Quantitative evaluation of the dynamic changes of mitral annulus in patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation by three-dimensional echocardiography / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To quantitatively analyze the static geometric structure and dynamic changes of the mitral annulus(MA) in patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) by three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography.Methods:Thirty-five patients with DMR (both mitral valve prolapse and Barlow) were collected as DMR group in Yunnan Fuwai Cardiovascular Disease Hospital from August 2019 to March 2021, and 42 healthy volunteers were selected as control group during the same period. The mitral annulus area (MAA), mitral annulus perimeter (MAP), mitral annulus anterolateral-posteromedial diameter (DALPM), anteroposterior diameter (DAP), non-planar angle (NPA), mitral annulus height (AH), and the ratio of height to intercommissural diameter (AHCWR) were measured during the late-diastole, early-systole, mid-systole and late-systole, and the systolic change fractions of the above parameters were calculated. The differences of static structure and dynamic change of MA between the two groups were compared, and the characteristics of dynamic change of MA in the whole cardiac cycle were analyzed.Results:Static structure: MAA, MAP, DAP and DALPM in DMR group were higher than those in control group during the whole cardiac cycle, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the saddle structure in DMR group were flattened in the middle and late contraction stages (AHCWR: 0.17±0.01 vs 0.21±0.01 and 0.15±0.01 vs 0.23±0.01, both P<0.05), while the saddle structure was relatively preserved in the rest of the contraction stage. Dynamic changes: Presystole contraction (MAA, MAP, DAP, DALPM decreased, all P<0.05) were appeared durng the late-diastole and early-systole in the control group, and saddle shape deepened (NPA decreased, AH and AHCWR increased, all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, presystole MA contraction and saddle deepening disappeared in DMR group (there were no significant differences in all MA parameters between late-diastole and early-systole, all P>0.05). The systolic dynamic changes were weaker and impaired when compared with the control group, which showed that the systolic change scores of DALPM, NPA and AHCWR were lower than those of the control group (all P<0.05). There were no statistical differences in the 4 time phases of MA parameters except DAP (all P>0.05). Conclusions:The saddle-shape structure of MA in normal subjects is obvious, and the dynamic change of MA in the cardiac cycle is significant, with obvious contraction before contraction and saddle-shape deepening. The saddle structure of DMR patient is flattened in the middle and late systolic period, and the MA kinetic energy of DMR patient is weakened throughout the cardiac cycle, the contraction phenomenon disappeared before contraction, and the dynamic change of systolic period is impaired to varying degrees.

Clinical study of mitral annulus displacement measured by two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging to assess the left ventricular systolic function in Kawasaki disease / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the value of mitral annulus displacement(TMAD) measured by two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging in evaluating left ventricular(LV) systolic function before and after immunoglobulin(IVIG) treatment in children with Kawasaki disease(KD).Methods:Thirty-five hospitalized children with acute KD(KD group) and 40 healthy volunteers(control group)were enrolled from September 2020 to March 2021 in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. All participants underwent echocardiography.Left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) and left ventricular short axis shortening(LVFS) were calculated from M-mode echocardiography. All children had their apical four-chamber and two-chamber view recorded and stored in real time, and the images of the KD group were recorded in the acute, subacute and convalescent stages, respectively. The data was analyzed by QLab 13.0 offline quantitative analysis software. The TMAD parameters between the KD group and the control group were compared. And the TMAD parameters at different periods in the KD group were compared. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to evaluate associations between TMAD parameters and LVEF and N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP) in children with acute KD.Results:①The parameters of TMAD AP4 MV1, TMAD AP4 MV2, TMAD AP2 MV1, TMAD AP2 MV2, TMAD AP4 Midpt, TMAD AP4 Midpt%, TMAD AP2 Midpt and TMAD AP2 Midpt% were decreased in patients with KD at different periods than those of the control group(all P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in LVEF between the two groups( P>0.05). ②After IVIG treatment, the values of TMAD AP4 MV1, TMAD AP4 MV2, TMAD AP2 MV1, TMAD AP2 MV2, TMAD AP4 Midpt, TMAD AP4 Midpt%, TMAD AP2 Midpt and TMAD AP2 Midpt% in subacute stage of KD were higher than those in acute stage(all P<0.05), the values of TMAD AP4 Midpt% and TMAD AP2 Midpt% in the convalescent stage of KD were higher than those in the subacute stage(all P<0.05). ③The parameters of TMAD were positively correlated with LVEF( r=0.36, 0.40, 0.32, 0.28, 0.42, 0.46, 0.35, 0.37; all P<0.05) and negatively correlated with NT-proBNP( r=-0.61, -0.57, -0.40, -0.60, -0.63, -0.47, -0.61, -0.36; all P<0.05). Conclusions:TMAD measured by two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging can quickly and accurately evaluate left ventricular systolic function in children with KD before and after IVIG treatment, and TMAD combined with NT-proBNP can provide a new method for clinical management of KD.

Value of mitral annular plane systolic excursion in the assessment of contractile reserve in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy before cardiac revascularization

Background Mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) is an M-mode derived echocardiographic marker of left ventricular longitudinal function, the aim of this study is to evaluate the value of MAPSE in assessment of contractile reserve in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy before cardiac revascularization. Methods The study included 50 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy with ejection fraction (EF) ≤35%, the patients presented to echocardiography laboratory for dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) to assess viability and contractile reserve before revascularization, patients with primary valvular disease, and those with significant mitral annular calcifications were excluded from the study. A low dose DSE was done to all patients using standardized incremental infusions of 5, 10, and 20 μg/kg/min and the following parameters were measured at both baseline and peak dose, (EF, wall motion score index(WMSI) and MAPSE). Contractile reserve was measured as the difference between the low dose and baseline values of the EF and WMSI. Results The study included 50 patients aged 55.08 ± 7.15 years, 94% were males, the DSE protocol was complete in all patients without serious side effects. A total of eight hundred segments were analyzed, at baseline 65% were dysfunctional including 31.2% hypokinetic, 28.8% were akinetic, and 5% were dyskinetic. At low dose study 70% of the dysfunctional myocardium showed viability, EF increased significantly from 30.84 ± 4.56 to 42.24 ± 8.15%, p < 0.001, the WMSI reduced significantly from 1.92 ± 0.33 to 1.47 ± 0.39, and MAPSE increased significantly from 1.02 ± 0.23 to 1.30 ± 0.30 mm. MAPSE showed a significant positive correlation with EF at both baseline and low dose study (r = 0.283, p = 0.046 & r = 0.348, p = 0.013) respectively and a significant negative correlation with WMSI at both baseline and low dose study (r = −0.3, p = 0.034 & r = −0.409, p = 0.003), respectively. By ROC curve analysis we found that Δ MAPSE ≥2 mm can predict contractile reserve at Δ EF >10% (AUC = 0.6, sensitivity 67.86, specificity 59.09), and Δ MAPSE ≥1.8 mm can predict contractile reserve at ΔWMSI ≤0.20 (AUC = 0.61, sensitivity 65.5, specificity 75.6). Conclusions MAPSE is a rapid simple quantitative echocardiographic method that can asses contractile reserve in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy before cardiac revascularization.

Is mitral annular ascent useful in studying left ventricular function through left atrio-ventricular interactions?

Background The mitral annulus (MA) is a crucial structure that is in constant motion throughout the cardiac cycle. The main purpose of this study was to determine if M-mode evaluation of the longitudinal motion of the MA could be useful to examine atrio-ventricular interactions. Methods Echocardiographic data obtained from 150 patients (mean age 56 ± 16; 82 males) from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine was evaluated to examine if any relationship exists between MA motion and measures of atrio-ventricular interactions. Results Even though left atrial size, left ventricular (LV) mass index, LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and degree of LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) were significant echocardiographic variables affecting MA motion; LVEF and the degree of LVDD were the main determinants of MA excursion during systole (MAPSE) and after atrial contraction (MAa). Our results confirm the surrogate value of MAPSE with regards to LVEF and also show that the extent of MA excursion during systole is the main determinant of MAa. The effect of LV diastolic function applies more strongly to MAPSE than to MAa. However, the maximal MAa amplitude varies in accordance to the type of LVDD. Conclusions We have shown for the first time that M-mode interrogation of the MA longitudinal motion appears useful to assess atrio-ventricular interactions. Since LV systolic and diastolic functions are so closely related; additional studies are now required to examine how this longitudinal measure correlates with known circumferential rotational data obtained with other imaging modalities.

Relationship between Oxygen Uptake Efficiency Slope and Left Ventricular Systolic and Diastolic Function in Elderly Patients with Coronary Heart Disease / 中国运动医学杂志

Objective To investigate clinical significance and the correlation between oxygen uptake efficiency slope(OUES) measured by the cardiopulmonary exercise test(CPET) and echocardiographic left ventricular function in elderly patients with coronary heart diseases after the percutaneous coronary intervention.Methods Patients aged 65 years and over after PCI and CPET were enrolled to collect relevant parameters including the peak oxygen consumption(VO2peak),oxygen pulse(VO2/HR),OUES and cardiorespiratory fitness(CRF) index,also mitral annulus systolic peak speed(Sm),early diastolic mitral flow velocity Em and mitral annular early diastolic peak velocity Em ratio(E/Em) using the echocardiography.Patients with systolic velocity of mitral annulus(Sm)≥8 cm/s were assigned to the normal Sm group,while the rest were selected into the lower Sm group.The correlation between the cardiopulmonary fitness and cardiac function was analyzed.Results Four hundred and two patients were enrolled,with an average age of 71 ± 5 years,283 males(70.40％),and 119 females(29.60％).Among them,111 (27.61％) were 75 years of age or older,202(50.25％) ranging from 65 to 69 and 89 (22.14％) between 70 and 74.Totally 227 patients were diagnosed as angina pectoris(56.47％),62 as acute myocardial infarction (15.42％),and 113 patients with old myocardial infarction (28.11％).It was found that the heart systolic function was associated with CRF:Sm and OUES were positively correlated independently(r=29.220,P=0.001);Em was positively related to VO2peak(r=0.176,P＜0.001) andOUES (r=0.151,P=0.003).However,E/Em was negatively correlated with VO2peak (r=-0.199,P＜0.001),VO2/HR (r=-0.118,P=0.018) and OUES (r=-0.201,P＜0.001).The left atrial pressure was negatively correlated with VO2peak (r=-0.187,P＜0.001),VO2/HR (r=-0.108,P=0.030) and OUES (r=-0.185,P＜ 0.001).Left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular end diastolic diameter were not found to be related to cardiorespiratory fitness parameters (P＞0.05).Conclusion The cardiopulmonary exercise test can be used as a practical method to evaluate and guide the rehabilitation exercises.The CRF parameters can evaluate the heart function exercise and is significantly correlated to the resting cardiac systolic and diastolic function parameters.

A preliminary study for the feasibility and accuracy of three-dimensional printing mitral annulus models based on echocardiographic data / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of three-dimensional (3D) printing of mitral annulus with transesophageal echocardiographic volume images as the data source ,and to assess the accuracy of the 3D printing mitral annulus models based on three dimensional transesophageal echocardiography ( 3D-TEE) images preliminarily . Methods A retrospective study was performed in 25 patients with mild or slight mitral regurgitation and 10 patients with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation . All the subjects were underwent 3D-TEE . The 3D-TEE volume images of mitral annulus at the end diastole were post-processed by Mimics software to create images of the mitral annulus in standard tessellation language format . The STL file was output to the 3D printer and the 3D printing models of mitral annulus were obtained . The mitral annulus size parameters including the diameter between anterior and posterior ,the diameter between anterolaterior and posteromedial ,sphericity index and mitral annulus circumference were measured from 3D printing models and 3D-TEE images ,respectively . From which the absolute difference of the measurements between 3D printing models and the 3D-TEE images were calculated . Results All of the 3D-TEE images were successfully post-processed ,and the corresponding 3D printing models were acquired by high-precision 3D printer . It showed no significant difference in all the mitral annulus size parameters between 3D printing modelsand3D-TEEimages(allP >0.05) .Morever,thesizeparameterswereconcordantwellbetweenthe two methods ,all of the data points fell within the limits of agreement . It showed little absolute difference in value of the mitral annulus size parameters between the 3D printing mitral annulus models and the 3D-TEE images . Conclusions It is technically feasible to print 3D models of mitral annulus using 3D-TEE images as the data source . 3D printing mitral annulus models based on transesophageal echocardiographic volume images have high precision .

Dynamic changes in the ischemic mitral annulus: Implications for ring sizing.

Objectives: Contrary to the rest of the mitral annulus, inter‑trigonal distance is known to be relatively less dynamic during the cardiac cycle. Therefore, intertrigonal distance is considered a suitable benchmark for annuloplasty ring sizing during mitral valve (MV) surgery. The entire mitral annulus dilates and flattens in patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR). It is assumed that the fibrous trigone of the heart and the intertrigonal distance does not dilate. In this study, we sought to demonstrate the changes in mitral annular geometry in patients with IMR and specifically analyze the changes in intertrigonal distance during the cardiac cycle. Methods: Intraoperative three‑dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic data obtained from 26 patients with normal MVs undergoing nonvalvular cardiac surgery and 36 patients with IMR undergoing valve repair were dynamically analyzed using Philips Qlab® software. Results: Overall, regurgitant valves were larger in area and less dynamic than normal valves. Both normal and regurgitant groups displayed a significant change in annular area (AA) during the cardiac cycle (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Anteroposterior and anterolateral‑posteromedial diameters and inter‑trigonal distance increased through systole (P < 0.05 for all) in accordance with the AAs in both groups. However, inter‑trigonal distance showed the least percentage change across the cardiac cycle and its reduced dynamism was validated in both cohorts (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Annular dimensions in regurgitant valves are dynamic and can be measured feasibly and accurately using echocardiography. The echocardiographically identified inter‑trigonal distance does not change significantly during the cardiac cycle.

Anatomical Discrepancy Between The Coronary Sinus and the Mitral Annulus by Fluoroscopy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Intracardiac electrocardiograms (ECGs) from the coronary sinus (CS) provide important information for identifying a left-sided bypass tract. However, a previous study revealed an anatomical discrepancy between the CS and mitral annulus (MA) in cadaver hearts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anatomical relationship between the CS and MA in the living body by using fluoroscopy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We analyzed patients who had an ablation for 42 left-sided bypass tracts and one paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. A left atriogram was performed during the ablation by using a pigtail catheter via the transseptal approach. The distances between the CS and MA were measured at 30° right anterior oblique (RAO) and 60° left anterior oblique (LAO) projections at the end of ventricular systole and diastole. RESULTS: The distances between the CS and MA at the RAO projection were 9.74±3.50, 3.86±2.58, and 9.02±6.04 mm during systole and 12.89±5.59, 3.97±3.24, and 10.71±4.12 mm during diastole at the proximal, middle, and distal CS, respectively. The distances between the CS and MA at the LAO projection were 6.84±2.77, 1.80±1.51, and 4.57±3.24 mm during systole and 9.91±3.25, 4.21±3.59, and 7.02±3.12 mm during diastole at the proximal, middle, and distal CS, respectively. CONCLUSION: An anatomical discrepancy was detected between the CS and MA in most cases. Therefore, intracardiac ECGs of the CS cannot exactly localize left-sided bypass tracts.

Infective endocarditis and caseous calcification of the mitral annulus: The odd couple / La endocarditis infecciosa y la calcificación caseosa del anillo mitral: la extraña pareja

Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus is an infrequent echocardiographic finding. The differential diagnosis includes other entities like tumors, abscess or thrombus. Both cardiac CT and cardiac MRI may be useful for its definitive diagnosis.

La calcificación caseosa del anillo mitral es un hallazgo ecocardiográfico poco frecuente. Debe hacerse el diagnóstico diferencial con otras entidades tales como tumores, abscesos o trombos. Para su diagnóstico definitivo además del ecocardiograma tanto el TC cardiaco como la Cardio RM pueden ser de utilidad.

The mechanical characterization study of mitral annulus at different sites in normal adults using ultrasonic dual pulse-wave Doppler / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To define the mechanical features of mitral annulus at various sites,and to investigate the specific mechanics characterization at different mitral annulus sites in evaluation consequences of left ventricular function by dual pulse-wave Doppler (DPW) technology.Methods The DPW spectrums were obtained at lateral and aboral interval,anterior and inferior and posterior mitral annular from 112 normal adults.The peak systolic velocity (Sm),peak early diastolic velocity (Em),peak late diastolic velocity (Am),the beginning time of the peak and the time to peak were measured,and E/A,Em/Am,E/Em,left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) were computed.Results 1)Sm,Em,Am and Em/Am measured in the free wall annulus were significantly greater than measured in the interval annulus of mitral annular sites.However,E/Em was opposited (P ＜ 0.05).Sm of the posterior wall mitral annulus accelerated frist and experienced shortest duration in all the mitral annular sites (P ＜ 0.01).There were no significant differences of Em time parameters among different mitral annulus sites.Am of the beginning time and peak time in the free wall annulus were significantly longer than that in the interval annulus of anterior mitral annular sites.However,the acceleration time was opposited(P ＜0.05).2) Sm was correlated with LVEF and LVFS (r =0.243 and r =0.227,P ＜0.01) only at the posterior mitral annular site,Em/Am of anterior and posterior wall mitral annulus had the highest correlations with mitral orifice flow E/A(r =0.545 and 0.545 respectively,P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions There are significant differences among the mechanics patterns at different mitral annulus sites in normal adults.The mechanics characterization at different mitral annulus sites have different conclusions of left ventricular function.

Pulsed tissue Doppler imaging of the left ventricular septal mitral annulus in healthy dogs

This study evaluated pulsed TDI variables including the isovolumic time interval and duration of the major wave in a population of large healthy dogs. Longitudinal myocardial motion at the septal mitral annulus was evaluated with pulsed TDI in 45 healthy adult dogs. Maximal myocardial velocities, isovolumic time intervals, and duration of the myocardial waves were measured. The correlation between time intervals and velocity variables was also investigated. The mean maximal systolic velocity was 6.92 +/- 1.78 cm/sec, the mean early diastolic velocity (Em) was 6.58 +/- 1.81 cm/sec, the mean late diastolic velocity (Am) was 5.10 +/- 2.00 cm/sec, the mean isovolumic contraction time (IVCT) was 53.61 +/- 95.13 msec, and the mean isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) was 26.74 +/- 57.24 msec. The early diastolic mitral inflow velocity (E)/Em ratio was 10.94 +/- 3.27 while the Em/Am ratio was 1.40 +/- 0.40. There was a negative correlation between Am duration and Am amplitude, and a positive correlation between the IVRT and Em/Am ratio (p < 0.05). The normal LV parameter using pulsed TDI method could be used as the reference range for identifying myocardial dysfunction in dogs.

Assessment of global systolic function of left ventricle in patients with myocardial infarction by two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To evaluate the global contractile function of the left ventricle (LV) by speckle tracking imaging (STI) in patients with myocardial infarction (MI), in order to determine the feasibility of evaluation of LV funtion with mitral annular displacement (MAD).Methods The systolis parameters including longitudinal strain (GLs) ,circumferential strain (GCs) and MAD were obtained using STI and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was acquired by three-dimensional echocardiography in control group and MI group,and the correlation between these parameters and LVEF was analyzed respectively.Results The parameters in MI group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P ＜0.01).GLs was the independent predictors of LVEF in control group and MI group.A good correlation was showed between MADin control group and MI group (r = 0.84, P ＜0.01 and r = 0.87, P ＜0.01, respectively).Conclusions MAD may be a promising modality to evaluate the global systolic function of LV in patients with MI for clinical routine practice.

Usefulness of Mitral Annular Systolic Velocity in the Detection of Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction: Comparison with Three Dimensional Echocardiographic Data

BACKGROUND: Although the modified Simpson's method is widely used for the assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), it has limitations including relatively high inter- and intra-observer variability and time consuming nature. We want to evaluate whether assessing mitral annular systolic velocity (S' velocity) by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) can be used to evaluate LV systolic function with comparing LVEF by three dimensional echocardiography (3DE). METHODS: We examined 3DE and TDI studies of patients between January and August 2008. 3DE LVEF was measured by offline commercial computer software EchoPac PC(R) (GE, Andover, MA, USA). S' velocity was obtained from the medial side with apical four chamber view by pulsed-wave Doppler with TDI. RESULTS: We included 125 patients (78 males (62.4%), mean age: 57.5+/-13.0 years). The mean S' velocity was 7.7+/-1.9 cm/s and the mean LVEF was 57.2+/-10.4%. The S' velocity measured by TDI showed a linear correlation with LVEF measured by 3DE (r=0.688, p<0.001). Study patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of LV systolic dysfunction: Group I (normal LVEF), n=102 and Group II (LVEF <50%), n=23. For prediction of significant LV systolic dysfunction by the receiver operating characteristic curve according to S' velocity, the optimal cutoff value was 6.8 cm/s. At this cutoff value, the sensitivity and specificity were 94.1% and 87%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In this study, S' velocity measured by TDI showed a significant correlation with three dimensional LVEF and can be used to detect patients with LV systolic dysfunction.

Significance of the disagreement between transmitral pulsed wave Doppler and mitral annulus tissue Doppler imaging in the estimation of left ventricular filling pressures / 中国医学影像技术

Objective To explore the clinical significance of the disagreement between transmitral pulsed wave Doppler (PWD) and mitral annulus Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) in the estimation of left ventricular (LV) filling pressures. Methods One hundred and eighty-two sinus rhythm patients without arrhythmia, congenital heart disease and valvular disease underwent routine echocardiography and synchronous electrocardiogram for assessment of LV function. Early and late diastolic velocities of LV, which were composed of e and a waves, were recorded using DTI at the mitral annulus. Six sites at the mitral annuli were selected corresponding to the septal, lateral, anterior septal, posterior, inferior, and anterior walls of LV from apical 4-, 3-and 2-chamber views. Transmitral diastolic flow velocity, which was represented by E and A wave, was measured with PWD from apical 4-chamber view. Ratio of early and late diastolic transmitral valve (MV-E/A), ratio of DTI-e/a-ann and ratio of E/e-ann were calculated, respectively. The mean value of e-ann from the above 6 sites was selected to describe the early diastolic velocities of mitral annular. Results According to the results of MV-E/A ratio and DTI-e/a-ann ratios of the 6 sites, these 182 patients were divided into 4 groups: groupⅠ(n=68): MV-E/A＜1.0, DTI-e/a-ann＜1.0 at all the 6 sites at the same time, with mean MV-E/A ratio being 0.71±0.16 and mean E/e-ann ratio 15.91±6.78; groupⅡ(n=38): MV-E/A＜1.0, DTI-e/a-ann≥1.0 at 1-6 sites among the total sites, with mean MV-E/A ratio being 0.76±0.12 and mean E/e-ann ratio 10.37±2.63; group Ⅲ(n=23): MV-E/A≥1.0, DTI-e/a-ann≥1.0 at all the 6 sites at the same time, with mean MV-E/A ratio being 1.74±0.42 and mean E/e-ann ratio 9.57±2.39; group Ⅳ(n=53): MV-E/A≥1.0, DTI-e/a-ann＜1.0 at 1-6 sites among the total sites, with mean MV-E/A ratio being 1.31±0.31 and mean E/e-ann ratio 13.27±9.46. The mean ages of group Ⅰ, Ⅱand Ⅳ were older than that of group Ⅲ. Although there was no obvious difference between group Ⅰand groupⅡ in the mean age and mean MV-E/A (P＞0.05), the mean E/e-ann was much higher in group Ⅰthan that in groupⅡ (P＜0.05). The mean MV-E/A was similar in group Ⅲ and group Ⅳ (P＞0.05), but the mean age and mean E/e-ann in the latter were older and higher than those in the former (P＜0.05), respectively. The mean age in group Ⅳ was younger than that in group Ⅰand Ⅱ, while the mean E/e-ann in group Ⅳ was higher than that in group Ⅱ, but lower than group Ⅰ (P＜0.05). Conclusion ①Ratio of MV-E/A ＜1.0 and ratios of DTI-e/a-ann ＜1.0 at all the 6 sites indicates increasing LV filling pressures; ②MV-E/A≥1.0 and DTI-e/a-ann＜1.0 at 1-6 sites among the total sites predicts a tendency of high LV filling pressures; ③Wide variability may present in those with MV-E/A＜1.0, DTI-e/a-ann≥1.0 at 1-6 sites among the total 6 sites or MV-E/A≥1.0, DTI-e/a-ann≥1.0 at all the 6 sites at the same time; ④Age of the patient has great influence on the measurement of MV-E/A ratio and DTI-e/a-ann ratio.

Does The Mitral Annulus Shrink or Enlarge During Systole? A Real-Time 3D Echocardiography Study

This study was conducted to explore the geometrical changes of the mitral annulus during systole. The 3D shape of the mitral annulus was reconstructed in 13 normal subjects who had normal structure of the mitral apparatus using real-time 3D echocardiography (RT3DE) and 3D computer software. The two orthogonal (antero-posterior and commissure-commissure) dimensions, the areas (2D projected and 3D surface) and the non-planarity of the mitral annulus were estimated during early, mid and late systole. We demonstrated that the MA had a "saddle shape" appearance and it consistently enlarged mainly in the antero-posterior direction from early to late systole with lessening of its non-planarity, as was determined by 3D reconstruction using RT3DE and 3D computer software.

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Systolic Function with Mitral Annulus Motion Velocity:A Clinical Study / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To investigate left ventricular systolic function with mitral annulus motion velocity(Sa) with pulsed-wave Doppler tissue imaging(PW-DTI) in patients with coronary arteriosclerosis disease(CAD) after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Methods 52 patients with CAD,who were determined by coronary artery angiography,were divided into two groups,PCI group(n=33) and non-PCI group(n=19).They were followed up with PW-DTI and conventional echocardiography before and 5 d,3 months and 6 months after intervention in PCI ones,before and 6 months after angiography in non-PCI ones.In PCI group,the patients were divided two subgroups: EF≥50% and EF=30%～50%.Results The Sa improved significantly in PCI group 6 months after intervention(P<0.001).EF correlated with Sa(r=0.705,r=0.770 pre-and post-intervention respectively,P<0.0001).Conclusion Sa can be used to evaluate left ventricular systolic function of CAD patients.

Systolic Mitral Annular Velocity as a Simple Marker of Left Ventricular Peak Systolic dP/dt in Patients with Significant Mitral Regurgitation

BACKGROUND: Evaluating left ventricular (LV) contractile function in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) is a difficult clinical problem. Although LV dP/dt measured by Doppler echocardiography has been shown to be a good marker for LV contractility, it is limited clinically due to the complexity of the measurement and the difficulty in obtaining appropriate Doppler tracings in patients with eccentric MR. We hypothesized that systolic mitral annulus velocity (S') can be a good marker of LV dP/dt. METHODS: We studied 62 patients (25 men, age: 47+/-15 years) who had 3+ or 4+ MR with normal LV systolic function (ejection fraction >50%). Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography was performed. LV dP/dt-Doppler was measured using MR jet tracing as previously reported. S' velocity was measured at the septal annulus using Doppler tissue imaging. In 10 patients undergoing mitral surgery, LV pressure was measured with micromanometer-tipped catheter and peak dP/dt-cath was calculated. RESULTS: Mean LV ejection fraction was 60+/-6% and regurgitant fraction was 59+/-15%. S' velocity correlated well with LV dP/dt-Doppler (r=0.50, p<0.01). In 10 patients who underwent LV catheterization, LV dP/dt-Doppler correlated well with peak dP/dt-cath (r=0.68, p=0.03). Whereas S' velocity could be measured in all patients, LV dP/dt-Doppler could not be measured in 31 patients (50%) due to eccentric jet direction. CONCLUSION: Systolic mitral annulus velocity is a simple and feasible marker of LV dP/dt and, therefore, may be useful for assessing myocardial contractile function in patients with MR.

Advances in the Evaluation of Mitral Complex Geometry:Insights from Transthoracic Real-time Three-dimensional Echocardiography

No abstract available.

Acute Geometric Changes of the Mitral Annulus after Coronary Occlusion: A Real-Time 3D Echocardiographic Study

We performed real-time 3D echocardiography in sixteen sheep to compare acute geometric changes in the mitral annulus after left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD, n=8) ligation and those after left circumflex coronary artery (LCX, n=8) ligation. The mitral regurgitation (MR) was quantified by regurgitant volume (RV) using the proximal isovelocity surface area method. The mitral annulus was reconstructed through the hinge points of the annulus traced on 9 rotational apical planes (angle increment=20 degrees). Mitral annular area (MAA) and the ratio of antero-posterior (AP) to commissure-commissure (CC) dimension of the annulus were calculated. Non-planar angle (NPA) representing non-planarity of the annulus was measured. After LCX occlusion, there were significant increases of the MAA during both early and late systole (p<0.01) with significant MR (RV: 30+/-14 mL), while there was neither a significant increase of MAA, nor a significant MR (RV: 4+/-5 mL) after LAD occlusion. AP/CC ratio (p<0.01) and NPA (p<0.01) also significantly increased after LCX occlusion during both early and late systole. The mitral annulus was significantly enlarged in the antero-posterior direction with significant decrease of non-planarity compared to LAD occlusion immediately after LCX occlusion.

The Change of Diastolic Tissue Doppler Velocity of Mitral Annulus: the Differences between Septal and Lateral Annulus

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mitral annulus velocity profile during diastole may provide additional information about left ventricular diastolic function. This study assessed the change of mitral annulus velocity profile during diastole with aging and the differences between septal and lateral annulus. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Simultaneous measurements of annular velocity at both septal and lateral annulus were performed in 171 consecutive patients who had no evidence of hypertension, diabetes, other heart diseases and rhythm disturbances. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 44.6+/-15.2 years (range:16-74) and male 93, female 68. The Em and Em/Am were well correlated with age negatively, irrespective of the position of sample volume (Em(septum):r=-0.75, p<0.0001, Emlateral:r=-0.78, p<0.0001;Em/Am(septum):r=-0.72, p<0.0001, Em/Am(lateral):r=-0.71, p<0.0001). The Em and Em/Am were significantly decreased in septum compared with lateral annulus (Em:9.9+/-3.1 vs. 13.5+/-4.1, p<0.0001;Em/Am:1.15+/-0.57 vs. 1.53+/-0.75, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The indices of mitral annular velocity were well correlated with aging negatively. And the mitral annular velocity was decreased significantly at the septum compared with lateral annulus.