Recent Advances in Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging provides accurate anatomic information and advanced soft contrast, making it the reference standard for assessing cardiac volumes and systolic function. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in CMR sequences. New technical development has widened the use of CMR imaging beyond the simple characterization of myocardial scars and assessment of contractility. These novel CMR sequences offer comprehensive assessments of coronary plaque characterization, myocardial fiber orientation, and even metabolic activity, and they can be readily applied in clinical settings. CMR imaging is able to provide new insights into understanding the pathophysiologic process of underlying cardiac disease, and it can help physicians choose the best treatment strategies. Although several limitations, including the high cost and time-consuming process, have limited the widespread clinical use of CMR imaging so far, recent advances in software and hardware technologies have made the future more promising.

Effects of Long-Distance Running on Cardiac Markers and Biomarkers in Exercise-Induced Hypertension Runners: An Observational Study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes of cardiac and muscle damage markers in exercise-induced hypertension (EIH) runners before running (pre-race), immediately after completing a 100-km ultramarathon race, and during the recovery period (24, 72, and 120 hours post-race). METHODS: In this observational study, volunteers were divided into EIH group (n=11) whose maximum systolic blood pressure was ≥210 mmHg in graded exercise testing and normal exercise blood pressure response (NEBPR) group (n=11). Their blood samples were collected at pre-race, immediately after race, and at 24, 72, and 120 hours post-race. RESULTS: Creatine kinase (CK) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels were significantly higher in EIH group than those in the NEBPR group immediately after race and at 24 hours post-race (all p < 0.05). However, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CKMB), or CKMB/CK levels did not show any significant differences between the two groups in each period. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were significantly higher in EIH group than those in NEBPR group immediately after race and at 24 and 72 hours post-race (all p < 0.05). A high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level was significantly higher in EIH group than that in NEBPR group at 24 hours post-race (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The phenomenon of higher inflammatory and cardiac marker levels in EIH group may exaggerate cardiac volume pressure and blood flow restrictions which in turn can result in cardiac muscle damage. Further prospective studies are needed to investigate the chronic effect of such phenomenon on the cardiovascular system in EIH runners.

Prognostic Factors in Severe Chagasic Heart Failure / Fatores Prognósticos na Insuficiência Cardíaca Grave de Etiologia Chagásica

Abstract Background: Prognostic factors are extensively studied in heart failure; however, their role in severe Chagasic heart failure have not been established. Objectives: To identify the association of clinical and laboratory factors with the prognosis of severe Chagasic heart failure, as well as the association of these factors with mortality and survival in a 7.5-year follow-up. Methods: 60 patients with severe Chagasic heart failure were evaluated regarding the following variables: age, blood pressure, ejection fraction, serum sodium, creatinine, 6-minute walk test, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, QRS width, indexed left atrial volume, and functional class. Results: 53 (88.3%) patients died during follow-up, and 7 (11.7%) remained alive. Cumulative overall survival probability was approximately 11%. Non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (HR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.04 - 4.31; p<0.05) and indexed left atrial volume ≥ 72 mL/m2 (HR = 3.51; 95% CI: 1.63 - 7.52; p<0.05) were the only variables that remained as independent predictors of mortality. Conclusions: The presence of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia on Holter and indexed left atrial volume > 72 mL/m2 are independent predictors of mortality in severe Chagasic heart failure, with cumulative survival probability of only 11% in 7.5 years.

Resumo Fundamento: Fatores prognósticos são bastante estudados na insuficiência cardíaca (IC), mas ainda não possuem um papel estabelecido na IC grave de etiologia chagásica. Objetivo: Identificar a associação de fatores clínicos e laboratoriais com o prognóstico da IC grave de etiologia chagásica, bem como a associação desses fatores com a taxa de mortalidade e a sobrevida em um seguimento de 7,5 anos. Métodos: 60 pacientes portadores de IC grave de etiologia chagásica foram avaliados com relação às seguintes variáveis: idade, pressão arterial, fração de ejeção, sódio plasmático, creatinina, teste de caminhada de 6 minutos, taquicardia ventricular não sustentada, largura do QRS, volume do átrio esquerdo indexado e classe funcional. Resultados: 53 (88,3%) pacientes foram a óbito durante o período de seguimento e 7 (11,7%) permaneceram vivos. A probabilidade de sobrevida geral acumulada foi de aproximadamente 11%. Taquicardia ventricular não sustentada (HR = 2,11; IC 95%: 1,04 - 4,31; p<0,05) e volume do átrio esquerdo indexado ≥ 72 ml/m2 (HR = 3,51; IC 95%: 1,63 - 7,52; p<0,05) foram as únicas variáveis que permaneceram como preditores independentes de mortalidade. Conclusão: A presença de taquicardia ventricular não sustentada ao Holter e o volume do átrio esquerdo indexado > 72 ml/m2 são preditores independentes de mortalidade na IC chagásica grave, com probabilidade de sobrevida acumulada de apenas 11% em 7,5 anos.

Left Atrial Volume Determinants in Patients with Non-Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy / Determinantes do Volume do Átrio Esquerdo em Pacientes com Cardiomiopatia Dilatada Não Isquêmica

Left atrial volume (LAV) is a predictor of prognosis in patients with heart failure.

O Volume do Átrio Esquerdo (VAE) é preditor prognóstico em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca.

Resultados a largo plazo del trasplante intracoronario de células mononucleares de médula ósea autólogas en pacientes con cardiopatía dilatada de diversa etiología / Long-term results of intracoronary transplantation of autologous bone marrow cells in dilated cardiomyopathy

Background: Intracoronary delivery of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells is an interesting therapeutic promise for patients with heart failure of different etiologies. Aim: To evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of this therapy in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy of different etiologies under optimal medical treatment. Patients and Methods: Prospective, open-label, controlled clinical trial. Of 23 consecutive patients, 12 were assigned to autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell intracoronary transplantation, receiving a mean dose of 8.19 ± 4.43 x 10(6) CD34+ cells. Mortality, cardiovascular readmissions and cancer incidence rate, changes in functional capacity, quality of life questionnaires and echocardiographic measures from baseline, were assessed at long-term follow-up (37.7 ± 9.7 months) in patients receiving or not the cells. Results: No significant differences were observed in mortality, cardiovascular readmissions or cancer incidence rate amongst groups. An improvement in functional class and quality of life questionnaires in the transplanted group was observed (p < 0.01). The treated group showed a non-significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction at long-term follow-up (from 26.75 ± 4.85% to 34.90 ± 8.57%, p = 0.059 compared to baseline). There were no changes in left ventricular volumes. We observed no improvement of these variables in the control group. Conclusions: Intracoronary transplantation of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells is feasible and safe in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy of diverse etiologies. This therapy was associated to persistent improvements in functional class and quality of life. There was also a non-significant long-term improvement of left ventricular function.

Left Atrial Volume Index and Prediction of Events in Acute Coronary Syndrome: Solar Registry / Índice de Volume Atrial Esquerdo e Predição de Eventos em Síndrome Coronária Aguda: Registro Solar

Background: According to some international studies, patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and increased left atrial volume index (LAVI) have worse long-term prognosis. However, national Brazilian studies confirming this prediction are still lacking. Objective: To evaluate LAVI as a predictor of major cardiovascular events (MCE) in patients with ACS during a 365-day follow-up. Methods: Prospective cohort of 171 patients diagnosed with ACS whose LAVI was calculated within 48 hours after hospital admission. According to LAVI, two groups were categorized: normal LAVI (≤ 32 mL/m2) and increased LAVI (> 32 mL/m2). Both groups were compared regarding clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, in- and out-of-hospital outcomes, and occurrence of ECM in up to 365 days. Results: Increased LAVI was observed in 78 patients (45%), and was associated with older age, higher body mass index, hypertension, history of myocardial infarction and previous angioplasty, and lower creatinine clearance and ejection fraction. During hospitalization, acute pulmonary edema was more frequent in patients with increased LAVI (14.1% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.024). After discharge, the occurrence of combined outcome for MCE was higher (p = 0.001) in the group with increased LAVI (26%) as compared to the normal LAVI group (7%) [RR (95% CI) = 3.46 (1.54-7.73) vs. 0.80 (0.69-0.92)]. After Cox regression, increased LAVI increased the probability of MCE (HR = 3.08, 95% CI = 1.28-7.40, p = 0.012). Conclusion: Increased LAVI is an important predictor of MCE in a one-year follow-up. .

Fundamento: Portadores de síndrome coronária aguda (SCA) com aumento do índice de volume atrial esquerdo (IVAE) apresentam pior prognóstico em longo prazo segundo alguns estudos internacionais. Todavia, há carência de estudos nacionais ratificando esta predição. Objetivo: Avaliar o IVAE como preditor de evento cardiovascular maior (ECM) em seguimento tardio de pacientes com SCA. Métodos: Coorte prospectiva de 171 pacientes com diagnóstico de SCA e com IVAE calculado dentro de 48 horas após evento índice. Portadores de IVAE normal (≤ 32 ml/m2) e de IVAE aumentado (> 32 ml/m2) foram comparados quanto às características clínicas e ecocardiográficas, evolução intra e extra-hospitalar e ocorrência, em até 365 dias, de ECM. Resultados: Um total de 78 pacientes (45%) apresentaram IVAE > 32 ml/m2. Ocorreu associação entre IVAE aumentado e maior idade, índice de massa corpórea, hipertensão arterial, história de infarto agudo do miocárdio e angioplastia prévia, assim como menor clearance de creatinina e fração de ejeção. Na evolução hospitalar, o edema agudo de pulmão foi mais frequente em pacientes com IVAE aumentado (14,1% vs. 4,3%, p = 0,024). Após a alta hospitalar, a ocorrência do desfecho composto para ECM foi significativamente superior (p = 0,001) no grupo com IVAE aumentado (26%) quando comparado ao grupo de IVAE normal (7%) [RR (IC 95%) = 3,46 (1,54-7,73) vs. 0,80 (0,69-0,92)]. Na regressão de Cox, IVAE aumentado elevou a probabilidade de ECM (HR = 3,08; IC 95% = 1,28-7,40; p = 0,012). Conclusão: O aumento do IVAE é importante preditor de ECM em um ano de seguimento. .

Sonocubic fine: new three-dimensional ultrasound software to the screening of congenital heart diseases / Sonocubic fine: novo software de ultrassonografia tridimensional para o rastreamento das doenças cardíacas congênitas

Congenital heart disease is the most common fetal congenital malformations; however, the prenatal rate detection still is low. The two-dimensional echocardiography is the "gold standard" exam to screening and diagnosis of congenital heart disease during the prenatal; however, this exam is operator-depending and it is realized only in high risk pregnancies. Spatio-temporal image correlation is a three-dimensional ultrasound software that analyses the fetal heart and your connections in the multiplanar and rendering modes; however, spatio-temporal image correlation too is operator-depending and time-consuming. We presenting a new three-dimensional software named Sonocubic fine to the screening of congenital heart disease. This software applies intelligent navigation technology to spatio-temporal image correlation volume datasets to automatically generate nine fetal echocardiography standard views. Thus, this new software tends to be less operator-depending and time-consuming.

Doenças cardíacas congênitas são as malformações congênitas mais frequentes, entretanto, a detecção pré-natal ainda permanece baixa. A ecocardiografia bidimensional é o "padrão-ouro" para o rastreamento e diagnóstico das doenças cardíacas congênitas durante o pré-natal, entretanto, é operador dependente e realizada somente em gestantes de alto risco. Spatio-temporal image correlation é um software de ultrassonografia tridimensional que analisa o coração fetal e suas conexões vasculares nos modos multiplanar e superfície, contudo, também é operador dependente e consome muito tempo. Apresentamos um novo software: Sonocubic fine para o rastreamento das doenças cardíacas congênitas. Este software aplica a inteligência da tecnologia de navegação em volumes de spatio-temporal image correlation para automaticamente gerar nove planos ecocardiográficos padrões. Além disso, esta técnica tende a ser menos operador dependente e consumir menor tempo.

Cardiac dose reduction with breathing adapted radiotherapy using self respiration monitoring system for left-sided breast cancer

PURPOSE: To quantify the cardiac dose reduction during breathing adapted radiotherapy using Real-time Position Management (RPM) system in the treatment of left-sided breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients with left-sided breast cancer underwent CT scans during breathing maneuvers including free breathing (FB), deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH), and end inspiration breath-hold (EIBH). The RPM system was used to monitor respiratory motion, and the in-house self respiration monitoring (SRM) system was used for visual feedback. For each scan, treatment plans were generated and dosimetric parameters from DIBH and EIBH plans were compared to those of FB plans. RESULTS: All patients completed CT scans with different breathing maneuvers. When compared with FB plans, DIBH plans demonstrated significant reductions in irradiated heart volume and the heart V25, with the relative reduction of 71% and 70%, respectively (p < 0.001). EIBH plans also resulted in significantly smaller irradiated heart volume and lower heart V25 than FB plans, with the relative reduction of 39% and 37%, respectively (p = 0.002). Despite of significant expansion of lung volume using inspiration breath-hold, there were no significant differences in left lung V25 among the three plans. CONCLUSION: In comparison with FB, both DIBH and EIBH plans demonstrated a significant reduction of radiation dose to the heart. In the training course, SRM system was useful and effective in terms of positional reproducibility and patient compliance.

Reducción de la aurícula izquierda y reemplazo de válvula mitral mediante técnica de autotransplante en paciente con aurícula izquierda gigante / Left atrial reduction and mitral valve replacement through autotransplant technique in giant left atrium

El 19% de los pacientes con patología mitral reumática presenta aurícula izquierda gigante (diámetro mayor a 65mm), esta patología ha sido asociada con incremento del riesgo de stroke y de muerte súbita. La indicación de reducción auricular se establece cuando existe compresión de las extructuras vecinas, antecedentes de fenómenos tromboembólicos o en pacientes asintomáticos para restablecer el ritmo sinusal (Cirugía de Maze). Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 63 años con estenosis e insuficiencia mitral reumáticas severas, atrio izquierdo gigante (diámetro mayor a 90 mm) y fibrilación auricular permanente, a quien se le realizó mediante técnica de autotrasplante, reemplazo de válvula mitral y reducción de aurícula izquierda. En el postoperatorio la paciente presentó insuficiencia renal que requirió diálisis y soporte ventilatorio con intubación orotroqueal por tres semanas. Sin embargo al tercer mes del postoperatorio la paciente se encontraba en Clase funcional I (NYHA) y en ritmo sinusal. (AU)

19% of patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease have giant left atrium (diameter greater than 65mm), this condition has been associated with increased risk of stroke and sudden death. The indication for atrial reduction are established when there are compression of neighboring extructura, history of thromboembolic events and in asymptomatic patients for restore sinus rhythm (Maze surgery). We report the case of a patient of 63 years old with rheumatic mitral disease, giant left atrium (diameter greater than 90 mm ) and permanent atrial fibrillation, we performed mitral valve replacement and left atrial reduction. Postoperatively, the patient had renal failure requiring dialysis and ventilatory support with intubation orotroqueal for three weeks. However at the third postoperative month the patient was in functional class I (NYHA) and sinus rhythm. (AU)

Valorización del volumen de la aurícula izquierda en pacientes en hemodiálisis / Assessment of the volume of the left atrial in hemodialysis patients

Objetivo: Evaluar el índice del volumen de la aurícula izquierda, en los pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica, dentro del primer año de tratamiento con hemodiálisis. Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal, se realizó ecocardiografía a 220 pacientes, hemodializados del Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza; durante los meses de setiembre 2012 a junio 2013, se consideraron elegibles a pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica, mayores de 18 años, en uremia y con indicación inmediata para iniciar hemodiálisis, se aplicó una ficha de investigación; las variables cualitativas se presentaron con distribución de frecuencias. Las variables cuantitativas se resumen en su media ± desviación estándar (DE) y el rango, La comparación entre dos grupos se realizó por la prueba de T para muestras independientes, Chi cuadrado y Mantel Haenszel. Resultados: El índice del volumen de la aurícula izquierda promedio fue de 39.22±13.6 ml/m2, y valores por encima de 34 ml/m2 se encontró en 77 por ciento de la población formada por 90 hombres y 130 mujeres. No se encontró diferencia estadística significativa en pacientes con cardiopatía previa entre los grupos de estudio, sin embargo se encontró diferencia estadística en pacientes con antecedente de diabetes mellitus más de 8 años. Las principales alteraciones ecocardiográficas observadas en pacientes hemodializados dentro del primer año de tratamiento (media 1.66 días) fueron: dilatación del ventrículo izquierdo 16 pacientes (7 por ciento), hipertrofia concéntrica en 75 (28 por ciento), remodelado concéntrico en 122 pacientes (56 por ciento), y disfunción diastólica con patrón de relajación prolongada en 132 (60 por ciento). Se encontró buena correlación entre índice de volumen de aurícula izquierda tanto con fracci6n de eyección como con índice de masa ventricular izquierda. Conclusión: El índice del volumen de la aurícula izquierda proporciona información complementaria a los datos tradicionales clínicos y...

Objective: To evaluate the rate of left atrial volume in patients with chronic renal failure within the first year of hemodialysis treatment. Methods: we conducted an observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional. Echocardiography was performed; at 220 hemodialysis patients of National Hospital Arzobispo Loayza, during the months of September 2012 to June 2013, were considered eligible patients with chronic renal failure, aged 18 years, uremia and with immediate indication to start dialysis, we applied a research record, the qualitative variables were presented with frequency distributions. Quantitative variables were summarized as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and range, Comparison between two groups was performed by t test for independent samples, Chi square and Mantel Haenszel. Results: The index of left atrial volume average was 39.22±13.6 ml/m2, and values above 34 ml/m2 were found in 77 per cent of the population consisting of 90 men and 130 women. No statistically significant difference was found in patients with previous heart disease between the study groups, but statistical difference was found in patients with a history of diabetes mellitus over 8 years. The main echocardiographic abnormalities observed in hemodialysis patients within the first year of treatment (mean 166 days) were: left ventricular dilatation 16 patients (7 per cent), concentric hypertrophy in 75 (28 per cent), concentric remodeling in 122 patients (56 per cent), and diastolic dysfunction with prolonged relaxation pattern in 132 (60 per cent). We found good correlation between index of left atrial volume and ejection fraction as much as with left ventricular mass index. Conclusion: The index of left atrial volume provides complementary information to traditional clinical and echocardiographic data, such as ejection fraction, E/E and left ventricular mass in hemodialysis patients.

Velocity vector imaging assessment of early epirubicin-induced myocardial damage / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To assess the left ventricular (LV) longitudinal systolic and diastolic function in patients treated by epirubicin by velocity vector imaging (VVI) and to discuss the important clinical value of VVI in quantitatively evaluating the regional longitudinal function.@*METHODS@#Thirty patients with breast cancer treated with epirubicin chemotherapy and 30 normal controls were included in the study. Dynamic images of apical long axis, four-chamber and two chamber view were obtained in all subjects, and the longitudinal systolic and diatolic parameters were measured in all subjects, including systolic maximum velocity (Vs), systolic maximum strain (SS), systolic maximum strain rate (SSR), diastolic maximum velocity (Vd), and diastolic maximum strain rate (DSR). The parameters were compared between the 2 groups. The conventional echcardiographic parameters were also obtained.@*RESULTS@#There was no significant change in all baseline parameters before the chemotherapy in 30 breast cancer patients compared with the normal controls (P>0.05). After the second chemotherapy cycle, DSR was lower in every segment, Vd was lower in the free wall, mainly the lateral, anterior and inferior wall (P0.05). After the third chemotherapy cycle, Vd, DSR and SSR decreased significantly in all segments (P0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#VVI can monitor the epirubicin cardiotoxicity early and is more sensitive than echocardiograph.

Paradoxical Heart Failure Precipitated by Profound Dehydration: Intraventricular Dynamic Obstruction and Significant Mitral Regurgitation in a Volume-Depleted Heart

Occurrence of dynamic left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction is not infrequent in critically ill patients, and it is associated with potential danger. Here, we report a case of transient heart failure with hemodynamic deterioration paradoxically induced by extreme dehydration. This article describes clinical features of the patient and echocardiographic findings of dynamic LVOT obstruction and significant mitral regurgitation caused by systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve in a volume-depleted heart.

Dose-Volume Analysis of Lung and Heart according to Respiration in Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Breast Conserving Surgery / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: Adjuvant radiotherapy of breast cancer using a photon tangential field incurs a risk of late heart and lung toxicity. The use of free breathing (FB), expiration breath hold (EBH), and deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) during tangential breast radiotherapy as a means of reducing irradiated lung and heart volume was evaluated. METHODS: In 10 women with left-sided breast cancer (mean age, 44 years) post-operative computed tomography (CT) scanning was done under different respiratory conditions using FB, EBH, and DIBH in 3 CT scans. For each scan, an optimized radiotherapy plan was designed with 6 MV photon tangential fields encompassing the clinical target volume after breast-conserving surgery. RESULTS: The results of dose-volume histograms were compared using three breathing pattern techniques for the irradiated volume and dose to the heart. A significant reduction dose to the irradiated heart volume for the DIBH breathing technique was compared to FB and EBH breathing techniques (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the irradiated heart volume can be significantly reduced in patients with left-sided breast cancer using the DIBH breathing technique for tangential radiotherapy.

Effect of physiological overload on pregnancy in women with mitral regurgitation

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the structural and functional heart abnormalities in women with mitral regurgitation during pregnancy. INTRODUCTION: Women with mitral regurgitation progress well during pregnancy. However, the effects on the heart of the association between pregnancy and mitral regurgitation are not well established. METHODS: This is a case-control, longitudinal prospective study. Echocardiograms were performed in 18 women with mitral regurgitation at the 12th and 36th week of pregnancy and on the 45th day of the puerperium. Twelve age-matched healthy and pregnant women were included as controls and underwent the same evaluation as the study group. RESULTS: Compared with controls, women with mitral regurgitation presented increased left cardiac chambers in all evaluations. Increasing left atrium during pregnancy occurred only in the mitral regurgitation group. At the end of the puerperium, women with mitral regurgitation showed persistent enlargement of the left atrium compared with the beginning of pregnancy (5.0 ± 1.1 cm vs 4.6 ± 0.9 cm; p<0.05). Reduced left ventricular relative wall thickness (0.13 ± 0.02 vs 0.16 ± 0.02; p<0.05) and an increased peak of afterload (278 ± 55 g/cm² vs 207 ± 28 g/cm²;p<0.05) was still observed on the 45th day after delivery in the mitral regurgitation group compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy causes unfavorable structural alterations in women with mitral regurgitation that are associated with an aggravation of the hemodynamic overload.

Relationship of left heart size and left ventricular mass with exercise capacity in chronic heart failure / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Impaired exercise capacity is one of the most common clinical manifestations in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). The severity of reduced exercise capacity is an indicator of disease prognosis. The aim of the current study was to investigate the association between left heart size and mass with exercise capacity.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 74 patients were enrolled in the study, with 37 having congestive heart failure (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 0.45) and the other 37 with coronary heart disease (by coronary angiography) serving as the control group (LVEF > 0.55). Echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise test were performed. The multiply linear regression model was used to evaluate the association between echocardiogrphic indices and exercise capacities.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The study showed that left ventricular end diastolic/systolic diameter (LVEDD/LVESD), left atrial diameter (LAD) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were significantly enlarged in patients with chronic heart failure compared with controls (P < 0.01). The VO(2)AT, Peak VO(2), Load AT, and Load Peak in chronic heart failure patients were also significantly reduced compared with controls (P < 0.05), VE/VCO(2) slope was increased in patients with chronic heart failure (P < 0.01). Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that the patients' exercise capacity was significantly associated with the left heart size and mass, however, the direction and/or strength of the associations sometimes varied in chronic heart failure patients and controls. Load AT correlated negatively with LVEDD in chronic heart failure patients (P = 0.012), while Load AT correlated positively with LVEDD in control patients (P = 0.006). VE/VCO(2) slope correlated positively with LAD (B = 0.477, P < 0.0001) in chronic heart failure patients, while the VE/VCO(2) slope correlated negatively with LAD in control patients (P = 0.009).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The study indicates that the size of LVEDD and LAD are important determinants of exercise capacity in patients with CHF, which may be helpful to identify exercise tolerance for routine monitoring of systolic heart failure.</p>

Difference in the Set-up Margin between 2D Conventional and 3D CT Based Planning in Patients with Early Breast Cancer / 대한방사선종양학회지

PURPOSE: Simulation using computed tomography (CT) is now widely available for radiation treatment planning for breast cancer. It is an important tool to help define the tumor target and normal tissue based on anatomical features of an individual patient. In Korea, most patients have small sized breasts and the purpose of this study was to review the margin of treatment field between conventional two-dimensional (2D) planning and CT based three-dimensional (3D) planning in patients with small breasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five consecutive patients with early breast cancer undergoing breast conservation therapy were selected. All patients underwent 3D CT based planning with a conventional breast tangential field design. In 2D planning, the treatment field margins were determined by palpation of the breast parenchyma (In general, the superior: base of the clavicle, medial: midline, lateral: mid - axillary line, and inferior margin: 2 m below the inframammary fold). In 3D planning, the clinical target volume (CTV) ought to comprise all glandular breast tissue, and the PTV was obtained by adding a 3D margin of 1 cm around the CTV except in the skin direction. The difference in the treatment field margin and equivalent field size between 2D and 3D planning were evaluated. The association between radiation field margins and factors such as body mass index, menopause status, and bra size was determined. Lung volume and heart volume were examined on the basis of the prescribed breast radiation dose and 3D dose distribution. RESULTS: The margins of the treatment field were smaller in the 3D planning except for two patients. The superior margin was especially variable (average, 2.5 cm; range, -2.5 to 4.5 cm; SD, 1.85). The margin of these targets did not vary equally across BMI class, menopause status, or bra size. The average irradiated lung volume was significantly lower for 3D planning. The average irradiated heart volume did not decrease significantly. CONCLUSION: The use of 3D CT based planning reduced the radiation field in early breast cancer patients with small breasts in relation to conventional planning. Though a coherent definition of the breast is needed, CT-based planning generated the better plan in terms of reducing the irradiation volume of normal tissue. Moreover it was possible that 3D CT based planning showed better CTV coverage including postoperative change.