RESUMEN
Objective To explore the variation of E-index and M-index of rabbits with acute pulmonary embolism (APE) under the status of pulmonary hypertension (PHT). Methods Rabbit models of APE with PHT were established. A series of parameters [including peak early diastolic mitral inflow velocity (EM), peak late diastolic mitral inflow velocity (AM) and so on] were obtained with routine echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI);and then E-index, M-index were calculated. The parameters before and after APE were compared. Results Twenty-three rabbit models with APE were successfully established, but 3 with atrial fibrillation were excluded. After APE, pulmonary artery pressure increased significantly, EM decreased observably, whereas right ventricular myocardial performance index (RVMPI) increased more evidently than left ventricular myocardial performance index (LVMPI) (P<0.01) did and E-index decreased and M-index increased remarkably. Conclusion Changes of E-index and M-index may provide reference for quantitative assessment of early APE.