Involvement of ET-1/eNOS in the ameliorating effect of electroacupuncture on cardiac dysfunction in rats with spontaneously hypertensive / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Neiguan" (PC 6) on cardiac function of ventriculus sinister in rats with spontaneously hypertensive (SHR), and to explore the mediation effect of endothelin-1 (ET-1)/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS).@*METHODS@#Six 12-week-old male Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were taken as the normal group. Eighteen 12-week-old SHR were randomly divided into a model group, an EA group and a sham EA group, 6 rats in each group. The rats in the EA group were treated with EA (disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/15 Hz in frequency, 1 mA in current intensity) at "Neiguan" (PC 6), 30 min each time, once a day for 8 weeks. The rats in the sham EA group were treated with superficial needling at "Neiguan" (PC 6) with no electrical stimulation applied. After treatment, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) were tested by echocardiographic analysis. The left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), heart rate (HR), the maximum rate of increase/decrease of left ventricular pressure (±dp/dtmax) were detected. The serum content of ET-1 was detected by ELISA. Western blot was used to evaluate the expression of ETAR, eNOS in myocardial tissue of left ventricular.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the normal group, LVEF, LVFS, +dp/dtmax/LVSP and -dp/dtmax/LVSP were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), while LVSP, LVEDP, +dp/dtmax and -dp/dtmax were increased (P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, LVEF, LVFS, +dp/dtmax/LVSP and -dp/dtmax/LVSP were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), and LVSP and LVEDP were decreased (P<0.01) in the EA group. Compared with the normal group, the serum content of ET-1 and the expression of ETAR in myocardial tissue were increased (P<0.01), whereas expression of eNOS was decreased (P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, the serum content of ET-1 and the expression of ETAR in myocardial tissue were decreased (P<0.05), whereas expression of eNOS was increased (P<0.05) in the EA group.@*CONCLUSION@#EA intervention may alleviate hypertensive cardiac function damage by up-regulating the expression of eNOS protein in myocardial tissue, down-regulating the serum content of ET-1 and the expression of ETAR protein in myocardial tissue.

Assessment of left ventricular function and hemodynamics in infantile pneumonia by ultrasonic cardiac output monitor / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To assess the left ventricular function and hemodynamic status in infantile pneumonia by ultrasonic cardiac output monitor (USCOM).Methods:The clinical data of 74 children with infantile pneumonia hospitalized in the Department of Pediatrics of Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from October 2018 to January 2020 were collected in this study, and those cases were divided into the mild pneumonia group (45 cases) and the severe pneumonia group (29 cases). USCOM was employed to measure such data of patients in both groups as heart rate (HR), flow time corrected (FTc), stroke volume variability (SVV), stroke volume index (SVI), cardiac index (CI), inotropy index(INO), and systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI). The specific values of CI and SVRI in all ages were employed to determine the hemodynamic type.According to values of CI, they were grouped into normal, high and low output; according to values of SVRI, they were grouped into normal, high and low resistance.The left ventricular function and hemodynamic status of infants with pneumonia in both groups were compared.Results:(1) In the mild pneumonia group, 42.22% of infants (19/45 cases) presented with abnormal hemodynamic status, of which 94.74% were high-output and low-resistance type.In the severe pneumonia group, 79.31%(23/29 cases) of infants presented with abnormal hemodynamic status, of which 86.96%(20/23 cases) were non-high-output and non-low-resistance type.The proportion of different hemodynamic types from high to low in order is as follows: low-output and high-resistance (39.13%), high-output and normal-resistance (26.09%), low-output and low-resistance (13.04%), and normal-output and low-resistance (8.70%). (2)Before treatment, HR, SVI, CI, INO and SVRI in the severe pneumonia group and the mild pneumonia group were (153.2±19.3) times/min, (32.0±5.8) mL/m 2, (4.3±1.0) L/(min·m 2), (1.1±0.4) W/m 2, (1 139.0±280.6) d·s·cm -5·m 2 and(140.2±13.2) times/min, (39.2±4.1) mL/m 2, (5.1±0.8) L/(min·m 2), (1.4±0.2) W/m 2, and (904.7±175.8) d·s·cm -5·m 2, respectively.SVI, CI and INO in the severe pneumonia group were lower than those in the mild pneumonia group, which indicated that the difference was statically significant (all P<0.05). HR and SVRI in the severe pneumonia group were higher than those in the mild pneumonia group, which indicated that the difference was statically significant (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in cardiac preload between both groups before treatment ( P>0.05). HR in the severe pneumonia group after treatment[(137.6±9.3) times/min] were significantly lower than before treatment, while SVI and CI[(36.2±3.4) mL/m 2, (4.7±0.3)L/(min·m 2)] were higher than before treatment, which indicated that the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The USCOM provided a rapid approach for the dynamic measurement of left ventricular function and hemodynamic status.As per the findings with USCOM, more infants with mild pneumonia presented with hemodynamic abnormalities, and most of them were high-output and low-resistance types.The majority of infants with severe pneumonia presented with different types of hemodynamic abnormalities, and most of them were non-high-output and non-low-resistance types, which can return to normal after treatment.

Temporal echocardiography findings in patients with fulminant myocarditis: beyond ejection fraction decline / 医学前沿

The features of myocardial strains from speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) have not been well defined in fulminant myocarditis (FM) patients. In this study, changes in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global and layer-specific myocardial strains over time were monitored. We aimed to determine the echocardiographic patterns of FM and ascertain their significance in FM treatment. Twenty patients who were clinically diagnosed with FM and received mechanical life support were prospectively enrolled. Conventional echocardiographic measurements were obtained, and serial strain echocardiography was performed from admission to hospital discharge until LVEF recovery (> 50%). Global/regional peak systolic longitudinal strains (GLS/RLS) and layer-specific longitudinal strains were quantified, and their changes with time were monitored in 14 FM patients. All patients had severely impaired cardiac function. Steep improvement in LVEF and GLS were observed within 6 days. Layer-specific strain analysis showed that reduction at admission or recovery at discharge in the endocardium and epicardium strains were equal. In conclusion, FM patients who received mechanical circulatory supports exhibited steep improvement in ventricular function within 6 days. The patchy and diffused distribution pattern of reduced RLS and equally and severely impaired strain in the endocardium and epicardium are valuable features in the diagnosis of FM.

Layer-specific strain assessment on left ventricular function before and after PCI in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To evaluate the changes of left ventricular function in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) before PCI and within 24 hours after PCI by layer-specific strain, and to explore the value of this new assessment method for quantitative monitoring on the myocardial function in STEMI patients. Methods: A total of 40 patients with acute anterior wall myocardial infarction, who underwent PCI in Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University during July 2017 to July 2018, were included in this prospective cohort study. According to the symptom to balloon time (STB), the patients were divided into STB ≤6 hours group (26 cases) and STB 6-12 hours group (14 cases). Echocardiography was performed before, immediately, 3 hours and 24 hours after PCI. Echocardiographic indexes including endocardial myocardial longitudinal strain (LS-endo), 18-segment full-thickness myocardial longitudinal strain (LS) of left ventricle and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) were measured. The mean LS-endo and LS values of myocardial segments in infarcted area (IALS-endo, IALS) and the mean LS-endo and LS values of myocardial segments in non-infarcted area (NIALS-endo, NIALS) were calculated. Results: There were 34 males and 6 females in this cohort and age was (62±10) years. In STB≤6 hours group, the IALS-endo value ((13.7±4.9)% vs. (10.0±2.7)%, P<0.05) and NIALS-endo value ((17.0±2.9)% vs. (14.6±2.9)%, P<0.05) were significantly higher at 24 hours after PCI than those before PCI. In the group of STB 6-12 hours, IALS-endo decreased immediately after PCI ((6.7±3.3)% vs. (11.9±6.5)%, P<0.05), and there was a rising trend at 3 hours after PCI (P>0.05). At 24 hours after PCI, the index was higher than that immediately after PCI ((13.6±8.4)% vs. (6.7±3.3)%, P<0.05). The NIALS-endo value was significantly higher at 24 hours after PCI than that before PCI ((17.1±2.1)% vs. (14.5±3.2)%, P<0.05). In the STB 6-12 hours group, the decrease rate of IALS-endo immediately after PCI was higher than that in the STB ≤6 hours group (93% (13/14) vs. 35% (9/26), P<0.001). In STB ≤6 hours group, the NIALS value at 24 hours after PCI was higher than that before PCI (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in IALS, NIALS and GLS at other time points (P>0.05). Conclusions: Layered LS is superior to full-thickness LS and GLS in evaluating left ventricular function in STEMI patients. LS measured by echocardiography can continuously and quantitatively evaluate the changes of left ventricular myocardial function in STEMI patients before and after PCI.

3-Dimensional Echocardiography and 2-D Strain Analysis of Left Ventricular, Left Atrial and Right Ventricular Function in Healthy Brazilian Volunteers / Análise da Função Ventricular Esquerda e Direita e Atrial Esquerda pelo Ecocardiograma Tridimensional e Análise da Deformação Bidimensional em Voluntários Saudáveis Brasileiros

Abstract Background: New echocardiographic techniques are used in the diagnosis and prognosis of many heart diseases. However, reference values in different populations are still needed for several of these new indexes. We studied these new echocardiographic parameters in a group of Brazilians with no known cardiovascular disease. Objective: To study values for new echocardiographic indexes in Brazilians without known cardiovascular disease and their correlation with age. Methods: Cross-sectional study that included healthy individuals who underwent three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) strain (e) analysis. Left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) function were analyzed by 3DE and STE, and right ventricular (RV) function by STE. P values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Seventy-seven subjects (46.7% men; 40.4 ± 10.4 years) were included. Maximum, minimum and pre-atrial contraction (pre-A) LA volumes (ml/m2) were 21.2 ± 5.5, 7.8 ± 2.5, and 11.0 ± 3.1, respectively. Peak positive global LA e (LAScd), peak negative global LA e and total global LA e (LASr) were 17.4 ± 5.2%, -13.2 ± 2.0% and 30.5 ± 5.9%, respectively. LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes (ml/m2) measured 57 ± 12 and 24 ± 6, and 3D LV ejection fraction measured 58 ± 6%. Global LV longitudinal, circumferential and radial e were -19 ± 2%, -19 ± 3%, and 46 ± 12%, respectively. LV torsion measured 1.6 ± 0.70 /cm. Global longitudinal RV e (RV-GLS) and RV free wall strain were -22 ± 3% and -24 ± 5%. Minimum LA and pre-A volumes, LV apical rotation, torsion and RV-GLS increased with age, while total and passive LA emptying fractions, LAScd, LASr, LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes decreased with age. Conclusion: Values for new echocardiographic indexes in Brazilians without known cardiovascular disease and their correlation with age are presented.

Resumo Fundamentos: Novas técnicas ecocardiográficas são utilizadas no diagnóstico e prognóstico de diversas cardiopatias. No entanto, muitos desses novos índices ainda carecem de valores de referência em diferentes populações. Estudamos esses novos parâmetros ecocardiográficos em um grupo de brasileiros sem doença cardiovascular conhecida. Objetivo: Estudar valores dos novos índices ecocardiográficos em brasileiros sem doença cardiovascular conhecida e sua correlação com a idade. Métodos: Estudo transversal composto por indivíduos saudáveis que realizaram ecocardiograma tridimensional (E3D) e ecocardiograma bidimensional com análise de deformação (e) por speckle tracking (EST). Foram analisadas as funções atrial esquerda (AE) e ventricular esquerda (VE) por E3D e EST, e a função ventricular direita (VD) por EST. Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados significantes. Resultados: Foram incluídos setenta e sete indivíduos (46,7% homens; 40,4 ± 10,4 anos). Os volumes AE máximo, mínimo e pré-contração atrial (pré-A) (ml/m2) foram 21,2 ± 5,5, 7,8 ± 2,5 e 11,0 ± 3,1, respectivamente. O pico da e global positiva do AE (LAScd), pico da e global negativa do AE e e global total do AE (LASr) foram 17,4±5,2%, -13,2 ± 2,0% e 30,5 ± 5,9%, respectivamente. Os volumes diastólico final e sistólico final do VE (ml/m2) mediram 57 ± 12 e 24 ± 6 e a fração de ejeção tridimensional do VE mediu 58 ± 6%. A e longitudinal, circunferencial e radial global do VE foi de -19 ± 2%, -19 ± 3% e 46 ± 12%, respectivamente. A torção do VE mediu 1,6 ± 0,7(0)/cm. A e longitudinal global do VD (SLG-VD) e a deformação da parede livre do VD foram de -22 ± 3% e -24 ± 5%. Os volumes mínimo e pré-A do AE, rotação apical do VE, torção e SLG-VD aumentaram com a idade, enquanto as frações de esvaziamento total e passivo do LA, LAScd, LASr, volumes diastólico final e sistólico final do VE diminuíram com a idade. Conclusão: Apresentam-se os valores para os novos índices ecocardiográficos em brasileiros sem doença cardiovascular conhecida e sua correlação com a idade.

Gradiente de presión de pulso posterior y previo a la maniobra de Valsalva como marcador de disfunción sistólica del ventrículo izquierdo / Post- and pre-Valsalva pulse pressure gradient as a marker of left ventricle systolic dysfunction

Resumen: ANTECEDENTES: La insuficiencia cardiaca afecta a 26 millones de personas en todo el mundo. Al evaluar la variación de las cifras de presión arterial y frecuencia cardiaca tras la realización de la maniobra de Valsalva se ha encontrado correlación entre la función ventricular izquierda y el péptido auricular natriurético. OBJETIVO: Determinar si el gradiente de presión de pulso posterior y previo a la maniobra de Valsalva es útil como marcador de disfunción sistólica del ventrículo izquierdo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio de cohorte realizado del 1 de enero al 30 de junio de 2017, en el que se determinó la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo, propéptido natriurético cerebral, así como la sustracción de presión de pulso posterior y previo a la maniobra de Valsalva, esta variable se determinó como gradiente de presión de pulso pos y pre-Valsalva. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 32 pacientes. Una cifra de gradiente menor de 4.22 tuvo correlación negativa con la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo menor de 50%, con coeficiente de correlación de -0.562 y valor p de 0.001, además de tener un área bajo la curva de 0.71. CONCLUSIONES: El gradiente y la fracción de eyección tuvieron correlación negativa, ésta en el área indeterminada de la función sistólica. Una FEVI menor de 50% implica riesgo de descompensación y de FEVI deprimida.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Heart failure affects to 26 million people worldwide. The variation of the blood pressure and heart rate values after performing the Valsalva maneuver has been evaluated, finding a correlation between left ventricular function and natriuretic atrial peptide. OBJECTIVE: To determine if post- and pre-Valsalva pulse pressure gradient is useful as marker of left ventricle systolic dysfunction. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A cohort study was done from January 1st to June 30, 2017, determining left ventricular ejection fraction, cerebral natriuretic peptide, as well as the subtraction of post-Valsalva and pre-Valsalva pulse pressure, this variable was determined as pulse pressure gradient. RESULTS: There were included 32 patients. A gradient figure of less than 4.22 had a negative correlation with a left ventricular ejection fraction lesser than 50%, with a correlation coefficient of -0.562 and a p value of 0.001, in addition to having an area under the curve of 0.71. CONCLUSIONS: The gradient and the ejection fraction had a negative correlation, this in the indeterminate area of the systolic function. An LVEF lesser than 50% implies risk of decompensation and a depressed LVEF.

Impairment of left and right ventricular longitudinal strain in asymptomatic children with type 1 diabetes

Aim The relationship between type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and cardiac function in children is not well established. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether children and adolescents with T1DM present early asymptomatic abnormalities of left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) function. In addition, we evaluated the relationship of any such abnormalities with glycemic control and diabetes duration. Methods This was a prospective study. Standard echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging, and two-dimensional strain analysis were performed prospectively in 52 children with T1DM. The results were compared with those from 52 healthy children matched for age and sex. Results There were no significant differences between the two groups in LV ejection fraction or RV systolic function. There was a difference between the two study groups in transtricuspid flow: the E-wave and A-wave velocities were significantly higher in the diabetic group. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) was significantly lower in children with T1DM (−20.01 ± 1.86% vs. −22.99 ± 0.98%, respectively; P < .001), as was RV free-wall longitudinal strain (RV FWLS) (−29.13 ± 1.85% vs. −30.22 ± 1.53%, respectively; P = .002). LV GLS was correlated with diabetes duration (r = 0.444, P < .001) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (r = 0.683, P < .001); however, no correlation was found between RV FWLS and HbA1c or diabetes duration. Conclusions Our findings suggest that LV GLS and RV FWLS are impaired in children with T1DM and that the decrease in LV GLS is correlated with diabetes duration and HbA1c levels.

Regional Left Ventricular Function Analysis By 128-Row Multi-Detector Computed ‎Tomography in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Purpose: The aim of this study was to estimate the role of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the evaluation of LV regionalwall motion abnormalities (RWMA) in subjects complaining of coronary artery heart disease (CAD) and to compare MDCT data with twodimension standard echocardiography (2DSE) as the standard reference. Patients and Methods: Sixty subjects with supposed coronaryartery heart disease were submitted to retrospective gating contrast-enhanced MDCT. 10 phases of the cardiac cycle were performed todetect end-systolic and end-diastolic phases at LV short-axis view. LV Regional wall motion was assessed qualitatively (visually in cinemode) and quantitatively (measuring the percentage of systolic wall thickening on static end-diastolic and end-systolic images) on cardiacshort-axis view and long-axis views using a 17-segment model. 2DSE was performed within two weeks before MDCT. Results: Goodsegmental agreement was found between echocardiography and MDCT (k=0.7; p < 0.001), MDCT detected 720 (98.7%) of 729 segmentsthat showed normal motility, 172 (74.7%) of 230 segments showed hypokinesia and 49 (80.3%) of 61 segments showed akinesia ordyskinesia. Regarding the diagnostic performance, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MDCT reached 80.4%, 97.4%, and 93.5%,respectively, assuming 2DSE as the gold standard. Conclusion: Evaluation of regional left ventricular function by using MDCT is a precisemethod, with good agreement with 2D ECG.

Correlation between the cytokine profile and anticongestive medication in patients with chronic chagasic cardiopathy

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Chronic chagasic cardiopathy (CCC) is essentially a dilated cardiomyopathy in which a subacute, but constant chronic inflammatory process causes progressive destruction of the heart tissue. The action of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and anti-inflammatory cytokines, like interleukin IL-10 and IL-17, plays a fundamental role in the immunopathogenesis and evolution of disease. Early anti-congestive therapy, aimed at changing the morbidity and mortality rate, has been shown to reduce disease progression and to alter patients' immune response pattern. METHODS: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the profile of Th1 and Th17 cytokines and IL-17, TNF-α, and IFN-γ expressions in different stages of CCC. Forty patients affected by chronic Chagas disease were divided into different groups according to the stage of the pathology. In agreement with the Brazilian consensus on Chagas disease, patients were classified as presenting an undetermined form, a cardiac form and a digestive form. Serum IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-17 were evaluated. RESULTS: Lower serum IFN-γ concentrations were detected in patients receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (p = 0.0182), but not in those using angiotensin receptor blockers (p = 0.0783). Patients using amiodarone and aldosterone antagonist presented higher serum TNF-α concentrations (p = 0.0106 and 0.0187, respectively). IL-10 and IL-17 levels did not differ between the study groups (p = 0.7273 and p = 0.6697, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the cytokine profile and disease progression are altered by anti-congestive medications commonly prescribed for CCC.

Comparative study of dualGsource CT coronary angiography and ultrasonic cardiogram on left ventricular function / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical value of dualGsource CT coronary angiography in evaluation of left ventricular function.Methods A total of 5 5 patients with clinically suspected coronary heart disease in our hospital were enrolled.All patients underwent dualGsource CT coronary angiography and ultrasonic cardiogram.The measured values and correlation of the indicators of left ventricular function in dualGsource CT coronary angiography and ultrasonic cardiogram were analyzed.Results Pearson correlation analysis showed that dualGsource CT coronary angiography and ultrasonic cardiogram were highly correlated in left ventricular function measurements (r＝ 0.607－0.840,P＜0.05);The paired sample t test showed that there were no significant differences in the ej ection fraction (EF) and endGdiastolic volume (EDV)between two methods.Conclusion DualGsource CT coronary angiography is reliable in the quantitative evaluation of left ventricular function.The "oneGstop"acquiring of coronary stenosis degree and cardiac function index can provide more diagnostic information to clinic.

Impact of glycemic variability on left ventricular function in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes / 中国综合临床

Objective To assess the impact of glycemic variability on left ventricular function in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and type 2 diabetes.Methods Three hundred and three patients with type 2 diabetes and first STEMI between May 2014 and December 2016 in Beijing Anzhen Hospital,Capital Medical University were seclected continuously.All participants' continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) parameters,echocardiogram and biochemical characteristics were measured at baseline.According to the level of mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE) which is the gold indicator to present glycemic variability patients were classified into low MAGE group (n=182) and high MAGE group (n =117).Impact of glycemic variability on left ventricular function in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes were analysed.Results (1) Cardiac function evaluation:The level of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were significantly lower in high MAGE group than in low MAGE group ((43.8± 7.2) vs.(52.3± 8.5) ％,t =4.912,P＜ 0.001).There were significant differences between the two groups in Killip classification (x2 =49.931,P＜ 0.001).(2) Pearson correlation analysis shows that LVEF negatively correlated with the levels of MAGE(r=-0.367,P＜0.001),postprandial glucose excursion (PPGE) (r=-0.274,P=0.003),Hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c) (r=-0.238,P =0.010),serum highsensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) via logarithmic transformation (r =-0.245,P =0.008) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (r =-0.229,P =0.021).Killip classification positively correlated with the levels of MAGE (r =0.301,P ＜ 0.001),PPGE (r =0.228,P =0.022),hs-CRP via logarithmic transformation (r =0.234,P =0.019),H bA 1 c (r =0.195,P =0.041) and FPG (r =0.193,P =0.045).(3) Multiple stepwise regression analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that the level of MAGE was independent risk factor of LVEF (t =-2.279,P =0.005,95％ CI(-3.160 -0.219)) and the level of MAGE was an independent risk factor of Killip classification (Waldx2 =5.673,OR=1.665,95％CI(1.095-2.534),P=0.017).Conclusion Glycemic variability is associated with the presence and severity of left ventricular function in patients with STEMI and type 2 diabetes.

Factors affecting the stability of carotid atherosclerotic plaque by left ventricular function / 医学研究生学报

Objective At present, there are few reports on the stability of carotid plaque and left ventricular function at home and abroad. The article investigated the factors influencing the stability of left ventricular function on carotid atherosclerotic plaque. Methods 90 patients with carotid atherosclerosis (carotid intima-media thickness >0.2 cm) admitted in the Department of Neurology, Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from June 10, 2017 to January 8, 2019 were selected and their stability of plaques was graded by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). The patients were divided into two groups according to the stability of plaque. The differences of general clinical data, related biochemical indexes and left ventricular function indexes between the two groups were compared. The effects of left ventricular structural function on plaque stability were examined by logistic multivariate regression analysis. Results Univariate analysis showed that E peak (χ2=2.170, P=0.034), ventricular septal thickness (χ2=-1.972, P=0.049), diabetes history (χ2=10.102, P=0.001) were the risk factors of plaque stability and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that E peak (OR=0.022, P=0.014) and diabetes history (OR=0.185, P=0.002) were independent influencing factors of plaque stability. Conclusion There is an independent correlation between left ventricular function and plaque stability, and plaque stability can predict changes in ventricular structural function.

Icariside II improves left ventricular function by improving endoplasmic reticulum stress and caspase 12 signaling in SHR / 中国药理学通报

Aim: To explore the mechanism of icariside II (ICS II) on improving left ventricular function based on endoplasmic reticulum stress and caspase-12 signaling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Methods: Thirty 14-week-old male SHRs were divided into model group, ICS II low, middle and high dose groups and positive drug group (n = 6). WKY was used as control group (n =6). ICS II groups were respectively given ICS 114, 8, 16 mg · kg-1(ig, qd), and positive drug group was given losartan (20 mg · kg-1). At the end of 26th weeks, anesthetized rats were measured by ultrasound for detection of the left ventricular function, RT-PCR was used to determine the level of GRP78 mR- NA in the left ventricle tissue, and Western blot was used to assess the levels of GRP78 and cleaved-caspase- 12/9/3 protein in the left ventricle tissues. Results: Compared with WKY group, the internal diameter and posterior wall thickness of the left ventricular end diastolic increased, while the ejection fraction and fractional shortening decreased in SHR group. GRP78 mRNA and protein levels were up-regulated, and the levels of cleaved-caspase-12/9/3 protein were raised in left ventricle (P < 0.05). Compared with SHR group, the internal diameter and posterior wall thickness of the left ventricular end diastolic increased in ICS II medium and high dose groups and positive drug group (P <0. 05), while the ejection fraction and fractional shortening decreased (P<0.05). GRP78 mRNA and protein levels were down-regulated, the levels of cleaved-caspase-12/ 9/3 protein declined in left ventricle (P <0.05). Conclusions: ICS II could improve left ventricular function in SHRs, and its mechanism may be related to improving left ventricular endoplasmic reticulum stress and down-regulating the elevated caspase-12 signaling.

Biases in the Assessment of Left Ventricular Function by Compressed Sensing Cardiovascular Cine MRI

PURPOSE: We investigate biases in the assessments of left ventricular function (LVF), by compressed sensing (CS)-cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cardiovascular cine images with short axis view, were obtained for 8 volunteers without CS. LVFs were assessed with subsampled data, with compression factors (CF) of 2, 3, 4, and 8. A semi-automatic segmentation program was used, for the assessment. The assessments by 3 CS methods (ITSC, FOCUSS, and view sharing (VS)), were compared to those without CS. Bland-Altman analysis and paired t-test were used, for comparison. In addition, real-time CS-cine imaging was also performed, with CF of 2, 3, 4, and 8 for the same volunteers. Assessments of LVF were similarly made, for CS data. A fixed compensation technique is suggested, to reduce the bias. RESULTS: The assessment of LVF by CS-cine, includes bias and random noise. Bias appeared much larger than random noise. Median of end-diastolic volume (EDV) with CS-cine (ITSC or FOCUSS) appeared −1.4% to −7.1% smaller, compared to that of standard cine, depending on CF from (2 to 8). End-systolic volume (ESV) appeared +1.6% to +14.3% larger, stroke volume (SV), −2.4% to −16.4% smaller, and ejection fraction (EF), −1.1% to −9.2% smaller, with P < 0.05. Bias was reduced from −5.6% to −1.8% for EF, by compensation applied to real-time CS-cine (CF = 8). CONCLUSION: Loss of temporal resolution by adopting missing data from nearby cardiac frames, causes an underestimation for EDV, and an overestimation for ESV, resulting in underestimations for SV and EF. The bias is not random. Thus it should be removed or reduced for better diagnosis. A fixed compensation is suggested, to reduce bias in the assessment of LVF.

Association between cognitive function and parameters of echocardiography and coronary artery angiography / Associação entre a função cognitiva e parâmetros de ecocardiografia e angiografia da artéria coronária

ABSTRACT We aimed to determine whether there is an association between cognition and the results of echocardiography and angiography, based on neuropsychological assessments. Methods: We assessed the cognition of 85 patients who had recently undergone coronary artery angiography. We calculated the Gensini score for the coronary artery disease index. We also performed echocardiography to find indices of cardiac functioning. Results: The lower left ventricular ejection fraction correlated with lower scores on visuospatial, executive function, processing speed/attention and verbal memory capacities (p ≤ 0.05). A higher Gensini score and left atrial size correlated with lower executive function and processing speed/attention (p ≤ 0.05). In the group of patients with an impaired cognitive state, higher Gensini scores correlated with decreased processing speed/attention (p = 0.01) and the e' index was associated with lower capacity of executive function (p = 0.05). Conclusion: Decreased processing speed/attention and executive function may correlate with cardiac dysfunction and coronary artery disease. The Color Trail Test may be considered for simple screening for cognitive problems in elderly patients with coronary artery disease or diastolic dysfunction.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo é encontrar associação entre cognição e resultados de exames ecocardiográficos e angiográficos, com base em avaliações neuropsicológicas. Método: Foi avaliada a cognição de 85 pacientes que foram submetidos a angiografia coronária. O escore de Gensini foi calculado para o índice de doença arterial coronariana (DAC). Foi realizado também, o exame ecocardiográfico a fim de descobrir os índices de funcionamento cardíaco. Resultados: A fração de ejeção do ventrículo inferior esquerdo está correlacionada com a baixa pontuação na capacidade visual e espacial, função executiva, velocidade de processamento/atenção e memória verbal (p ≤ 0,05). Alto escore de Gensini e tamanho do átrio esquerdo correlacionados com baixa função executiva, velocidade de processamento/atenção (p ≤ 0,05). No grupo de pacientes com estado cognitivo prejudicado, alto escore de Gensini correlacionado com diminuição da velocidade de processamento/atenção (p = 0,01) e índice e' associado a baixa capacidade da função executiva (p = 0,05). Conclusão: Diminuição da velocidade de processamento/atenção e da função executiva pode estar correlacionado a disfunção cardíaca e DAC. O Color Trail Test pode ser considerado para uma triagem simples de problemas cognitivos em pacientes idosos com DAC ou disfunção diastólica.

Muerte súbita debida a cardiotoxicidad aguda inducida por antraciclinas / Sudden death due to anthracycline-induced acute cardiotoxicity

Resumen Antraciclinas como la doxorrubicina, así como anticuerpos monoclonales, como el trastuzumab, y agentes alquilantes, como la ciclofosfamida, son compuestos muy útiles como quimioterapia citotóxica al reducir en forma significativa la mortalidad relacionada con el cáncer. Sin embargo, su potencial cardiotoxicidad es un efecto adverso mayor que puede presentarse en cualquier momento de su administración o posterior a la misma, en especial cuando se usan combinados. La toxicidad cardiovascular por doxorrubicina suele ser dependiente de dosis e irreversible, mientras la ocasionada por trastuzumab no lo es. Se han encontrado cambios electrocardiográficos habituales durante la administración de quimioterapia, independiente de la dosis acumulada; a estos cambios agudos se les ha dado poca importancia, aunque pueden suceder hasta en el 40% de los pacientes. A pesar de la aparición documentada de arritmias tanto en humanos como en modelos animales, la muerte súbita cardiaca durante o inmediatamente después de la infusión de quimioterapia no está bien descrita. Se presenta el caso de un adulto joven sin antecedentes cardiovasculares, con linfoma no-Hodgkin y corazón con imagen ecocardiográfica muy sugestiva de infiltración linfomatosa del ventrículo izquierdo, quien desarrolla alteraciones del ritmo cardiaco que condicionan muerte súbita tras la infusión endovenosa lenta de doxorrubicina y trastuzumab.

Abstract Anthracyclines, such as doxorubicin, and monoclonal antibodies, such as trastuzumab, are compounds of wide clinical use as cytotoxic chemotherapy as they significantly reduce cancer-related mortality. However, the toxicity is a major adverse effect of these agents, which may occur at any time in their administration or afterwards, especially when used in combination. Cardiovascular toxicity by doxorubicin is dose-dependent and irreversible, while that caused by trastuzumab is not. Common electrocardiographic changes have been found during the administration of chemotherapy, independent of the cumulative dose, but these acute changes have been given little importance, although they may occur up to 40% of patients. Despite documented evidence of arrhythmias in both human and animal models, sudden cardiac death during or immediately after the infusion of chemotherapy is not well described. This paper describes a young adult with no history of cardiovascular disease, with non-Hodgkin´s lymphoma and a heart image very suggestive of left ventricle lymphomatous infiltration. The patient developed heart rhythm disturbances that lead to sudden death after slow intravenous infusion of doxorubicin.

Evaluation of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography on short term curative effect of emergency percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with left ventricular aneurysm / 重庆医学

Objective To use real-time three-dimensional echocardiography(RT-3DE) to compare the cardiac function related indicators between before operation and at postoperative 2 months in the patients with left ventricular aneurysm(LVA) undergoing emergency percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI),and to assess the PCI short term effect.Methods RT-3DE was applied to observe the left ventricular end-diastolic volume(LVEDV),end systolic volume(LVESV),cardiac output(CO),end-diastolic volume index(EDVI),end systolic volume index (ESVI),cardiac index (CI),left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular spherical index(SPI) before operation and at postoperative 2 months in 31 cases of acute anterior myocardial infarction(AAMI) complicating LVA.The patients were divided into the functional LVA group(A),anatomical LVA group (B) and complicating thrombus LVA group(C).The cardiac function parameters in various groups conducted the intra-group and inter group comparisons.Results Compared with before operation,LVEF at postoperative 2 months in the group A was increased and SPI was decreased(P＜0.05);CO,CI and LVEF before operation and at postoperative 2 months in the group B were increased and SPI was decreased(P＜0.05);SPI at postoperative 2 months in the group C was decreased(P＜0.05);EF and SPI before operation and at postoperative 2 months had no statistical difference among 3 groups(P＞0.05).SPI before operation and at postoperative 2 months was negatively correlated with LVEF and positively correlated with EDV,ESV,EDVI,ESVI,CO and CI.Conclusion The left ventricular morphology and overall systolic function at 2 months after PCI in the patients with functional and anatomical LVA are improved,but the curative effect in the patients with complicating thrombus LVA is unobvious.

Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Predicts Poststroke Cardiovascular Events and Mortality in Patients without Atrial Fibrillation and Coronary Heart Disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It is controversial that decreased left ventricular function could predict poststroke outcomes. The purpose of this study is to elucidate whether left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) can predict cardiovascular events and mortality in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) without atrial fibrillation (AF) and coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: Transthoracic echocardiography was conducted consecutively in patients with AIS or transient ischemic attack at Soonchunhyang University Hospital between January 2008 and July 2016. The clinical data and echocardiographic LVEF of 1,465 patients were reviewed after excluding AF and CHD. Poststroke disability, major adverse cardiac events (MACE; nonfatal stroke, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular death) and all-cause mortality during 1 year after index stroke were prospectively captured. Cox proportional hazards regressions analysis were applied adjusting traditional risk factors and potential determinants. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 259.9±148.8 days with a total of 29 non-fatal strokes, 3 myocardial infarctions, 33 cardiovascular deaths, and 53 all-cause mortality. The cumulative incidence of MACE and all-cause mortality were significantly higher in the lowest LVEF ( < 55) group compared with the others (p=0.022 and 0.009). In prediction models, LVEF (per 10%) had hazards ratios of 0.54 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.36–0.80, p=0.002) for MACE and 0.61 (95% CI, 0.39–0.97, p=0.037) for all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS: LVEF could be an independent predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality after AIS in the absence of AF and CHD.

Effects of acetaminophen on hemodynamics, left ventricular function and plasma level of brain natriuretic peptide of premature young rats / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To investigate the effects of acetaminophen on the hemodynamics, left ventricular function and plasma level of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in the premature young rats, and to clarify its mechanism in the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in the premature infants. Methods: The pregnant rats were injected intraperitoneally with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to prepare the premature young rat models. The premature young rats were divided into model control group (n=18) and administration group (n= 19); another 10 young rats with normal gestratonal age were selected and used as blank control group. The young rats in blank control group didn' t receive any treatment, the young rats in model control group were not given any drug, and the premature young rats in administration group were continunously administrated with acetaminophen for 3 d. Color Doppler ultrasonography was used to detect the hemodynamic parameters of the young rats in various groups, including left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDd), left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVESd), fractional shortening (FS), left ventricular end-systolic volume (ESV), and left ventricular end-diastolic volume (EDV). The plasma BNP levels of young rats were detected. Results: The body weights of the young rats in administration group and model control group were lower than that in blank control group ( P0.05). Compared with blank control group, the plasma BNP level of the young rats in model control group was significantly increased (P= 0.004); compared with model control group, the plasma BNP level of the young rats in administration group was significantly decreased (P= 0.009). Conclusion: Acetaminophen can protect the left ventricular function of the young rats by improving the hemodynamic indicators and reducing the plasma BNP level.

Effect of parathyroidectomy on anemia and cardiac function in uremic patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective To explore the effect of total parathyroidectomy (PTX) with forearm autograft on the anemia and cardiac function in uremic patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT).Methods The clinical data of 130 uremic patients who received PTX with forearm autograft in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University from October 2010 to December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed.The changes of anemia and echocardiogram before and after operation were compared.According to the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) before operation,the patients were divided into LVH group and non-LVH group.Echocardiographic indexes before and one year after operation of the two groups were compared.Results (1) Three months and one year after operation,hemoglobin and hematocrit increased while erythropoietin average usage decreased significantly (P＜0.01).(2) Compared with preoperative period,the dry weight was significantly increased one year after operation,and the cardiac function indexes including left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVDd),interventricular septum end diastolic thickness (IVSd),left ventricular posterior wall end diastolic thickness (LVPWd),interventricular septum systolic thickness (IVSs),left ventricular systolic diameter (LVDs),left ventricular myocardial mass (LVM),and left ventricular myocardial mass index (LVMI) decreased significantly (P ＜ 0.05).(3) In the non-LVH group,only IVSs decreased one year after operation (P ＜ 0.05).In the LVH group,LVDs,LVDd,LVPWd,LVM,LVMI and IVSs were decreased significantly one year after operation than those in preoperative period (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions PTX with forearm autograft is an effective treatment for uremic patients with SHPT significantly improving anemia and left ventricular structure and function,especially for patients with ventricular hypertrophy in preoperative.