[Study of the relation between indices of ventricular function and pulmonary vascular resistance [PVR]]

Pulmonary vascular resistance [PVR] index is an important hemodynamic variable in determining the severity of cardiopulmonary diseases. This study was done to define the relationship of echocardiographic parameters of ventricular function with PVR. Mean PVR of 40 patients with cardiac disease was compared with the left ventricle diastolic function indices [LVEF] and the Systolic Pulmonary Arterial Pressure, [SPAP]. Results were analyzed by Linear Regression Test; also right ventricle TAPSE index was compared with mean PVR by Mann- Whitney Test, using SPSS Ver. 15. The comparison between PVR and TAPSE showed that the mean PVR reduces significantly with increase of TAPSE [cut off point 1.8; p= [0.0 26]. The study of the relation between SPAP and PVR made it clear that an increase in SPAP [mean PAP>25 mmHg] will cause the PVR to increase significantly [P<0.0001]. The study of LVEF and PVR showed that PVR decreases significantly parallel with an increase in EF [P= 0.004]. The study of mean PVR in LV Diastolic dysfunction groupings showed that the mean PVR difference in Restrictive Pattern was significantly higher than the Normal grouping [P<0.0001]. Measurement of right and left ventricles function indices by echocardiography is a reliable and accessible instrument for PVR estimation and monitoring. Noting the significance of PVR measurement in the process of treating cardiovascular diseases, we recommend use of echocardiography as a simple, accessible and noninvasive method for determining PVR, and an also as an index for estimating prognosis

[Evaluation of anterior mitral leaflet concavity area by 2D echocardiography in ischemic induced mitral regurgitation]

Functional mitral regurgitation [FMR] results from left ventricular remodeling, anterior leaflet tethering or tenting. Coronary artery disease is one of the important causes of FMR due to tethering. Detection of FMR and its severity is one of important factors in patient prognosis. There are different methods for detection of FMR and its severity, including anterior mitral leaflet concavity area [AMLCA]. In this cross sectional study 32 patients were selected, 19 of them were male with three vessel disease [3VD] and were candidate for coronary bypass graft surgery [CABG] with or without mitral valve surgery. They had FMR in ventriculography. Anterior mitral leaflet concavity area [AMLCA] was determined by long axis view [LAX] of transthorasic echocardiography [TTE]. Relation between severity of MR and AMLCA determined with Spearman's correlation coefficient and according to Roc curve study cut-off point was 0.1 cm[2]. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 15. In studied patients, AMLCA were 0.1-0.43 cm[2] in transthorasic echocardiography [cutoff point was 0.1 cm[2]]. A strong correlation was seen between AMLCA and FMR severity with LAX view of TTE [r=0.89]. Relation between FMR and AMLCA was a simple linear relationship. The results showed that AMILCA in the parasternal LAX view provides rapid and reliable diagnosis of FMR due to coronary artery disease and is quantitatively related to the severity of MR. In this regard, further studies with more subjects are recommended