Accuracy Of Echocardiography Research Articles

Improving time-efficiency and accuracy in echocardiography: real-time automated measurements of left ventricular global longitudinal strain using deep learning

Abstract Background Accurate quantification of left ventricular (LV) systolic function is fundamental in echocardiography. LV Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) offers advantages over LV ejection fraction, being more sensitive, reproducible and offering better prognostic value. However, existing semi-automatic methods are time-consuming and heavily operator-dependent. Additionally, poor image quality and foreshortening decrease accuracy and reproducibility of GLS. As a result, these challenges lead to suboptimal efficiency and underutilization of GLS quantification in clinical practice. Purpose Our objective was to develop a deep learning (DL) application for real-time automated measurements of GLS, capable of providing tracking quality and foreshortening feedback during scanning. Subsequently, we aimed to validate the novel method in a prospective cohort study. Methods Deep learning networks were trained to identify apical views, identify timing of end-systole and end-diastole, conduct cardiac segmentation, estimate myocardial motion, assess LV length in each view for foreshortening detection, and present real-time visualization of tracking quality and GLS values for three cardiac cycles to the operator for review (Figure 1). The DL method was validated in a prospective cohort of 40 patients included regardless of image quality. Agreement with manual measurements obtained using semi-automatic software (EchoPAC version 204, GE HealthCare, Horten, Norway) was evaluated. Bland-Altman statistics and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used to evaluate agreement and correlation. Results Feasibility for real-time DL measurements of GLS was 98%, with one patient excluded due to poor image quality. There was good agreement (Bias 0.7%, LoA: -1.6 to 3.1%, figure 2) and excellent correlation (Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.93, p<0.001) between the real-time DL application and manual reference measurements for GLS. Using the DL application during scanning resulted in a 58% (95% CI 56%-61%) reduction in time required for scanning and post-processing to obtain GLS values, compared to using the semi-automatic method. Average time consumption was 2 minutes and 16 seconds for the DL method and 5 minutes and 27 seconds for the reference method. Conclusion Using deep learning, real-time fully automated measurement of GLS during scanning is feasible, time-saving, and provides good agreement with reference methods. Real-time measurements also offer the potential to reduce operator-related variability by integrating tools to provide image and tracking quality feedback to the user, ultimately benefiting patients.Application user interfaceAgreement between DL and reference

Accuracy of echocardiography and ultrasound protocol to identify shock etiology in emergency department

BackgroundEarly diagnosis and appropriate management of shock aimed at prevention of prolonged hypoperfusion has shown to decrease morbidity and mortality in patients with undifferentiated shock. However, there is often a challenge in emergency department (ED) – where diagnosis is mainly based on clinical signs and standard monitoring parameters. Early use of point of care ultrasound could reduce the diagnostic time and improve diagnostic accuracy.PurposeThe aim of this study is to investigate the accuracy of echocardiography - ultrasound protocol to identify the cause of shock in ED.MethodThe study was conducted on 150 shocked patients admitted to emergency department of Alexandria Main University Hospital from December 2018 to December 2020. The study was conducted to reach initial impression about shock etiology which was then compared to final diagnosis to determine accuracy, agreement, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV).ResultsOne hundred forty patients were included in the study (10 patients were excluded). The protocol was 100% accurate for diagnosing cases with obstructive and mixed obstructive distributive shock. It showed excellent rule- out characteristics for cardiogenic shock (sensitivity and NPV = 100%). There was almost perfect agreement between provisional and final shock type for mixed distributive cardiogenic shock (kappa 0.915). Echo- US protocol had lowest agreement and PPV for patients with hypovolemic shock Kappa 0.48 and 35% respectively.ConclusionThe Echo- US protocol showed a high accuracy in identifying shock etiology in ED and is likely a promising diagnostic tool in emergency care.

Accuracy of echocardiographic estimations of right heart pressures in adult heart transplant recipients.

BackgroundAccurate assessment of right atrial pressure (RAP) and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) is critical in the management of heart transplant recipients. The accuracy of echocardiography in estimating these pressures has been debated.ObjectiveTo assess the correlation and agreement between echocardiographic estimations of right heart pressures with those of respective invasive hemodynamic measurements by right heart catheterization (RHC) in adult heart transplant recipients.MethodsThis is a prospective evaluation of 84 unique measurements from heart transplant recipients who underwent RHC followed by standard echocardiographic evaluation within 159 ± 64 min with no intervening medication changes. The relationship between noninvasive pressure estimations and invasive hemodynamic measurements was examined.ResultsMean RAP was 7 ± 5 mmHg and mean PASP was 33 ± 8 mmHg by RHC. There was no significant correlation between echocardiographic estimation of RAP and invasive RAP (Spearman's rho = −0.05, p = .7), and no significant agreement between these two variables (weighted kappa = −0.1). There was a modest correlation between echocardiographic estimation of PASP and invasive PASP (r = .39, p = .002). Bland‐Altman analysis showed a mean bias of 2.1 ± 9 mmHg (limits of agreement = −15 to 20 mmHg).ConclusionIn heart transplant recipients, there is no significant correlation or agreement between echocardiographic RAP estimation and invasively determined RAP. Noninvasive PASP estimation correlates significantly but modestly with invasively measured PASP. Further refinement of echocardiographic methods for assessment of RAP is warranted in this unique patient population.

Accuracy of echocardiography and chest tomography for pulmonary hypertension screening in patients awaiting lung transplantation.

ABSTRACTObjective To examine the accuracy of a pulmonary hypertension screening strategy based on a combination of echocardiographic data and tomographic measurements (pulmonary artery diameter and pulmonary artery diameter to ascending aorta diameter ratio) in patients with chronic lung disease referred for lung transplantation.Methods A retrospective observational study with patients with pulmonary emphysema or fibrosis referred for transplantation between 2012 and 2016. Pulmonary hypertension was defined as mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥25mmHg, or between 21 and 24mmHg, with pulmonary vascular resistance >3 Wood units on right heart catheterization. Tomographic measurements were made by two independent radiologists.Results This sample comprised 13 patients with emphysema and 19 patients with pulmonary fibrosis. Of these, 18 had pulmonary hypertension. The level of agreement in tomographic measurements made by radiologists was high (intraclass correlation coefficients 0.936 and 0.940, for pulmonary artery diameter and pulmonary artery diameter to ascending aorta diameter ratio, respectively). Areas under the ROC curves constructed for pulmonary artery diameter, pulmonary artery diameter to ascending aorta diameter ratio, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure as predictors of pulmonary hypertension were 0.540, 0.629 and 0.783, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value of pulmonary artery systolic pressure ≥40mmHg were 67%, 79% and 65%, respectively. The combined criterion (pulmonary artery diameter to ascending aorta diameter ratio >1 and/or pulmonary artery systolic pressure ≥40mmHg) achieved sensitivity of 72%, specificity of 79%, and a negative predictive value of 69%.Conclusion Measurements of pulmonary artery and ascending aorta diameter were highly reproducible. The association of pulmonary artery and aortic diameter >1 and/or pulmonary artery systolic pressure ≥40mmHg improved the sensitivity and the negative predictive value for pulmonary hypertension screening. This strategy demands prospective validation to assess safety and cost-effectiveness.

Abstract 12973: Intra-Procedural Change in Platelet Occlusion Time to Predict Hemodynamic and Clinical Outcomes Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Background and Objectives: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement for the therapeutic treatment of severe aortic stenosis. However, intraprocedural hemodynamic assessment by echocardiography is not always optimal and new tools are needed. A new approach using the blood biomarker measuring platelet occlusion time (CT-ADP) and more specifically its change between the pre-intervention and post-intervention (ΔCT-ADP) could be useful to overcome the lack of accuracy of echocardiography, but also to prevent adverse clinical events following TAVI. The objective of this study is to examine the association between ΔCT-ADP and i) intraprocedural valve hemodynamic performance; and ii) occurrence of all-cause death and rehospitalization for heart failure (HF) in TAVI patients. Methods: Three hundred and thirty-eight patients who underwent TAVI at our institute were recruited. Clinical and echocardiographic data were collected before and after the procedure. Two blood samples were collected prior to- and at the end of- TAVI to assess the immediate changes (Δ: pre minus post) in CT-ADP following TAVI. A percentage (Δ/pre-intervention value) was determined for CT-ADP and mean gradient (MG) for each patient. Results: Prior to TAVI, 135(40.0%) patients had a prolonged CT-ADP (>180 s). There was a significant but modest correlation between ΔCT-ADP and the change in mean transvalvular gradient immediately after TAVI (r=0.15, p=0.007). A ΔCT-ADP (i.e. decrease) >10% (i.e. median of cohort) was associated with a higher rate of transcatheter valve regurgitation ≥ moderate (0.0% vs 3.0%, p=0.030) following TAVI, and a longer length of hospital stay (7.8±8.3 vs. 9.7±9.0 days, p=0.002). During a median follow-up of 1.2 (1.0-2.4) years, there were 87 clinical events (30 rehospitalizations and 57 deaths). A ΔCT-ADP >10% tended toward higher risk of events in univariable analysis (HR[95%CI]: 1.49[0.94-2.37], p=0.090), but not after adjustment for other risk factors (HR[95%CI]: 1.10[0.53-2.28], p=0.79). Conclusion: A >10% decrease in CT-ADP immediately after TAVI is associated with worse hemodynamic outcomes. This association is not independent and appears to be related to other risk factors.

Echocardiographic findings and diagnostic accuracy of echocardiography in patients with ischaemic stroke or Tia: A systematic review protocol

Echocardiographic findings and diagnostic accuracy of echocardiography in patients with ischaemic stroke or Tia: A systematic review protocol

Accuracy of obstetric ultrasonography compared to fetal echocardiography in diagnosis of congenital heart disease at a secondary level hospital in Brazil: A pilot study

BackgroundCongenital heart diseases (CHD) are dynamic defects that originate in the embryo, evolving during gestation, and undergoing significant change throughout the entire course of extrauterine life. CHD represent a complex group of abnormalities related to high infant morbidity and mortality. Ultrasonography advances in Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine have contributed to the increased detection of these anomalies, with high screening potential during pregnancy. Despite studies pointing to high fetal echocardiography's sensitivity and specificity, this method is not homogeneously available worldwide yet, particularly in low and medium-income countries. ObjectivesHere we compared the accuracy of obstetric ultrasonography performed between 18 and 22 weeks of gestational age with Fetal Echocardiography. MethodsWe evaluated 44 pregnant women who underwent fetal echocardiography examination. This way, we can comprehend if the first method alone can diagnose fetal cardiac abnormalities or track those that need additional imaging by fetal echocardiography. ResultsIn our sample, Obstetric Ultrasonography reached 81.8% accuracy, 57.1% sensitivity, and 93.3% specificity, whereas Fetal Echocardiography's accuracy was estimated at 97.7%, 100% sensitivity, and 96.8% specificity. ConclusionsDespite the superior accuracy of Fetal Echocardiography, we believe that Obstetric Ultrasonography is enough to establish a probable diagnostic hypothesis when performed by experienced professionals, following the specific guidelines. This way, appropriate referral to tertiary centers can facilitate the care of these infants with complex heart disease that requires aggressive surgical intervention and Neonatal and Cardiac Intensive Care services.

Utility of echocardiography in patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction in the presence of left bundle-branch block

Abstract Background Rapid identification of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) as life-threatening disorder by clinical assessment, cardiac troponin and the electrocardiogram (ECG) is important for the early initiation of highly effective, evidence-based therapy. Patients presenting with suspected AMI and left bundle branch block (LBBB) to the emergency department (ED) represent a unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, as altered ventricular depolarization masks changes in ventricular repolarization associated with myocardial ischemia. Current guidelines suggest, based on expert opinion, early echocardiography as a helpful tool in patients with suspected AMI and LBBB to identify new wall motion abnormalities, which guides further diagnostics strategies in these patients. Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of echocardiography among patients with suspected AMI and LBBB in the recorded ECG at ED presentation. Methods We prospectively evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of echocardiography in patients with LBBB presenting with chest discomfort to 26 ED's in three international, prospective, diagnostic studies. Two independent cardiologists centrally adjudicated the final diagnosis in each study according to the universal definition of myocardial infarction. All patients underwent a clinical assessment that included standardized and detailed medical history including assessment of chest pain characteristics, vital signs, physical examination, 12-lead ECG, continuous ECG rhythm monitoring, pulse oximetry, standard blood test, and chest radiography and echocardiography if indicated. We compared echocardiographic findings in patients with LBBB who were diagnosed with an AMI to those without an AMI. Results Among 283 patients presenting with chest pain and LBBB to the ED, AMI was the final diagnosis in 36% (102 of 283 patients) of patients. An echocardiography had been performed in 100/283 patients (35%) in the emergency department. AMI was the final diagnosis in 41/100 (41%) of patients. A wall motion abnormality in any region was seen in 77 (77%) of patients with no difference between patients diagnosed with AMI (33 patients, 81%) versus without AMI (44 patients, 75%, p=0.49). Additionally, we found no differences for each wall region (Table 1). Most patients with LBBB had moderately reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, median 40%), a dilated left atrium (67%) or left ventricular hypertrophy (55%) without any differences between the two groups (Table 1). Conclusions Early echocardiography in patients with suspected AMI and LBBB provided only limited utility to identify patients, which may benefit from immediate coronary angiography. Our findings scrutinize current guidelines and downgrades the utility of echocardiography in this setting. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Other. Main funding source(s): Swiss National Science Foundation, the Swiss Heart Foundation, the European Union, the Cardiovascular Research Foundation Basel, the University Hospital Basel, Queensland Emergency Medicine Research Foundation, Christchurch Heart Institute and Health Research Council and Heart Foundation of New Zealand, Christchurch Emergency Care Foundation

Clinical value of echocardiography in differential diagnosis of segmental wall motion abnormalities in coronary heart disease

Objective To explore the clinical value of echocardiography in differential diagnosis of segmental wall motion abnormalities in coronary heart disease(CHD), and to provide help for clinical treatment. Methods From January 2017 to November 2018, 56 patients with segmental abnormal wall motion of CHD in Yuyao People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province were selected in the study.All patients were diagnosed by echocardiography and coronary angiography.The diagnostic coincidence rate, specificity, sensitivity, false negative rate, false positive rate and accuracy of echocardiography were evaluated. Results Coronary angiography showed abnormal segmental wall motion in 56 patients, with 100.00% anastomosis rate.Echocardiography revealed abnormal segmental wall motion in 54 patients with CHD, 2 patients showed normal segmental wall motion, anastomosis rate was 96.43%.There was no statistically significant difference between the two diagnostic methods(χ2=0.635, P=0.152), but the specificity of ultrasound diagnosis(80.36%), sensitivity(78.57%) and accuracy(80.36%) were lower than those of coronary angiography(100.00%, 98.21%, 100.00%), there were statistically significant differences (χ2=4.173, P=0.034; χ2=5.154, P=0.024; χ2=4.173, P=0.034). Conclusion Cardiac echocardiography has a high diagnostic value in differential diagnosis of segmental wall motion abnormalities in CHD.It can guide the clinical treatment of these patients to formulate a reasonable treatment plan.Moreover, it is easy to operate, with low cost and more acceptable to patients. Key words: Coronary artery disease; Segmental wall motion abnormality; Ultrasonography, doppler, color; Coronary angiography; Differential diagnosis; Confirmation; Specificity; Sensitivity

Routine Cardiac Catheterization Prior to Fontan Operation: Is It a Necessity?

Prior to the Fontan procedure, patients with single ventricle physiology with Glenn shunt are typically referred for cardiac catheterization to assess hemodynamics and potentially provide interventional measures. Currently, echocardiography provides detailed information which together with other non-invasive imaging such as CT scan and MRI may obviate the need for routine cardiac catheterization prior to the Fontan procedure. In this study, we examine the findings in cardiac catheterization in this population to determine: (a) the accuracy of echocardiography in providing adequate information prior to the Fontan procedure, particularly in identifying those in need of per-catheter intervention, and (b) the percentage of patients requiring interventional procedures during cardiac catheterization. We performed a retrospective chart review of echocardiographic and cardiac catheterization data for patients who underwent pre-Fontan cardiac catheterization at our center in the period from 02/01/2008 to 02/28/2017. We aimed to re-examine the necessity of routine cardiac catheterization in all single ventricle patients. This was performed through examining pre-catheterization echocardiography reports and comparing them to findings of the subsequent cardiac catheterization reports. Echocardiography reports were evaluated for accuracy in identifying significant anatomical or hemodynamic findings, which may impact success of Fontan procedure as well as the ability of echocardiography to predict findings important to know prior to the Fontan procedure. In this cohort of 40 children, 3 patients were found to have significant hemodynamic findings through cardiac catheterization which were not previously known by echocardiography. In addition, 28 out of 40 patients (70%) required interventional procedures to address significant abnormalities (systemic to pulmonary arterial collaterals, pulmonary artery stenosis, aortic arch stenosis, etc.). All cases of aortic arch stenosis were detected by echocardiography, however, all patients who required systemic to pulmonary arterial or left SVC embolization were not detected by echocardiography. Furthermore, echocardiography did not detect the need for branch pulmonary artery stenosis in 50% of cases. Cardiac catheterization appears to be an essential part of patient assessment prior to Fontan completion in patients with single ventricle physiology. This current practice may change in the future if a non-invasive screening tool is found to have high positive and negative predictive values in identifying the subset of patients who require potential intervention in pre-Fontan cardiac catheterization.

The effectiveness of extended fetal heart screening in a Tertiary Center

Our study is to evaluate the effectiveness of extended fetal heart screening in a tertiary center and research the sensitivity, specifity and the positive and negative values of echocardiography.316 patients who were diagnosed with congenital anomalies among those scanned with the extended fetal heart screening protocol in the perinatology department of our hospital were included in our study. Patients who were not diagnosed with congenital anomalies were excluded. Fetal echocardiographies were perfomed on patients who were admitted to our perinatology clinic, in accordance with the ISUOG extended fetal heart screening protocol. In our study, 55.3% of all cases with cardiac anomalies are concomitant with extracardiac anomalies. An interventional procedure was performed on 52.5% of the patients for karyotyping purposes. 19.3% was terminated early in the pregnancy, 5% and 12.5% were lost during the intrauterine and neonatal periods, respectively. In our study, upon comparison of the fetal and neonatal results, we determined that the false positive and negative rates for fetal echocardiography were 3.5% and 9.4% respectively.In our study, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and accuracy of echocardiography were determined as 91%, 99%, 98% and 99% respectively during the application of ISUOG recommendations in a tertiary center.

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF CALCIFIC MITRAL STENOSIS OVERESTIMATES SEVERITY COMPARED TO RHEUMATIC MITRAL STENOSIS

Calcific mitral stenosis (MS) is increasingly prevalent in industrialized nations, however its assessment by echocardiography is poorly characterized. Because diminished left atrial compliance may impact mitral gradients in calcific MS, we sought to compare the accuracy of echocardiography in

Validation of Noninvasive Measures of Left Ventricular Mechanics in Children: A Simultaneous Echocardiographic and Conductance Catheterization Study

The accuracy of echocardiography in evaluating left ventricular contractility has not been validated in children. The objective of this study was to compare echocardiographic measures of contractility with those derived from pressure-volume loop (PVL) analysis in children. Patients with relatively normal loading conditions undergoing routine left heart catheterization were prospectively enrolled. PVLs were obtained via conductance catheters. The gold-standard measure of contractility, end-systolic elastance (Ees), was obtained via balloon occlusion of one or both vena cavae. Echocardiograms were performed immediately after PVL analysis under the same anesthetic conditions. Single-beat estimations of echocardiographic Ees were calculated using four different methods. These estimates were calculated using a combination of noninvasive blood pressure readings, ventricular volumes derived from three-dimensional echocardiography, and Doppler time intervals. Of 24 patients, 18 patients were heart transplant recipients, and six patients had small patent ductus arteriosus or small coronary fistulae. The mean age was 9.1±5.6years. The average invasive Ees was3.04±1.65mmHg/mL. Invasive Ees correlated best with echocardiographic Ees by the method of Tanoue (r=0.85, P<.01), with a mean difference of -0.07mmHg/mL (95% limits of agreement, -2.0 to 1.4mmHg/mL). Echocardiographic estimates of Ees correlate well with gold-standard measures obtained via conductance catheters in children with relatively normal loading conditions. The use of these noninvasive measures in accurately assessing left ventricular contractility appears promising and merits further study in children.

Abstract 10878: Validation of Non-invasive Measures of Diastolic Function in Children: A Simultaneous Echocardiography and Conductance Catheterization Study

Introduction: The accuracy of echocardiography in evaluating left ventricular (LV) diastolic function has not been validated in children. The objective of this study was to compare echocardiographic and gold-standard measures of LV diastolic function in children. Methods: Patients undergoing routine left heart catheterization were prospectively enrolled. Pressure-volume loops (PVL) were obtained via conductance catheters. The end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship was obtained via balloon occlusion of the vena cavae. PVL measures of diastolic function were divided into early active relaxation (the isovolumic relaxation time constant, tau), and ventricular stiffness (the chamber stiffness constant, β). End-diastolic pressure (EDP) was also recorded. Echocardiographic measures of diastolic function were derived from spectral Doppler, tissue Doppler, and 2D speckle-tracking. The relationships between PVL and echocardiographic measures were determined using Spearman’s correlation. Results: Of 24 patients, 18 patients were s/p heart transplant, 5 patients had a small patent ductus arteriosus or coronary fistula. Mean age was 9.1 ± 5.6 years. The median τ was 24.9 ms (IQR 22.8 - 28.4 ms), median β was 0.094 (IQR 0.035 - 0.154), and median EDP was 9 mmHg (IQR 8 - 13 mmHg). Statistically significant correlations between invasive and echocardiographic measures of diastolic function are reported in the Table. No echocardiographic measures correlated with β. Conclusion: Early diastolic echocardiographic measures correlate with tau and may accurately represent early active relaxation in children. Modest associations exist between echocardiographic measures and EDP. The use of these non-invasive measures in accurately assessing LV diastolic function appears promising in children. However, no echocardiographic measures correlate with chamber stiffness. The development of such measures merits further study.

Pulmonary artery diameter to predict pulmonary hypertension in pulmonary sarcoidosis

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a known complication of pulmonary sarcoidosis with a prevalence ranging from 5% to 74% [1]. The aetiology of PH in sarcoidosis is not fully understood. Usually, it is attributed to the destruction of the distal capillary bed by lung fibrosis and/or chronic hypoxaemia. However, the severity of PH does not correlate consistently with the degree of pulmonary fibrosis, and PH exists in sarcoidosis patients without fibrosis, suggesting a multifactorial mechanism. The presence of PH is associated with a poor prognosis, and early diagnosis and treatment might improve outcome [1]. Echocardiography should always be performed when PH is suspected [2]. However, the accuracy of echocardiography in patients with interstitial lung diseases is often limited due to poor image quality and unreliable tricuspid regurgitation signal to measure the right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) [3]. Further invasive investigation with the gold standard, right heart catheterisation (RHC), is often required. In order to optimise the noninvasive diagnostic approach, there is a need for more accurate predictors of PH. Computed tomography (CT) may raise suspicion of PH in symptomatic patients or those examined for unrelated indications by showing an increased pulmonary artery (PA) diameter (≥29 mm) and PA diameter/ascending aorta diameter (AAD) ratio (≥1.0) [2]. Similarly, PA diameter indexed to body surface area (BSA) has been suggested as possible predictor of PH. However, these parameters have never been investigated in pulmonary sarcoidosis specifically. Pulmonary artery indexed for body surface area is the most accurate predictor for PH on CT in pulmonary sarcoidosis

Echocardiographic diagnosis of sinus of Valsalva aneurysm: A 17-year (1995–2012) experience of 212 surgically treated patients from one single medical center in China

ObjectiveTo evaluate the value of echocardiography in the diagnosis of different pathological patterns of sinus of Valsalva aneurysms (SVAs). MethodsEchocardiographic features and surgical findings of 212 consecutive patients with SVAs treated in the last 17years (1995–2012) at the Union Hospital of Huazhong University of Science and Technology were compared and analyzed retrospectively. Results212 Chinese patients with SVAs underwent surgical repairs from January 1995 to May 2012 in our hospital. The aneurysms originated from the right, non-, multiple and left coronary sinus in 77.8%, 19.3%, 2.4% and 0.5%, respectively. 71.7% were ruptured, most commonly into the right ventricle (67.9%) followed by the right atrium (27.4%). Other rare entry sites of rupture included the left atrium, the left ventricle, the interatrial septum, the interventricular septum and the pulmonary artery (0.5%–1.9%). 164 SVAs arising from the right coronary sinus were classified by the Sakakibara method: 47.6% type I, 33.5% type II, 6.1% type IIIv and 12.8% type IIIa. 41 aneurysms of the non-coronary sinus were classified by the Guo method: 61.0% type I, 34.1% type IIa and 4.9% type IIv. The three most common associated cardiovascular lesions were ventricular septal defect (VSD) (53.3%), stenosis of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOTS) (7.5%) and aortic valvular malformations (5.2%).Compared with surgical results, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of echocardiographic diagnosis of SVAs were 93.9%, 99.9% and 99.8%, respectively. Of the 13 SVAs that were missed on echocardiography, 77% were small aneurysms of the right coronary sinus extending into the right ventricle across a VSD. Of the 199 cases diagnosed by echocardiography prior to surgery, the diagnostic accuracy of aneurismal origination, termination and whether ruptured or not was 99.0%, 99.0% and 97.5%, respectively. Echocardiography also diagnosed accurately all of the complications of the SVAs with the exception of aneurismal vegetations. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of echocardiography in diagnosing the associated cardiovascular lesions were 89.2%, 99.9% and 99.0%, respectively. The most common misdiagnosis and misdiagnosed associated lesions were the RVOTS and the types of VSD, respectively. ConclusionsEchocardiography has a specific value in the diagnosis of different pathological patterns of the SVAs with distinguishing ultrasonic features. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest series of patients with SVAs surgically treated in a single medical center.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Echocardiography Combined With Chest CT in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension

Diagnostic Accuracy of Echocardiography Combined With Chest CT in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension

Aortic Freestyle Stentless Bioprosthesis Leaflet Tears: Clinical Presentation and Diagnostic Accuracy of Echocardiography

Aortic Freestyle Stentless Bioprosthesis Leaflet Tears: Clinical Presentation and Diagnostic Accuracy of Echocardiography

Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization for Congenital Heart Disease in Nepal

Accurate preoperative anatomic and functional diagnosis is of vital importance for surgical repair of congenital heart disease. The diagnostic accuracy of echocardiography alone in congenital heart disease is satisfactory but interventional catheterization is still required to derive the adequate in­formation before surgical repair. This is a retrospective review of our early results with cardiac catheterization for congenital heart disease in Shahid Gangalal National Heart Center (SGNHC), Nepal. Nepalese Heart Journal | Volume 7 | No.1 | November 2010 (special issue) | Page 5-7 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njh.v7i1.8494

Integrating the measures of LV rotational mechanics with conventional indices improves the accuracy of echocardiography in the estimation of left ventricular end-diastolic pressures

Integrating the measures of LV rotational mechanics with conventional indices improves the accuracy of echocardiography in the estimation of left ventricular end-diastolic pressures