Semiautomatic Three-Dimensional Threshold-Based Cardiac Computed Tomography Ventricular Volumetry in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot: Comparison with Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging

OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy and potential bias of computed tomography (CT) ventricular volumetry using semiautomatic three-dimensional (3D) threshold-based segmentation in repaired tetralogy of Fallot, and to compare them to those of two-dimensional (2D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated 32 patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot who had undergone both cardiac CT and MRI within 3 years. For ventricular volumetry, semiautomatic 3D threshold-based segmentation was used in CT, while a manual simplified contouring 2D method was used in MRI. The indexed ventricular volumes were compared between CT and MRI. The indexed ventricular stroke volumes were compared with the indexed arterial stroke volumes measured using phase-contrast MRI. The mean differences and degrees of agreement in the indexed ventricular and stroke volumes were evaluated using Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: The indexed end-systolic (ES) volumes showed no significant difference between CT and MRI (p > 0.05), while the indexed end-diastolic (ED) volumes were significantly larger on CT than on MRI (93.6 ± 17.5 mL/m² vs. 87.3 ± 15.5 mL/m² for the left ventricle [p < 0.001] and 177.2 ± 39.5 mL/m² vs. 161.7 ± 33.1 mL/m² for the right ventricle [p < 0.001], respectively). The mean differences between CT and MRI were smaller for the indexed ES volumes (2.0–2.5 mL/m²) than for the indexed ED volumes (6.3–15.5 mL/m²). CT overestimated the stroke volumes by 14–16%. With phase-contrast MRI as a reference, CT (7.2–14.3 mL/m²) showed greater mean differences in the indexed stroke volumes than did MRI (0.8–3.3 mL/m²; p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Compared to 2D MRI, CT ventricular volumetry using semiautomatic 3D threshold-based segmentation provides comparable ES volumes, but overestimates the ED and stroke volumes in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot.

Two-dimensional spot tracking technology(STI) to evaluate the changes of the function of myocardium of left ventricle of Coronary heart disease after PCI / 实用医学杂志

Objective Using STI and WMSI to evaluate the change of the heart sarcomere local systolic function which suffered from coronary heart disease (CHD), to evaluate the improvement of ischemic heart sarcomere local systolic function after PCI. Methods There are 40 CHD patients after PCI called the treatment group and 40 healthy persons called the control group. Echocardiogram was used to evaluate the change of ventricular wall motion score in the treatment group which was before and 1 week after PCI , compared with the control group. STI is used to get the SLs, GSL and SrLe of the left ventricle six walls in basal segment,middle segmentand apical segment systole. Results The ventricular wall motion index of the left ventricular myocardium obviously rose in CHD patients which was after PCI, compared with the control group (P < 0.05). And it obviously reduced in CHD patients after PCI, compared with CHD patients before PCI(P < 0.05). The results of SLs,GSL and SrLe are reduced in myocardial ischemia segment of CHD patients before PCI,compared with the control group (P < 0.05). But they are significantly improved in the the treatment group 1 week after PCI, compared to which is before PCI(P < 0.05). Conclusion STI and WMS can be used to evaluate the abnormal of regional and global function of myocardium which is caused to coronary artery stenosis the effect of PCI. The left ventricular motion function of CHD is decreased, but the left ventricle regional systolic function of hypokinetic segments in patients with CHD after PCI is significantly increased.

Dynamic survey of the rabbit models of pulmonary artery embolism by quantitative tissue velocity imaging / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of quantitative tissue velocity imaging ( QTVI ) in the detection of right ventricle function in a rabbit model of pulmonary artery embolism .Methods Twenty-two healthy adult rabbits were used in this study .The animal models of acute pulmonary embolism were created by injecting gelatin sponge into the ear vein of rabbits .The changes of right ventricle function were dynamically observed at immediately , 1 week, and 3 weeks after the establishment of acute pulmonary embolims models .QTVI images of the 4-chamber view at cardiac apex were recorded and analyzed by off-line analysis.Results The VP was significantly reduced immediately after the models were built compared with the data before modeling in both the basal and middle segments , the TQ-S was prolonged , and Ve/Va>1 (P<0.05).The VP at1 week after modeling was not significantly decreased than the data before modeling in both the basal and middle segments , and the TQ-S was prolonged, but the Ve/Va ratio was <1 (P<0.05).At 3 weeks after modeling, the VPwas decreased compared with the data before modeling , and the Ve/Va ratio was <1 (P<0.05). The intra-group comparison showed that the V P of the basal segment of right ventricle free wall was enhanced than that of the middle segment (P<0.05), butTQ-S was not obviously prolonged in both the two segments .Conclusions Quantitative tissue velocity imaging can reflect the contraction and relaxation of right ventricle in rabbits precisely .It is a good method to evaluate the function of right ventricle in animal models of pulmonary artery embolism.

Avaliação da estimulação ventricular direita crônica em crianças e adultos jovens com bloqueio atrioventricular congênito isolado / Evaluation of chronic right ventricular pacing in children and young adults with isolated congenital complete atrioventricular block

Introdução: O bloqueio atrioventricular congênito isolado (BAVCi) é raro e tem múltiplas apresentações clínicas. O implante de marca-passo cardíaco permanente (MP) é o tratamento de escolha, resultando em evolução clínica satisfatória para a maioria dos casos, porém, aproximadamente 10% deles apresentam remodelamento ventricular e insuficiência cardíaca grave. Objetivos: Estudar a evolução tardia de crianças e adultos jovens com BAVCi e estimulação crônica do ventrículo direito (VD), visando determinar: a prevalência de sinais clínicos e laboratoriais de insuficiência cardíaca e de remodelamento ventricular; a capacidade funcional; a qualidade de vida e fatores preditores de alterações clínicas, funcionais ou ecocardiográficas. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado em coorte de portadores de BAVCi e MP implantado antes de 21 anos de idade com estimulação no VD há mais de um ano. Todos os indivíduos foram submetidos a avaliação clínica e laboratorial, da capacidade funcional, da qualidade de vida e a ecocardiograma. Mães e sujeitos da pesquisa foram investigados para doenças reumatológicas. Os dados foram armazenados no sistema REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) e analisados pelos programas SAS (Statistical Analysis System), SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) e R Studio. A análise dos dados incluiu: análise univariada para pesquisa de associações entre variáveis preditoras e desfechos, coeficiente de correlação de Pearson e modelo de regressão linear multivariado. Resultados: De março/2010 a dezembro/2013, foram avaliados 63 indivíduos, 68% do sexo feminino, com idade de 1 a 40 anos, com MP por 13,4 ± 6,5 anos e estimulação do VD por 10,0 ± 5,4 anos. O modo de estimulação era atrioventricular em 55,6%, o percentual de estimulação de VD de 97,9 ± 4,2% e a duração do complexo QRS estimulado de 152,4 ± 20,1 ms. A maioria (88,9%) era assintomática e não utilizava medicamentos de ação cardiovascular. Maior tempo de MP...

Introduction: Isolated congenital atrioventricular block (iCAVB) is a rare condition with multiple clinical presentations. Permanent cardiac pacing is the most effective therapy for this population resulting in satisfactory long-term outcomes. However, approximately 10% of patients may have ventricular remodeling and severe heart failure. Objectives: To study the long-term effects of chronic right ventricular (RV) pacing in children and young adults with iCAVB in order to determine: prevalence of clinical and laboratory signs of heart failure and ventricular remodeling, functional capacity, quality of life and predictors of clinical, functional or echocardiographic abnormalities. Methods: Cross-sectional study of a cohort of iCAVB patients with <= 21 years old at initial pacemaker (PM) implantation and single or dual-chamber pacing in a unique RV site for a minimum of one year. All subjects underwent clinical and laboratory assessment, functional capacity, quality of life and echocardiogram. Mothers and research subjects were investigated for rheumatic diseases. Data were stored in REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) system and analyzed by SAS (Statistical Analysis System), SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) and R Studio programs. Data analysis included: univariate analysis for associations between predictor variables and outcomes, Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression multivariate model. Results: Between March/2010 and December/2013, we evaluated 63 subjects aged 1-40 years old, 68% female, under PM for 13.4 ± 6.5 years and under RV pacing for 10.0 ± 5.4 years. Pacing mode was atrioventricular in 55.6%, percentage of RV pacing was 97.9 ± 4.2% and paced QRS duration was 152.4 ± 20.1 ms. Overall, the majority (88.9%) were asymptomatic and did not use cardiovascular drugs. Longer time under PM (P= 0.013), or even under RV pacing (P= 0.005), higher age at study inclusion (P= 0.032) and lower left ventricular...

Two-dimension speckle tracking assessment of right ventricle in patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction and after percutaneous coronary interventions / 中华超声影像学杂志

ObjectiveTo evaluate the usefulness of speckle tracking imaging(STI) for assessment of systemic right ventricle (RV) function in patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction(MI) and the changes 7 days after percutaneous coronary interventions(PCI).MethodsTwo-dimensional imaging at the four chamber view was obtained with tracing of the entire RV endocardial border in 44 patients with acute inferior MI and 50 healthy volunteers.Peak longitudinal systolic strain and strain rate (S,SR)in six RV segment included the basal,mid,and apical segments of the RV free wall and septum.And thirty patients reexamined 7 days after PCI.ResultsThe S values in the base and mid segmental of RV free wall and all segments of right septum were significantly lower in patients with acute inferior MI( P ＜0.05).But the SR values only decreased in mid segment of right septum.Except the apical parts of RV free wall and right septum,the S values of others segmental were significantly improved( P ＜0.05) 7 days after PCI.But the SR values had no changes( P ＞0.05).ConclusionsSTI is a new and useful technology for assessment of RV function in acute inferior MI and the RV function can be improved by emergency PCI.

Changes of Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels according to Right Ventricular HemodynaMics after a Pulmonary Resection / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: The correlation between levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the effect of pulmonary resection on the right ventricle of the heart is not yet widely known. This study aims to assess the relationship between the change in hemodynamic values of the right ventricle and increased BNP levels as a compensatory mechanism for right heart failure following pulmonary resection and to evaluate the role of the BNP level as an index of right heart failure after pulmonary resection. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In 12 non small cell lung cancer patients that had received a lobectomy or pnemonectomy, the level of NT-proBNP was measured using the immunochemical method (Elecsys 1010(R), Roche, Germany) which was compared with hemodynamic variables determined through the use of a Swan-Ganz catheter prior to and following the surgery. Echocardiography was performed prior to and following the surgery, to measure changes in right ventricular and left ventricular pressures. For statistical analysis, the Wilcoxon rank sum test and linear regression analysis were conducted using SPSSWIN (version 11.5). RESULT: The level of postoperative NT-proBNP (pg/mL) significantly increased for 6 hours, then for 1 day, 2 days, 3 days and 7 days after the surgery (p=0.003, 0.002, 0.002, 0.006, 0.004). Of the hemodynamic variables measured using the Swan-Ganz catheter, the mean pulmonary artery pressure after the surgery when compared with the pressure prior to surgery significantly increased at 0 hours, 6 hours, then 1 day, 2 days, and 3 days after the surgery (p=0.002, 0.002, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008). The right ventricular pressure significantly increased at 0 hours, 6 hours, then 1 day, and 3 days after the surgery (p=0.006, 0.009, 0.044, 0.032). The pulmonary vascular resistance index [pulmonary vascular resistance index=(mean pulmonary artery pressure-mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure)/cardiac output index] significantly increased at 6 hours, then 2 days after the surgery (p=0.008, 0.028). When a regression analysis was conducted for changes in the mean pulmonary artery pressure and NT-proBNP levels after the surgery, significance was evident after 6 hours (r=0.602, p=0.038) and there was no significance thereafter. Echocardiography displayed no significant changes after the surgery. CONCLUSION: There was a significant correlation between changes in the mean pulmonary artery pressure and the NT-proBNP level 6 hours after a pulmonary resection. Therefore, it can be concluded that changes in NT-proBNP level after a pulmonary resection can serve as an index that reflects early hemodynamic changes in the right ventricle after a pulmonary resection.

Relations between left ventricular mass,diastolic function and endocrine factors in essential hypertension / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To study the changes of diastolic function of left ventricle by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and the serum level of endocrine factors,and analyse the relations between these factors and mass or diastolic function of left ventricle in patients with essential hypertension.Methods Sixty one patients with essential hypertension were divided into left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH) group and no left ventricular hypertrophy(NLVH) group.Twenty healthy subjects were considered as control group.The early(e) and late(a) diastolic maximal myocardial velocity and e/a of lateral wall motion of mitral valve annulus were recorded by TDI.The levels of atrial natritic peptide(ANP),brain natriuretic peptide(BNP),endothelium(ET),calcitonic gene related peptide(CGRP) and insulin like growth factor 1(IGF 1) were measured by radio immunology analysis.Results The e wave maximal velocity in LVH group was lower than that of NLVH group and control group [( 14.56 ? 7.83 ) cm/s,( 16.40 ? 0.66 ) cm/s,( 18.68 ? 3.78 ) cm/s,respectively],and a wave maximal velocity in LVH group was higher than that of NLVH group and control group [( 18.28 ? 9.60 ) cm/s,( 16.03 ? 5.88 ) cm/s ,( 14.53 ? 1.28 ) cm/s,respectively]; The e and a maximal velocity velocities in both LVH and NLVH groups had statistic differences with those of control group(P

The Relationship of Left Atrial Volume and Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mitral flow Doppler has been used to evaluate left ventricle (LV) diastolic function by mitral E/A flow ratio, isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) and deceleration time (DT) of E wave. Such variables can be affected by various factors. The increase in left atrium (LA) afterload and preload is accompanied by increased LA size. So, we investigated the relationship of LA volume and LV diastolic dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHOD: From January 2000 to July 2000, 39 patients were included in this study. They were classified into normal (M:F=5:6, mean age 54.0+/-11.4 years), impaired relaxation (M:F=5:4, mean age 70.0+/-5.5 years), pseudonormal (M:F=5:3, mean age 68.3+/-13.2 years) and restrictive physiology (M:F=10:1, mean age 65.5+/-12.7 years) according to mitral inflow variables. The LA volume of each groups was measured by Simpson method, M-mode method and arealength method. RESULTS: 1) The LA volumes measured by Simpson method, M-mode method and area-length method were correlated (p<0.001, r=0.925 in Simpson compared with arealength method). 2) The LA volume by Simpson method were found 54.4+/-16.4 cm3 in normal, 57.3+/-9.2 cm3 in impaired relaxation, 81.4+/-28.8 cm3 in pseudonormal and 119.8+/-64.5 cm3 in restrictive physiology. 3) The LA volume were significantly increased in pseudonormal group compared with normal (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The LA volume is a useful and easy diagnostic stool for evaluating of LV diastolic function.

Cardiac Function Changes According to the Type of Operation for Mitral Regurgitation / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Before the development of an ideal artificial valve, repairing of native valves was considered the best choice and clinicians have been reported that valvuloplasty was much better than valve replacement, when possible with the respect to clinical outcomes. This study was conducted under the hypothesis that in some cases, the surgical and clinical outcomes could be better in patients with valve replacement and it may be influenced by left ventricular function. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This study included 40 patients who received pure mitral valve regurgitation. We divided the patients into three groups(Group I: classical valve replacement in 12 patients, Group II: preserving posterior leaflet in 18 patients, Group III: valvuloplasty in 10 patients) and compared the patient`s clinical findings, echocardiographical indexes obtained at admission and 4 weeks after operation. RESULT: After operation, Group II and III showed the better clinical condition changes than Group I but there was no statistical significance. According to NYHA classification, favorable results were achieved but there are no statistical significances in these three patient groups. The left ventricular function was worsened in Group I and in the Groups II and III, the left ventricular function showed no changes postoperatively. In Groups II and III, there were improvements in the postoperative clinical findings but the left ventricular ejection fraction revealed no statistical differences in these two groups. CONCLUSION: Due to different left ventricular functions, repair is considered a better method for the mitral regurgitation. If there the deformity is impossible to repair, preserving a portion of the leaflet is the preferred surgical method.

Influence of Prosthesis Size on Change in Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Following Aortic Valve Replacement / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Aortic valve stenosis induces left ventricular hypertrophy as an adaptive response to the chronic overload caused by the valve disease. Despite the fact that aortic valve replacement may lead to regression of the left ventricular hypertrophy, there is a controversy on the change of the left ventricular muscle after use of small prostheses. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We reviewed 20 patients who had undergone aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis. There were 13 males and 7 females with a mean age of 61+/-13.8 years. A retrospective analysis of Doppler echocardiography was undertaken in preoperatively, early postoperatively(mean 10.4days), and late postoperatively(mean 29.9 months). They were divided into two groups according to the size of prosthesis used(group 1; 21 mm or smaller, group 2; 23 mm or larger). RESULT: Significant improvement of NYHA Functional class was detected in all groups. Ejection fraction was not significantly different in the group 1 between preoperative and postoperative period, however it increased significantly in the group 2 over time. But preoperative ejection fraction of the group 2 was significantly lower than that in the group 1(p=0.044). Left ventricular muscle mass index(g/m2) was not reduced significantly in the group 1 at the early postoperative period, but it was reduced significantly at the late postoperative period. In the group 2 it was reduced significantly over time. CONCLUSION: Both groups showed clinical improvement. However, the number of patients in whom 19 mm size prosthesis was used was only two. Thus, we suggest that more attention to age, BSA, and exercise should be paid in patients who will undergo aortic valve.

Early Results of Coronary Bypass Surgery in Patients with Severe Left Ventricular Dysfunction / 대한흉부외과학회지

From March, 1992 to March, 1996, a total of 279 patients underwent coronary bypass surgery at the Sejong General Hospital, Puchon. We selected 22 patients with severe left ventricular(LV) dysfunction from them. The criteria were the presence of global or segmental abnormalities of left ventricular contraction and LV ejection fraction(EF) less than 35% based on biplane LV angiography by planimetry method. The mean age of 17 male and 5 female patients was 60+/-5.6years(range:47~73 years). All had the anginas, which were Canadian class II in 6, class III in 12 and class IV in 4. All patients except one had the history of previous myocardial infarction more than once. Seven of them had the symptoms and signs of congestive heart failure, such as dyspnea on excertion and increased pulmonary vascular markings. Their mean LVEF was 29.4+/-4 5%(range : 18~35%) and mean LV end-diastolic pressure was 18.7 +/-8. 2mmHg(range:10~42mmHg). 21 patients had 3 vessel-disease and 1 had 2 vessel-disease. Complete revascularization was tried with the use of 16 internal mammary arteries and 60 sapheuous veins and 3 radial arteries grafts. The mean number of distal anastomosis was 3.5+/-1.1. Concomitantly, one mitral valvuloplasty and annuloplasty was performed in the patient with moderate mitral regurtigation. The hospital mortality was 4.5%. During the follow-up, there were 3 late deaths. Of 18 survivors, 2 patients were lost in follow-up 24 and 27 month respectively after operation and the remaining 16 patients have bcen followed up with an average of 30.4 +/-13.4 months.15 patients had improvement with respect to angina but 8 patients still have the continuing or progressing heart failure. The 1-year, 2-year and 3-year actuarial survival rate was 85.2, 69.1, 46.1%, respectively. This study indicates that coronary artery bypass sur ery can be performed in the patients with severe LV dysfunction at acceptable risk but does not greatly contribute to the improvement of congestive heart failure.