ( r=-0.47, -0.44, -0.35, -0.29, -0.38; all P<0.01). 3D-RVFWLS correlated best with the degree of MF compared with 2D-RVFWLS and conventional RV function parameters ( r=-0.71 vs r=-0.29~-0.53, all P<0.05). A stepwise multivariate analysis showed that 3D-RVFWLS was independently associated with RV MF (β=1.554, P<0.01, adjusted R2=0.539). Conclusions:3D-RVFWLS can provide an important imaging reference for detecting the degree of RV MF in patients with end-stage HF.
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Objective:To analyze the diagnostic value of thickness ratio between noncompacted and compacted myocardium (NC/C ratio) measured by echocardiography at end-systole and end-diastole comparatively in left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC).Methods:Thirty-five patients with suspected LVNC were collected and underwent conventional (2DE) and left ventricular opacification (LVO) in Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from June 2019 to June 2020. The distribution and detection rate of two-layered segments, non-compaction (NC) segments and their NC/C ratios were comparatively analyzed at end-diastole and end-systole using 2DE, LVO and combined techniques respectively. With the diagnostic criteria of end-diastolic NC/C ratio>2.3 or end-systolic NC/C ratio>2.0, echocardiographic results were also recorded and compared with cMRI results.Results:Compared with 2DE, the number of detected segments was increased ( P<0.001), but the numbers of two-layered segments and NC segments were not significantly improved in end-systole using 2DE combined with LVO ( P>0.006). The diagnostic accuracy was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). However, when observing in end-diastole, the detected numbers of 3 kinds of segments were significantly increased using 2DE+ LVO in comparison with 2DE (all P<0.001), and the diagnostic accuracy was also significantly improved ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the detected rates of two-layered and NC semgents between 2DE+ LVO and cMRI ( P>0.006). 2DE+ LVO in end-diastole resulted in the highest diagnostic sensitivity (88.9%) and accuracy (85.7%), and also the largest area under ROC curve (0.95). Conclusions:The combination of 2DE and LVO can detect more NC segments, and diagnostic accuracy of end-diastolic NC/C ratio is higher than that in end-systolic in patients with LVNC.
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Objective:The purpose of our study was to assess the clinical value of ultrasound in the diagnosis of retroaortic left renal vein (RLRV) behind abdominal aorta.Methods:The ultrasound images of patients with RLRV diagnosed by ultrasound in Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology from 2013 to 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The general information, clinical symptoms, ultrasound images and other clinical data of the patients were collected and analyzed.Results:RLRV was detected in 16(0.46%) cases of the 3 519 patients from 2013 to 2018 using ultrasonography, and the male to female ratio was 11 to 5. All patients presented with hematuria, including 7 patients with other symptoms, such as left flank pain. Ultrasound were firstly performed in all patients. Of the 16 patients, 15(93.75%) cases were of complete retroaortic type Ⅰ, including 13(81.25%) cases with left renal vein compression and 2(12.5%) cases with complete retroaortic type without left renal vein compression. In 16 cases, 1 case (6.25%) was type Ⅲ, with compression of both branches.Conclusions:Ultrasound may be the preferred method for the left renal vein examination when a clinical suspicion of Nutcracker syndrome is required. Ultrasound can clearly show the left renal vein in most patients, to determine whether the left renal vein is mutated or compressed. Ultrasound has the highest sensitivity for detecting the type Ⅰ, which is not easy to misdiagnose. However, type Ⅲ is easy to misdiagnosis. Whereas the type Ⅱ and type Ⅳ is difficult to detect using ultrasound, which may be related to the limitations of ultrasound imaging.
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Objective:To investigate the ultrasonographic features of internal jugular venous vein pseudo-aneurysm.Methods:The ultrasonographic and clinical features of a patient with internal jugular venous vein pseudo-aneurysm in Union Hospital Affiliated to Huazhong University of Science and Technology were retrospectively analyzed. These characteristics of this patient combined with cases from literatures were summarized.Results:Ultrasound showed that the 38.6 mm×14.0 mm×29.9 mm anechoic area in the soft tissue layer of the left neck communicated with the left internal jugular vein through the 3.8 mm wide breach, and a 12.9 mm×6.6 mm slightly hyperechoic mass was found in the anechoic area. Color Doppler flow imaging showed that the internal jugular vein communicated with the anechoic area through the crevasse. There was no obvious blood flow signal in slightly hyperechoic mass. The bidirectional burr-like blood flow signal could be detected by pulse-wave Doppler. Contrast enhanced ultrasound showed that the contrast agent flowed into the mass from the internal jugular vein through the breach, and the slightly hyperechoic mass appeared the contrast filling defect, and contrast agent was well filled in the rest of the anechoic area. Ultrasound diagnosis: left internal jugular vein pseudoaneurysm with thrombosis. 35 cases of cervical vein pseudo-aneurysm patients were finally included in 23 documents, including 12 males, 23 females, 15 cases on the left side, 20 cases on the right side, 6 cases of the internal jugular vein, 27 cases of the external jugular vein; one case only describes the neck veins and supraclavicular vein in another one case. Among them, 34 cases showed subcutaneous anechoic masses on ultrasound, 1 case showed slightly hyperechoic masses, and 35 cases showed venous wall breaches.Conclusions:Ultrasound examination has high diagnostic value for vein pseudo-aneurysm owing to its convenience, fast and serial observation. Therefore, it is the preferred method and can be widely used in clinical practice. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound can clearly show the blood perfusion, and help to improve the diagnostic confidence of the operator.
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Objective:To investigate the clinical value of conventional ultrasound combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in diagnosis of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChRCC).Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the ultrasound features of 40 cases with ChRCC which were confirmed by operation and pathology from January 2012 to January 2018 in our hospital. The site, shape, size, capsule, internal echo and blood supply of the lesions were observed by routine ultrasound. Then CEUS showed the modality of enhancement, including the arrival time, peak time, peak intensity, distribution and the washout time.Results:Among the 40 cases, 38 cases were single, 2 cases were multiple, 17 cases were left kidney, 22 cases were right kidney, 1 case was double kidney. The tumors were located in the upper part of the kidney in 8 cases (20.0%), the lower part of the kidney in 9 cases (22.5%), and the middle part of the kidney in 23 cases (57.5%). One of the tumors was located in the right renal pelvis, and the lesion invaded the renal capsule in 11 cases (27.5%). The tumor was round, quasi round or oval, with clear boundary in 35 cases (87.5%), unclear boundary in 5 cases (12.5%), and the maximum diameter was 2.0-11.2 (5.1±0.8)cm. The lesions were hypoechoic in 23 cases (57.5%), isoechoic in 7 cases (17.5%), slightly hyperechoic in 7 cases (17.5%), cystic and solid mixed echo in 3 cases (7.5%), homogeneous echo in 23 cases (57.5%), heterogeneous echo in 17 cases (42.5%), and calcification in 5 cases (12.5%). Color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) showed that blood vessels could be seen around the lesions, and no obvious blood flow signal was detected in 15 cases (37.5%) of the lesions; few star shaped blood flow signals could be detected in 12 cases (30%) of the lesions, short strip shaped blood flow signals could be detected in 7 cases (17.5%) of the lesions, and abundant blood flow signals could be seen in 6 cases (15%) of the lesions. Four patients underwent contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination at the same time. The lesions began to strengthen rapidly and evenly at the same time in the renal cortex, showing slightly low enhancement, and disappeared earlier than the renal cortex, showing a " fast forward and fast backward" perfusion mode. No tumor thrombus in draining vein, perirenal tissue and lymph node metastasis were found in all cases.Conclusions:Conventional ultrasound show ChRCC to be poor blood supply of solid tumors in the renal parenchyma, most of which are hypoechoic or isoechoic, with clear boundaries. CEUS show the lesions taking on high wash-in and wash-out, low enhancement than the surrounding renal cortex. These features are helpful for preoperative ultrasound diagnosis of ChRCC.
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Objective:This study aimed to investigate the relationships between anthropometric parameters and carotid elasticity by real-time vascular quantification stiffness technique (R-VQS), and to identify the predictive value of anthropometric parameters for cardiovascular disease risk.Methods:A total of 563 adults were recruited for this study and were divided into two groups by gender. The anthropometric indices [body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), a body shape index (ABSI), body round index (BRI), and visceral adiposity index (VAI)] were calculated. R-VQS technique was used to assess the parameters of carotid elasticity: pulse wave velocity (PWV). The correlations between the anthropometric indices and PWV were analyzed. Linear regression was used to analyze the predictive factors of PWV.Results:⑴ The BMI, WC, ABSI, BRI, VAI and PWV were higher in men than those in women ( P<0.05); ⑵ In men and women, all the anthropometric parameters positively correlated with systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ( P<0.05); ⑶ diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension history were predictors of PWV in men ( β=0.110, 0.101, respectively, P<0.05); DM, hypertension history and smoking status were predictors of PWV in women ( β=0.061, 0.095, 0.067, respectively, P<0.05); ⑷ After adjusting for diabetes, hypertension and smoking, ABSI and VAI were predictors of PWV in men ( β=0.078, 0.068, P<0.05); BMI, WC, ABSI, BRI and VAI were predictive factors of carotid PWV in women ( β=0.131, 0.123, 0.204, 0.153, 0.196, P<0.05). Conclusions:Among the anthropometric indexes, ABSI and VAI have good correlations with carotid elasticity in wen and women, represented by PWV. These results suggest that ABSI and VAI may be convenient, highly cost-effective and simple parameters for obesity and are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in clinical practice. R-VQS is a convenient, real-time and rapid technique for the early assessment of the carotid elasticity.
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In recent years, ultrasound elastography, as a new technique for evaluating soft tissue elasticity, has been progressively used in musculoskeletal system. Shear-wave elastography (SWE) is considered to be more objective, quantitative, and reproducible than other ultrasonic elastography techniques with increasing applications to the musculoskeletal system. A number of studies have shown that SWE has high application value in determining severity and prognosis of the musculoskeletal tissue diseases (including tendons, muscles, nerves and ligaments). This article describes the applications of SWE in the evaluation of musculoskeletal system.
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Ultrasound imaging is widely used in clinical daily diagnosis and treatment, and is considered to be a preferred examination in a variety of diseases. With the rapid development and continuous integration of computer technologies and related cross-field technologies, the novel ultrasound technologies have emerged, which greatly expand the application fields of ultrasound. From the clinical viewpoint, this article reviews several new ultrasound technologies and their application progress in recent years.
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Objective:To explore the clinical application value of vector flow mapping (VFM) in assessment of early cardiac dysfunction in aortic stenosis (AS) patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).Methods:The clinical study consisted of 37 patients with various degrees of AS (LVEF>50%) from October 2015 to February 2017 in Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, including 16 mild to moderate ones (AS1 group ) and 21 severe ones ( AS2 group ). A group of 35 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers were selected as control group. Using Hitachi Aloka Prosound F75 color Doppler ultrasound diagnostic system, general two-dimensional parameters of left ventricular structure and function were measured. Furthermore, standard dynamic apical long axis view color Doppler flow images during 3 completed cardiac cycles were acquired for DAS-RS1 off-line workstation.Based on time-flow curve(T-F curve) of left ventricle, ECG, and the open-close of valves, the diastole period of left ventricle was divided into the isovolumic relaxation phase(P1), rapid filling phase(P2), slow filling phase(P3), atria contract phase (P4), and total diastolic phase(P0); the systole period was divided into isovolumetric contraction phase (P5), rapid ejecting phase(P6), slow ejecting phase(P7), and total systolic phase(P8). The left ventricular energy loss (EL) of three groups were acquired in all phases.Results:Left ventricular EL: ①Three peaks of EL appeared in P2, P4 and P6 respectively and total diastolic EL was almost equal to systolic. ②Compared with control group, the EL values of AS1 group increased in all phases, but only in P4, P7 and P0 with significant differences ( P<0.05). ③Compared with the other two groups, the EL values in AS2 group increased significantly in all phases of AS2 group ( P<0.01). Correlation analysis: ①For control group and AS group, there were both significant positive correlations between P0-EL, P8-EL and LVMI ( r=0.561, 0.585; 0.635, 0.652 respectively; P<0.01). ②There were both significant positive correlations between P2-EL and E, e′( r=0.623, 0.537; 0.576, 0.502 respectively; P<0.01), while P4-EL and A( r=0.482, 0.555, P<0.01). ③There were both significant positive correlations between P0-EL, P8-EL and E/e′( r=0.480, 0.459; 0.673, 0.590 respectively; P<0.01) and negative correlations between P0-EL, P8-EL and LVEF ( r=-0.537, -0.596; -0.569, -0.625 respectively; P<0.01). Conclusions:Quantitative evaluation of left ventricular EL by VFM technique is expected to provide a sensitive indicator for evaluating the cardiac structure and functional status in AS patients with normal LVEF.
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Objective:To investigate the application of post-mortem tissue sampling under ultrasonography guidance in the autopsy of COVID-19 cases.Methods:Ultrasound-guided post-mortem tissue sampling of heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and spleen were performed in 24 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from Feb 20 to Mar 28, 2020. Seventeen males and seven females aged 39-91(66.6±10.6) years old were enrolled. The total time required for each post-mortem sampling was recorded, and the size of the samples collected from each organ was measured. The success rate of ultrasound-guided post-mortem tissue sampling for each organ was calculated.Results:Ultrasound images could clearly show the needle path and enabled accurate placement of the needle within the target organs, including heart, lung, liver, kidney, and spleen. The total time required for sampling was about 32-54 (39.8±5.7)min. The lengths of heart, lung, liver, kidney, and spleen tissues collected by ultrasound-guided sampling were 10(8, 14)mm, 13(12, 15)mm, 14(13, 15)mm, 13(11, 15)mm, 14(13, 15)mm, respectively. The success rates of heart, lung, liver, kidney, and spleen tissue sampling under ultrasound guidance were 87.5% (21/24), 91.7%(44/48), 100%(24/24), 89.6%(43/48) and 83.3%(20/24), respectively.Conclusions:Post-mortem sampling under ultrasonography guidance may be a rapid and reliable method for collecting of heart, lung, liver, kidney, and spleen tissues in the autopsy of COVID-19 cases.
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Objective@#To prepare a kind of lipid nanoparticle ultrasound contrast agents with the ability to target to viable myocardium for diagnosis.@*Methods@#The agent was a biotinylated, fluorescent-labelled, lipid-coated, liquid perfluorocarbon emulsion. Physico-chemical properties of the agent were measured, including size distribution, Zeta Potential, concentration and so on. Ischemia-reperfusion models were created in rats, and then exposed to biotinylated anti-MCP-1 monoclonal antibody, rhodamine avidin and biotinylated, FITC-labelled nanoparticles, respectively. Echocardiography was taken before and after injection. Frozen sections of their hearts were observed under fluorescence microscope.@*Results@#The particle diameter, zeta potential and concentration of lipid nanoparticles were (172.30±52.06)nm, (-33.10±6.50)mV and (2.28±0.46)×1011/ml, respectively. From the short-axis view, the myocardium under endocardium of anterior wall was enhanced obviously. While myocardium of other walls were still. The lipid nanoparticles located in the myocardium of anterior wall and gave out bright green and red fluorescence under fluorescence microscope, while neither lipid nanoparticles nor fluorescence were found in other sites of ventricular myocardium.@*Conclusions@#The viable myocardium can be targeted and acoustically enhanced by the self-made nano-scale ultrasound contrast agent. This new agent has potential to improve sensitivity and specificity for noninvasive identifying viable myocardium.
ABSTRACT
Objective To prepare a kind of lipid nanoparticle ultrasound contrast agents with the ability to target to viable myocardium for diagnosis . Methods T he agent was a biotinylated ,fluorescent‐labelled ,lipid‐coated , liquid perfluorocarbon emulsion . Physico‐chemical properties of the agent were measured ,including size distribution ,Zeta Potential ,concentration and so on . Ischemia‐reperfusion models were created in rats ,and then exposed to biotinylated anti‐MCP‐1 monoclonal antibody ,rhodamine avidin and biotinylated ,FITC‐labelled nanoparticles ,respectively . Echocardiography was taken before and after injection . Frozen sections of their hearts were observed under fluorescence microscope . Results T he particle diameter ,zeta potential and concentration of lipid nanoparticles were ( 172 .30 ± 52 .06) nm ,( －33 .10 ± 6 .50) mV and ( 2 .28 ± 0 .46 ) × 1011/ml ,respectively . From the short‐axis view ,the myocardium under endocardium of anterior wall was enhanced obviously . While myocardium of other walls were still . T he lipid nanoparticles located in the myocardium of anterior wall and gave out bright green and red fluorescence under fluorescence microscope ,w hile neither lipid nanoparticles nor fluorescence were found in other sites of ventricular myocardium . Conclusions The viable myocardium can be targeted and acoustically enhanced by the self‐made nano‐scale ultrasound contrast agent . T his new agent has potential to improve sensitivity and specificity for noninvasive identifying viable myocardium .