Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: The Role of Myocardial Deformation Indices and Right Ventricle Three-Dimensional Echocardiography

Abstract Background: Right ventricular dysfunction is a major complication in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and, despite its prognostic implications, is rarely considered in routine clinical analysis. Objectives: To compare RV function variables with standard and advanced echocardiographic techniques in patients with stable COPD and controls. Methods: Twenty COPD patients classified as GOLD ≥ II (13 men aged 68.4 ± 8.3 years) and 20 matched controls were compared. Myocardial strain/strain rate indices were obtained by tissue Doppler and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. Right ventricular ejection fraction was obtained with three-dimensional software. Free wall myocardial thickness (FWMT) and tricuspid annular systolic excursion (TAPSE) were also measured. Numerical variables were compared between groups with Student's t-test or the Mann-Whitney test. Associations between categorical variables were determined with Fisher's exact test. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: All myocardial deformation indices, particularly global longitudinal strain (-17.2 ± 4.4 vs -21.2: ± 4.4 = 0.001) and 3D right ventricular ejection fraction (40.8 ± 9.3% vs 51.1 ± 6.4% p <0.001) were reduced in COPD patients. These patients presented higher right ventricular FWMT and lower TAPSE values than controls. Conclusion: Myocardial deformation indices, either tissue Doppler or speckle tracking echocardiography and 3D right ventricular ejection fraction, are robust markers of right ventricular dysfunction in patients with stable COPD. Assessing global longitudinal strain by speckle tracking echocardiography is a more practical and reproducible method.

Fístula da Artéria Coronária: Associação entre Padrões de Trajetos, Características Clínicas e Cardiopatias Congênitas / Coronary Artery Fistula: Association between Pathway Patterns, Clinical Features and Congenital Heart Disease

Resumo Fundamento A fístula da artéria coronária (FAC) é uma conexão direta entre uma ou mais artérias coronárias e câmaras cardíacas ou um grande vaso; pode estar associada à cardiopatia congênita. Objetivo Estabelecer os padrões de trajetos de FAC a partir de dados ecocardiográficos e correlacioná-los com aspectos clínicos e cardiopatias congênitas. Métodos Um total de 7.183 prontuários médicos de crianças menores de 5 anos de idade com cardiopatia submetidas a ecodopplercardiograma colorido foram analisados utilizando o teste de correlação de Spearman para associar sinais, sintomas e cardiopatia à FAC, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Vinte e seis crianças (0,0036%) apresentaram FAC, nos seguintes trajetos: da artéria coronária direita para o ventrículo direito (26,92%), da artéria coronária esquerda para o ventrículo direito (23,08%), do ramo interventricular anterior para o ventrículo direito (23,08%), da artéria coronária direita para o átrio direito (11,54%), da artéria coronária esquerda para o tronco pulmonar (7,69%) e do ramo interventricular anterior para o tronco pulmonar (7,69%). Em 57,69% dos pacientes, houve uma correlação positiva entre sintomas e a FAC (p = 0,445), relacionada à dispneia ou cianose (53,84%). Em 96,15%, a cardiopatia congênita estava associada à FAC; principalmente, a comunicação interventricular e a comunicação interatrial, em 34,62% dos casos, correlacionaram-se positivamente com a FAC (p = 0,295). O trajeto da FAC foi representado em três dimensões pelo software de modelagem, texturização e animação Cinema 4D R19. Conclusão A FAC é uma entidade anatômica incomum que apresenta quadro clínico compatível com dispneia e cianose e está associada a cardiopatias congênitas, principalmente com a CIV ou a CIA. De acordo com as análises ecocardiográficas, as fístulas na ACD, na ACE ou no RIVA representam aproximadamente um terço dos pacientes, com trajeto prioritário para as câmaras cardíacas direitas.

Abstract Background Coronary artery fistula (CAF) is a direct connection of one or more coronary arteries to cardiac chambers or a large vessel; it may be associated with congenital heart disease. Objective To establish CAF pathway patterns from echocardiographic data and to correlate them with clinical aspects and congenital heart disease. Methods A total of 7.183 medical records of children under the age of five years with cardiac disease submitted to color Doppler echocardiography and Spearman's Correlation test were used to associate signs and symptoms and cardiopathy to CAF with a significance level of 5%. Results Twenty six children (0.0036%) presented CAF: from the right coronary artery (RCA) to the right ventricle (RV) 26.92%, from the left coronary artery (LCA) to the RV 23.08%, from the anterior interventricular branch (AIVB) to RV 23.08%, RCA to right atrium (RA) 11.54%, LCA for pulmonary trunk (PT) 7.69% or AIVB for PT 7.69%. In 57.69% of the patients, there was a positively correlated symptomatology to CAF with p=0.445 related to dyspnea or cyanosis (53.84%); in 96.15%, congenital heart disease associated with CAF, mainly interventricular communication (IVC) or interatrial communication (IAC) in 34.62% positively correlated to CAF with p=0.295. CAF pathway was represented in three dimensions by software modeling, texturing and animation Cinema 4D R19. Conclusion CAF is an uncommon anatomical entity that presents a clinical picture compatible with dyspnea and cyanosis, and this is associated with congenital heart disease, mainly with IVC or IAC. According to echocardiographic analyzes, fistulas in RCA, LCA, or AIVB represent about one-third of the patients, with a priority pathway for right heart chambers.

Weight-bearing cone-beam computed tomography in the foot and ankle specialty: where we are and where we are going - an update / Tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico com carga corporal na especialidade do pé e tornozelo: situação atual e perspectivas futuras - uma atualização

Abstract Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been applied in dentistry and medicine for nearly two decades. Its application in the foot and ankle specialty has grown exponentially in recent years. Weight-bearing CBCT allows clinicians to obtain weight-bearing images that can be viewed in all three planes and to construct three-dimensional models, similar to those constructed from traditional CT scans, as well as exposing patients to less radiation than do traditional CT scans. This technology has revolutionized diagnoses, improving the understanding of various lesions and surgical planning in the foot and ankle specialty. Ongoing studies of the use of weight-bearing CBCT in foot and ankle surgery are focused on fully automated and semi-automated three-dimensional measurements, as well as bone segmentation, mapping of the distances/orientation of the joints, and the production of customized implants. The aims of this review article are to show the evolution of this emerging tool in the foot and ankle specialty, to update those in related specialties on its use in current clinical practice, and to indicate where the research community is heading.

Resumo A tomografia computadorizada (TC) de feixe cônico é aplicada na área da odontologia e medicina há cerca de duas décadas, e seu uso na especialidade do tornozelo e pé cresceu de forma exponencial nos últimos anos. A literatura demonstra como a TC de feixe cônico permite obter imagens com apoio do peso corporal total - weight-bearing cone-beam computed tomography - com cortes nos três planos e modelos tridimensionais semelhantes às TCs, associada a menor exposição à radiação, técnica que revolucionou o diagnóstico, o entendimento de diferentes lesões e o planejamento cirúrgico nessa área do conhecimento. As mensurações tridimensionais automáticas e semiautomáticas, a segmentação óssea, o mapeamento das distâncias e orientações articulares e a possibilidade de produção de implantes customizados são o interesse dos estudos em andamento na cirurgia do tornozelo e pé relacionados a essa ferramenta emergente. O objetivo deste artigo é mostrar a evolução do método, atualizar as especialidades de interface sobre uso na prática clínica atual e indicar para onde a comunidade científica está caminhando.

Combination of GI-RADS and 3D-CEUS for differential diagnosis of ovarian masses

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of gynecologic imaging reporting and data system (GI-RADS) ultrasonographic stratification and three-dimensional contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (3D-CEUS) in order to distinguish malignant from benign ovarian masses. METHODS In this study, 102 patients with ovarian masses were examined by both two-dimensional ultrasound(2D-US) and 3D-CEUS. Sonographic features of ovarian masses obtained from 3D-CEUS were analyzed and compared with 2D-US. All patients with ovarian masses were confirmed by operational pathology or long-term follow-up results. RESULTS (1)The Chi-square test and multiple Logistic regression analysis confirmed that there were only eight independent predictors of malignant masses, including thick septa (≥3mm), thick papillary projections(≥7mm), solid areas, presence of ascites, central vascularization, contrast enhancement, distribution of contrast agent, and vascular characteristics of the solid part and their odds ratios which were 5.52, 5.39, 4.94, 4.34, 5.92, 7.44, 6.09, and 7.67, respectively (P<0.05). (2)These eight signs were used to combine the GI-RADS with 3D-CEUS scoring system in which the corresponding value of the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.969, which was superior to using GI-RADS lonely (Z-value=1.64, P<0.025). Using 4 points as the cut-off, the scoring system showed the performance was clearly better than using GI-RADS alone (P<0.05). (3) The Kappa value was 0.872 for two different clinicians with equal experience. CONCLUSIONS The combination of GI-RADS and 3D-CEUS scoring system would be a more effective method to distinguish malignant from benign ovarian masses.

RESUMO OBJETIVO O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a eficácia da combinação da estratificação por ultrassonografia usando o Sistema de Relatórios e Dados de Imagem Ginecológica (GI-RADS) e ultrassonografia 3D com contraste (3D-CEUS) para diferenciar massas ovarianas benignas de malignas. METODOLOGIA Neste estudo, 102 pacientes com massas ovarianas foram examinadas usando ultrassonografia bidimensional (2D-US) e 3D-CEUS. As características ultrassonográficas das massas ovarianas obtidas com 3D-CEUS foram analisadas e comparadas com de 2D-US. Todos os pacientes com massas ovarianas tiveram o diagnóstico confirmado pelos resultados de patologia cirúrgica ou acompanhamento de longo prazo. RESULTADOS (1) O teste qui-quadrado e a regressão logística múltipla confirmaram a existência de apenas oito preditores independentes de massas malignas, incluindo septos espessos (≥3mm), projeções papilares espessas (≥7mm), áreas sólidas, presença de ascite, vascularização central, aumento de contraste, distribuição do agente de contraste e características vasculares da parte sólida e suas razões de possibilidades (OR), que foram 5,52, 5,39, 4,94, 4,34, 5,92, 7,44, 6,09 e 7.67, respectivamente (P< 0,05). (2) Esses oito preditores foram utilizados para combinar o GI-RADS com o sistema de escores da 3D-CEUS, para o qual o valor correspondente da área sob a curva (AUC) foi de 0,969, superior ao uso exclusivo do GI-RADS (valor de Z = 1,64, P < 0,025). Usando 4 pontos como corte, o sistema de escores mostrou que o desempenho foi muito melhor do que com o uso exclusivo do GI-RADS (P < 0,05). (3) O valor de Kappa foi 0,872, obtido por dois médicos diferentes com igual experiência. CONCLUSÃO A combinação do GI-RADS e do sistema de pontuação da 3D-CEUS é um método mais eficaz para distinguir massas ovarianas benignas de malignas.

Optimization of optical performance of biconvex Toric intraocular lens using a customized vision model / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background The optic quality of Toric intraocular lens (IOL)-implanted eye is affected by the residual astigmatism and individual difference of corneal spherical aberration and different magnification from steep and flat axis refraction.Whether correcting Toric IOL spherical aberration can effectively improve the image quality of individual patient is a question to be studied.Objective This study attempted to collect eye parameters of cataract patients to reconstruct the customized vision model by using Zemax optical software,and to evaluate the image performance with different Toric IOL spherical aberration.Methods A prospective study was performed.Forty-five eyes of 45 cataract patients were included in Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from August 2012 to October 2013.Several relevant parameters were measured by Pentacam,including anterior and posterior surface height of cornea,corneal thickness,curvature radius of flat and steep meridians of anterior surface astigmatism,refractive diopter and curvature radius of posterior surface.The astigmatism of anterior and posterior corneal surface was described by Matlab 4.5 software.Corneal astigmatism model were set as aspheric state,and the effective position of Toric IOL was calculated using Holladay Ⅰ formula.Customized individual model eyes were constructed by Zemax software.The contrast sensitivity function (CSF) of different spherical Toric IOLs at different spatial frequencies were calculated and compared between 300 Td light environment with 3 mm pupil diameter (photopia light) and 0.3-1.0 Td light environment with 5 mm pupil diameter (mesopia light).This study was approved by Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University ethics committee,all the patients signed the informed consent.Results The mean astigmatism power was (1.51 ± 0.36) D and (1.49 ± 0.37) D,and the mean astigmatism meridian was (101.5 ± 59.8) ° and (101.9±58.5) ° in the model eyes and cataract eyes,respectively,without significant differences between them (t=0.886,0.652;both at P＞0.05).Bland-Altman test showed a good agreement in astigmatism power and astigmatism meridian between model eyes and cataract eyes.The LogCSF values at 1.5,3.0,6.0,12.0 and 18.0 c/d spatial frequencies were significantly higher in the aspherical Toric IOL model eyes than those in the spherical Toric IOL model eyes,and the LogCSF values at various spatial frequencies were significantly higher in the Toric IOLs with spherical aberrations of-0.13 μm and-0.26 μm than those in the zero spherical aberrations in both photopia light and mesopia light (all at P＜0.05).Conclusions A precise corneal astigmatism model based on cornea high data of cataract eyes was successfully constructed through special formulas with Zemax software.Aspherical Toric IOL can compensate for spherical aberration of cornea and enhance the optic quality in individual model eye.

Qual é o valor da ultrassonografia 3D em ginecologia / What is the value of 3D ultrasound in gynecology

A ultrassonografia (US) 3D tem sido cada vez mais utilizada, nas diversas áreas da Ginecologia, por oferecer de forma mais objetiva e reprodutível as medidas do volume e vascularização da região de interesse, melhor avaliação da normalidade ou patologia dos órgãos estudados, reduzir o tempo de varredura e permitir o armazenamento de imagens para reavaliação posterior. Para a realização deste estudo, efetuou-se uma pesquisa no banco de dados PubMed/Medline compreendendo os estudos publicados entre os anos de 1966 a 2010. Os resultados da pesquisa mostram que, embora a US 3D tenha uma utilização crescente em ginecologia, são necessários mais estudos prospectivos de maior consistência para validar a técnica.

Three-dimensional ultrasound (US 3D) has been increasingly used in various gynecologic areas. It offers more objective and reproducible measurements of volume and vascularization in the region of interest, better evaluating the normality or pathology aspects of the organs, reducing scanning time and allowing storage of images for later review. We searched the PubMed/Medline database including in this review the studies published between the years of 1966 to 2010. The results show that although the US 3D has an increasing application in gynecology, we need more prospective studies of greater consistency to validate this technique.

Relation between three-dimensional and two-dimensional echocardiography and biochemical analysis in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction percutaneously treated / Relação entre a análise bioquímica e ecocardiográfica tridimensional e bidimensional em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST tratados por via percutânea

Objective: The prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction depends on multiple features that can demonstrate myocardial injury degree (such as serum markers of cardiac necrosis), and also on adaptive mechanisms relative to the acute event. The aim of the study was to assess the relation between biochemical and echocardiographic findings from three-dimensional echocardiographic (3D Echo) analysis and echocardiographic two-dimensional (2D Echo) left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction , submitted to primary percutaneous treatment. Methods: A prospective study with 2D Echo and 3D Echo of 23 patients (17 males, mean age of 57 ± 13 years) with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction, primarily percutaneously treated (stent). Serum cardiac markers (creatine kinase MB, Troponin I and Myoglobin) and serum brain natriuretic peptide were compared to echocardiographic parameters (volumes, left ventricular ejection fraction and ventricular dyssynchrony index). The statistical analysis was performed using Pearson?s correlation coefficient, 95% CI, p < 0.05, linear regression equation and Bland & Altman test. Results: Pearsons correlation coefficient (r)relative to 3D left ventricular ejection fraction: 1- brain natriuretic peptide: r: - 0.7427, p < 0.0001; 2- creatine kinase MB: r: - 0.660, p = 0.001. Left ventricular ejection fraction 2D (r) : 1- brain natriuretic peptide: r: - 0.5478, p = 0.001; 2- creatine kinase MB: r: - 0.4800, p < 0.0277. Other associations were not significant. Conclusions: In this series, it was observed better correlation in regard to serum creatine kinase MB , brain natriuretic peptide and 3D Echo left ventricular ejection fraction, when compared to 2D Echo left ventricular ejection fraction.

Objetivo: O prognóstico dos pacientes portadores de infarto agudo do miocárdico depende de múltiplos aspectos que espelhem o grau de agressão ao miocárdio (como marcadores enzimáticos de necrose miocárdica), assim como dos mecanismos de adaptação ao evento agudo. O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a associação entre os achados bioquímicos e ecocardiográficos derivados da análise ecocardiográfica transtorácica tridimensional (ECO 3D) com a fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (ECO 2D) em pacientes acometidos por infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST, que tenham sido submetidos a tratamento primário percutâneo. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo com Eco 3D e 2D de 23 indivíduos (17 homens, 57 ± 13 anos), acometidos por infarto agudo do miocárdio com elevação do segmento ST, primariamente tratados com implante de stent coronariano. Foi feita a dosagem sérica de creatina cinase fração MB, Troponina I, Mioglobina e peptídeo atrial natriurético e comparada com os parâmetros ecocardiográficos (volumes, fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo e índice de dissincronia ventricular). A análise estatística foi feita com a determinação do coeficiente de correlação (Pearson), IC = 95%, p < 0,05, com teste de regressão linear e teste de Bland & Altman. Resultados: Coeficiente de correlação (r) entre fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo 3D: 1- peptídeo atrial natriurético: r: - 0,7427, p < 0,0001; 2- creatina cinase fração MB: r: -0,660, p = 0,001. fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo 2D (r) : 1- peptídeo atrial natriurético: r: - 0,5478, p = 0,001; 2- creatina cinase fração MB: r: -0,4800, p < 0,0277. As demais associações entre os parâmetros ecocardiográficos e as dosagens séricas não foram significativas. Conclusões: Nesta série, foi observada correlação melhor entre a dosagem sérica de peptídeo atrial natriurético, de creatina cinase fração MB e a fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo aferida por Eco 3D do que a correlação com a fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo aferida por Eco 2D.

A study on the scanning method and normal cross sectional images by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To explore the methodology of sca nning, cutting and measuring normal cardiovascular structures by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT-3DE) and it's clinical applications. Methods Conventional two-dimensional echocardiography (2-DE), RT-3DE and full volume three-dimensional echocardiography (FV-3DE)were performed in 20 normal volunteers to visualize normal cardiovascular structures in multiple orientations and cross sections both in static and dynamic fashions, and all echo images derived by three techniques were compared and analyzed.Results Technically satisfactory 2-DE, RT-3DE and FV-3DE images were obtained in all subjects. Compared with conventional 2-DE technique, RT-3DE has the advantages of instantly displaying three orthogonal planes and spatial relationships of any cardiac structure within a "piece of cake" images of a regional heart, while FV-3DE has the superiority in rapidly depicting three orthogonal planes and spatial relationships of any cardiac structure within a pyramid images of a whole heart. Conclusions Both RT-3DE and FV-3DE techniques can display cardiac structures unobtainable by 2-DE and are useful in reducing the subjectivity and blindness of 2-DE studies, which may enhance the diagnostic accuracy and work efficiency of echo laboratories and produce important clinical values.