CT In Patients Research Articles

Abnormal left atrial compliance is associated with a history of life-threatening arrhythmia in corrected Tetralogy of Fallot.

The objectives of this study were to examine left atrial (LA) function and compliance using two-dimensional (2D) strain analysis in adult patients with corrected Tetralogy of Fallot (c-ToF) and to investigate the relationships between LA function and patient characteristics, especially history of life-threatening arrhythmia (h-LTA). Fifty-one c-ToF patients (34 males; age, 39 ± 15 years; h-LTA, n = 13) were included in this retrospective monocenter study. In addition to a 2D standard echocardiography examination, 2D strain analysis was performed to assess left ventricular (LV) and LA functions, including peak-positive LA strain (LAS-reservoir function) and LA compliance [defined as the ratio LAS/(E/Ea)]. Patients with h-LTA were older and exhibited a longer QRS duration. LV ejection fraction, LAS and LA compliance were significantly lower in the group of patients with h-LTA. Indexed LA and RA volumes, RV end-diastolic area was significantly higher and RV fractional area change significantly lower in the h-LTA group. LA compliance was the best echocardiographic predictor for h-LTA (AUC: 0.839; p < 0.001). Moderate inverted correlations were found between LA compliance and age and QRS duration. Among the echocardiographic parameters, LA compliance was moderately inversely correlated with RV end-diastolic area (r = -0.40, p = 0.01). We documented abnormal LAS and LA compliance values in adult c-ToF patients. Further study is needed to determine how best to incorporate LA strain, particularly LA compliance, into multiparametric predictive models for LTA in c-ToF patients.

Tricuspid annular abnormalities following different surgical strategies in adults with corrected tetralogy of Fallot (Results from the CSONGRAD Registry and MAGYAR-Path Study).

Although there is an increasing number of patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot (cTOF), who reach adulthood due to recent successful surgical procedures, some of them suffers from late complications, including functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR). The purpose of the present study was to examine tricuspid annular (TA) abnormalities in adult cTOF patients and their relationship right atrial (RA) volumes respecting the cardiac cycle assessed by three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE). Moreover, the effect of different surgical procedures on TA morphologic and functional parameters was examined as well. The study comprised 24 cTOF patients (32.8±13.5 years, 9 males) in which early palliative surgery and late total correction were performed in 12 cases (pcTOF), while early total reconstruction was performed in 12 subjects (etrTOF). Their results were compared to those of 33 matched healthy adults (36.7±7.2 years, 15 males). Dilated end-systolic and end-diastolic TA morphologic parameters and their body surface area-indexed counterpart could be detected in cTOF patients as compared to that of controls. TA fractional area change and TA fractional shortening proved to be reduced in cTOF patients as well as in etrTOF and pcTOF patients compared to controls. None of the TA morphologic and functional parameters showed any differences between etrTOF and pcTOF patients. Increased maximum, preatrial contraction and minimum RA volumes could be detected in cTOF patients compared to controls, which correlated with TA dimensions. TA is dilated with reduced function in adult patients with cTOF. TA dilation is related to RA volumes. etrTOF and pcTOF patients have similar TA dimensions and TA functional properties. Fallot; tricuspid annulus; three-dimensional (3D); speckle-tracking; echocardiography.

Impaired Exercise Tolerance in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot Is Associated With Impaired Biventricular Contractile Reserve: An Exercise-Stress Real-Time Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Study.

Correction of tetralogy of Fallot (cTOF) often results in pulmonary valve pathology and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Reduced exercise capacity in cTOF patients cannot be explained by these findings alone. We aimed to explore why cTOF patients exhibit impaired exercise capacity with the aid of a comprehensive cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and real-time cardiovascular magnetic resonance exercise testing (CMR-ET) protocol. Thirty three cTOF patients and 35 matched healthy controls underwent CPET and CMR-ET in a prospective case-control study. Real-time steady-state free precession cine and phase-contrast sequences were obtained during incremental supine in-scanner cycling at 50, 70, and 90 W. RV and left ventricle (LV) volumes and pulmonary blood flow (Qp) were calculated. Differences of CPET and CMR-ET between cTOF versus controls and correlations between CPET and CMR-ET parameters in cTOF were evaluated statistically for all CMR exercise levels using Mann-Whitney U and Spearman rank-order correlation tests. CPET capacity was significantly lower in cTOF than in controls. cTOF patients exhibited not only significantly reduced Qp and RV function but also lower LV function on CMR-ET. Higher CPET values in cTOF correlated with higher Qp (Qp 90 W versus carbon dioxide ventilatory equivalent %: R=-0.519, P<0.05), higher LV-end-diastolic volume indexed to body surface area (LV-end-diastolic volume indexed to body surface area at 50 W versus oxygen uptake in % at maximum exercise on CPET R=0.452, P<0.05), and change in LV ejection fraction (EF; LV-EF at 90 W versus Watt %: r=-0.463, P<0.05). No correlation was found with regard to RV-EF. Significant RV-LV interaction was observed during CMR-ET (RV-EF versus LV-EF at 50 W and 70 W: r=0.66, P<0.02 and r=0.52, P<0.05, respectively). Impaired exercise capacity in cTOF resulted from a reduction in not only RV, but also LV function. cTOF with good exercise capacity on CPET demonstrated higher LV reserve and pulmonary blood flow during incremental CMR-ET. Apart from RV parameters, CMR-ET-derived LV function could be a valuable tool to stratify cTOF patients for pulmonary valve replacement.

Left ventricular rotational abnormalities in adult patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot following different surgical procedures (Results from the CSONGRAD Registry and MAGYAR-Path Study)

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD). Abnormal aortic dimensions and elasticity parameters have been long described for corrected TOF (cTOF) together with left ventricular (LV) rotational abnormalities, but results are conflicting. The present study focuses on investigating LV rotational mechanics in cTOF, and possible correlation of these parameters with aortic elasticity. It was also aimed to be examined whether different surgical strategies have any effect on these results. The study involved 26 adult cTOF patients, from which 14 had palliative surgery first and a late total correction (pcTOF), while early total correction was the treatment of choice in 12 patients (etrTOF). Their results were compared to those of 37 age- and gender-matched healthy adults. Routine transthoracic two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography extended with assessment of aortic elastic properties and three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) was performed in all cTOF patients and controls. Sixteen out of 26 cTOF patients showed normally directed LV rotational mechanics, while apical or basal LV rotations were in the same clockwise or counterclockwise directions in 7 and 3 cTOF cases, respectively (LV 'rigid body rotation', RBR). Significantly reduced LV apical rotation and twist could be demonstrated in all cTOF patients with preserved LV basal rotation regardless of previous procedure. pcTOF patients showed significantly reduced LV apical rotation as compared to that of etrTOF cases. Significant correlations could be demonstrated between LV apical rotation and aortic stiffness index (r=-0.55, P=0.03) and aortic distensibility (r=0.52, P=0.04). Significant LV rotational abnormalities could be demonstrated in cTOF with the high prevalence of LV-RBR. pcTOF patients showed significantly reduced LV apical rotation as compared to that of etrTOF cases. Unexpected abnormal physiologic response of LV rotational mechanics to increased aortic stiffness can be detected in cTOF patients without LV-RBR.

Left ventricular strains correlate with aortic elastic properties in adult patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot (Results from the CSONGRAD Registry and MAGYAR-Path Study).

Aortopathy is a common phenomenon in tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). The current study was designed to detect left ventricular (LV) deformation abnormalities and its relation to aortic stiffness in corrected TOF (cTOF) using the novel three-dimensional (3D) speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE). Detailed comparative analysis between patients with early palliation-late correction (pcTOF) and early total reconstruction (etrTOF) was also performed. The present study consisted of 28 cTOF patients (35.0±15.7 years, 11 males) from which 15 and 13 proved to be pcTOF and etrTOF, respectively. Their clinical parameters were compared to those of 39 matched healthy adults (35.5±6.0 years, 16 males). cTOF patients showed significantly lower global LV longitudinal, circumferential and area strains as compared to controls. In etrTOF patients, global LV 3D strain was higher than in controls. In pcTOF patients, all LV strains proved to be significantly lower as compared to those of etrTOF patients and controls. In all cTOF patients, several moderate correlations could be detected between LV strain parameters and aortic elastic properties. Significant LV deformational abnormalities could be demonstrated in cTOF patients. etrTOF patients have beneficial LV strain parameters as compared to those of pcTOF patients. LV strains show correlations with aortic elastic properties.

Left ventricular rotational abnormalities in adult patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot following different surgical procedures – a three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic study

Abstract Introduction Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease. Abnormal aortic dimensions and elasticity parameters have been long described for corrected TOF (cTOF) together with left ventricular (LV) rotational abnormalities. The present study focuses on investigating LV rotational mechanics in cTOF, and possible correlation of these parameters with aortic elastic properties. It was also aimed to be examined whether different surgical strategies has any effect on the results. Methods The study involved 26 adult cTOF patients, from which 14 had palliative surgery first [Blaloc-Taussig (n=10), Waterstone-Cooley (n=2) shunts, or Brock procedure (n=2)] (mean age at the repair: 7.3±10.2 years) and a late total correction (mean age at the repair: 10.0±13.3 years) (pcTOF), while the early total correction was the treatment of choice in 12 patients (mean age at the repair: 4.2±3.2 years) (etrTOF). Their results were compared to that of 37 age- and gender-matched healthy adults. Routine transthoracic two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography extended with assessment of aortic elastic properties and three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) was performed in all cTOF patients and controls. Results Sixteen out of 26 cTOF patients showed normally directed LV rotational mechanics, while apical and basal LV rotations were in the same clockwise and counterclockwise directions in 7 and 3 cTOF cases, respectively (38%). This sort of LV movement is called as LV rigid body rotation (RBR). The ratio of LV-RBR between etrTOF and pcTOF patients did not differ significantly (33% vs. 43%, p=0.70). Significantly reduced LV apical rotation (5.2±3.7 degree vs. 10.2±4.5 degree, p&amp;lt;0.05) and twist (9.0±3.3 degree vs. 14.6±4.9 degree, p&amp;lt;0.05) could be demonstrated in cTOF patients with normally directed LV rotational mechanics with preserved LV basal rotation regardless of previous procedure. pcTOF patients showed significantly reduced LV apical rotation as compared to that of etrTOF cases (3.2±3.7 degree vs. 7.1±2.5 degree, p&amp;lt;0.05). From the 7 cTOF patients with clockwise LV-RBR, apical and basal LV rotation proved to be −6.8±5.4 degree and −4.9±2.4 degree, respectively with LV apico-basal gradient of 4.3±3.6 degree. The mean LV apical and basal LV rotation of 3 cTOF patients with counterclockwise LV-RBR prove to be −2.1±3.4 degree and 0.2±0.9 degree, respectively with LV apico-basal gradient of 2.5±2.4 degree. Significant correlations could be demonstrated between LV apical rotation and aortic stiffness index (r=−0.55, p=0.03) and aortic distensibility (r=0.52, p=0.04). Conclusions Significant LV rotational abnormalities could be demonstrated in cTOF with the high prevalence of LV-RBR. cTOF patients with early total reconstruction proved to have beneficial results. Abnormal physiologic response of LV rotational mechanics to increased aortic stiffness can be detected in cTOF patients without LV-RBR. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Mandibular Nerve Block Guided By Ctin Patients with Trigeminal Neuralgia

Background: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a well-known facial pain syndrome characterized by excruciating paroxysmal shock pain attacks located in somatosensensory distribution of trigeminal nerve. Mandibularaffection is a common presentation of TN. Objectives: Injection of mandibular nerve with neurolytic solutions in trigeminal neuralgia that was unresponsive to pharmacotherapy. Determination of patients and Method: This prospective study included 21 patients treated for mandibular neuralgia by percutaneous injection of absolute alcohol under guidance of CT image. Their ages ranged from 18-60 years and male to female was 3:4; All patients suffered from moderate to severe TN and did not respond to medical treatment. Entry and trajectory of needle was planned by CT and after local anesthesia. Alcohol was injected at the exit of mandibular nerve from foramen ovale. Results: 85.7% of patients improved: 71.4% became pain free, who became 61.9% after two years of follow up. Conclusion: CT guided mandibular nerve block by neurolytic agent as absolute alcohol and showing its effectiveness as minimal invasive treatment option for intractable trigeminal neuralgia. CT guidance provided a clear view to secure the safety, accuracy and selectivity of nerve block.

ROLE OF CHEST CT IN PATIENTS WITH SYMPTOMS OF OLD WITH NORMAL FEV1/FVC AND ELEVATED RV/TLC

ROLE OF CHEST CT IN PATIENTS WITH SYMPTOMS OF OLD WITH NORMAL FEV1/FVC AND ELEVATED RV/TLC

Left Atrial Deformation Analysis in Patients with Corrected Tetralogy of Fallot by 3D Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography (from the MAGYAR-Path Study).

BackgroundThree-dimensional (3D) echocardiography coupled with speckle-tracking echocardiographic (STE) capability is a novel methodology which has been demontrated to be useful for the assessment of left atrial (LA) volumes and functional properties. There is increased scientific interest on myocardial deformation analysis in adult patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot (cTOF).ObjectivesTo compare LA volumes, volume-based functional properties and strain parameters between cTOF patients and age- and gender-matched healthy controls.MethodsThe study population consisted of 19 consecutive adult patients with cTOF in sinus rhythm nursing at the University of Szeged, Hungary (mean age: 37.9 ± 11.3 years, 8 men, who had repair at the age of 4.1 ± 2.5 years). They all had undergone standard transthoracic two-dimensional Doppler echocardiographic study extended with 3DSTE. Their results were compared to 23 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (mean age: 39.2 ± 10.6 years, 14 men).ResultsIncreased LA volumes and reduced LA emptying fractions respecting cardiac cycle could be demonstrated in cTOF patients compared to controls. LA stroke volumes featuring all LA functions showed no differences between the 2 groups examined. LA global and mean segmental uni- and multidirectional peak strains featuring LA reservoir function were found to be diminished in adult patients with cTOF as compared to controls. Similarly to peak strains reduced global and mean segmental LA strains at atrial contraction characterizing atrial booster pump function could be demonstrated in cTOF patients as compared to controls.ConclusionsSignificant deterioration of all LA functions could be demonstrated in adult patients with cTOF late after repair.

Right Atrial Volume is Increased in Corrected Tetralogy of Fallot and Correlates with the Incidence of Supraventricular Arrhythmia: A CMR Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate right atrial (RA) volume in corrected Tetralogy of Fallot (cTOF) and assess its correlation with the occurrence of supraventricular (SV) arrhythmia. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and 24-h Holter were performed in n = 67 consecutive cTOF patients (age 30 ± 11.3 years). The CMR protocol included standard HASTE, SSFP cine, and blood flow measurements. Correlations between arrhythmia in ECG, heart volume, and functional parameters were investigated by negative binominal regression. Patients' characteristics (mean ± SD) included mean RA volume of 49 ± 19 ml/m(2) (HASTE sequence), mean right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic volume of 98 ± 27 ml/m(2), mean pulmonary valve regurgitation fraction (PR) of 21 ± 19 %, BMI of 25 kg/m(2), and heart rate of 75/min. Twenty-eight out of 67 patients experienced SV arrhythmia including SV couplets or bigeminus or longer non-sustained SV tachycardia (SVT) episodes. RA volume index was identified as an independent risk factor for different degrees of SV arrhythmia (SV couplets/bigeminus p < 0.001, SVT p < 0.001). Further risk factors for SV arrhythmia were male gender (p = 0.023) and decreased left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) (LV EF p < 0.001). RA volume is increased in adult patients with cTOF with larger RA volumes relating to higher incidence of SV arrhythmia. SV arrhythmia also appeared more often in male patients and those with decreased LV EF. Risk stratification according to these parameters could help to optimize early prevention and adjusted individual therapy to improve patient outcome and quality of life.

Detailed evaluation of right atrial dysfunction in patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot by three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography

Cardiologia CROATICA The goal: Three-dimensional (3D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) could encompass the benefits of STE and 3D echocardiography allowing to see the heart as it is: a 3D organ. In the recent studies, alterations in ventricular deformations could be demonstrated in adult patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot (cTOF) by 3DSTE. The present study was designed to assess 3DSTE-derived right atrial (RA) volumetric and strain parameters in cTOF. Patients and Methods: A total of 17 cTOF patients were involved into the present study. Their results were compared to 18 ageand gender-matched healthy controls. All subjects have undergone complete 2-dimensional Doppler echocardiographic and 3DSTE measurements. Results: Significantly increased RA volumes respecting heart cycle could be detected in cTOF patients. Total and passive atrial emptying fractions proved to be significantly decreased in patients with cTOF (26.4 ± 12.4% vs. 39.1 ± 8.8%, p=0.001 and 11.2 ± 6.8% vs. 19.8 ± 9.0%, p=0.003, respectively). Global and mean segmental peak longitudinal (17.0 ± 10.9% vs. 30.8 ± 11.2%, p=0.0008 and 20.6 ± 10.7% vs. 34.4 ± 10. 5%, p=0.0005) and area strains (20.2 ± 18.8% vs. 41.0 ± 19.8%, p=0.003 and 28.1 ± 19.8% vs. 49.1 ± 19.7%, p=0.004) and global radial peak strain (9.5 ± 5.6% vs. 15.0 ± 10.0%, p=0.05) proved to be reduced in cTOF patients as compared to controls. Global pre-atrial contraction circumferential strain was significantly decreased in cTOF patients (3.9 ± 6.9% vs. 10.8 ± 11.0%, p=0.03). Conclusions: Complex evaluation of RA dysfunction could be allowed by 3DSTE including volumetric and strain analysis.

Mild Residual Pulmonary Stenosis in Tetralogy of Fallot Reduces Risk of Pulmonary Valve Replacement

Current surgical strategies that aim at preventing pulmonary regurgitation in patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot (cToF) may result in a certain grade of residual pulmonary stenosis (PS). The clinical implications of a postoperative residual PS in cToF patients remain unclear. Pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) is frequently needed during follow-up of cToF patients. The aim of the current study was to determine the role of residual PS in the need for PVR during follow-up in cToF patients. cToF patients were included if clinical follow-up after primary surgical correction had taken place for a minimum of 5 years. Patient characteristics, surgical factors, and postoperative factors were reviewed, with a special focus on the transpulmonic systolic gradient. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of PVR. Of 171 cToF patients, 71 (41.5%) underwent PVR after 24.2 years (interquartile range, 16.8-31.6 years). Year of birth, older age at corrective operation, and patch use significantly predicted PVR during follow-up. By contrast, a mild residual PS in cToF patients (peak systolic gradient, 15-30 mm Hg) independently reduced the risk of PVR, as compared with patients without PS (hazard ratio, 0.47; p=0.02) and with moderate-to-severe PS (hazard ratio, 0.35; p=0.01). In addition to the known risks factors for PVR, a postoperative mild residual PS reduces the risk of PVR during follow-up of cToF patients. This finding provides clinical evidence for a conservative PS relief during correction of ToF.

Tissue-Velocity Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Tissue Doppler Imaging to Assess Regional Myocardial Diastolic Velocities at the Right Ventricle in Corrected Pediatric Tetralogy of Fallot Patients

In patients with corrected Tetralogy of Fallot (cToF), pulmonary regurgitation and subsequent increased right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic volume are diastolic parameters related to adverse outcome. In addition, abnormalities of the RV outflow tract (RVOT) independently promote RV dilatation in cToF patients. Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and tissue-velocity magnetic resonance imaging (TV-MRI) enable quantitative assessment of regional diastolic performance by measuring myocardial velocities. Assessment of regional diastolic velocities of the RV may provide insight into the relation between RVOT dysfunction and RV dilatation in cToF patients. The aim of the study was to perform a direct comparison of TV-MRI against TDI to assess regional RV diastolic velocities in cToF patients and control subjects. In addition, the relationship between regional RV diastolic velocities and RV dilatation was investigated. Thirty-four cToF patients (8-18 years) and 19 controls were studied. Early (E') and late (A') peak diastolic velocities and E'/A' ratio were assessed with TDI and TV-MRI at the RV free wall and at the RVOT. RV volumes and pulmonary regurgitation were quantified with planimetric and 3-dimensional flow MRI, respectively. Good correlation and agreement were observed between TDI and TV-MRI at both regions of the RV (RV free wall: E': r = 0.92, mean bias: 0.5 cm/s, A': r = 0.92, mean bias: 0.4 cm/s; RVOT: E': r = 0.92, mean bias: -0.3 cm/s, A': r = 0.95, mean bias: 0.03 cm/s). With both imaging techniques, regional RV diastolic velocities were significantly reduced in cToF patients. The E'/A' ratio at the RVOT (assessed with both TDI and TV-MRI) was related to RV end-diastolic volume, even after correction for pulmonary regurgitation (TDI: P < 0.01, TV-MRI: P = 0.05). TDI and TV-MRI can be used interchangeably for the assessment of regional diastolic velocities and performance of the RV in cToF patients and in healthy controls. Regional diastolic velocities at the RVOT are reduced in cToF patients as compared with controls. In addition to pulmonary regurgitation, impaired diastolic performance at the RVOT is independently related to RV dilatation.

Validation and application of tissue-velocity magnetic resonance imaging for the assessment of regional diastolic velocities and diastolic performance of the right ventricle in corrected tetralogy of Fallot patients

Objective To compare tissue-velocity MRI (TV-MRI) and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) to assess regional right ventricular (RV) diastolic performance at the RV free wall (RVFW) and at the RV outflow tract (RVOT) in patients with corrected Tetralogy of Fallot (cToF) and in healthy controls. To compare regional diastolic velocities and performance of the RV between cToF patients and controls. To investigate the relation between RV regional diastolic performance and RV dilatation.

Comparison between velocity-encoded magnetic resonance imaging and tissue Doppler imaging to assess timings of right ventricular mechanics in children with corrected Tetralogy of Fallot

Results Good correlations were found between VE-MRI and TDI at the septum (patients r = 0.88, p < 0.001, controls r = 0.96, p < 0.001), RVFW (patients r = 0.90, p < 0.001, controls r = 0.93, p < 0.001) and RVOT (patients r = 0.92 p < 0.001, controls 0.76, p < 0.001). No significant differences between the techniques were observed at the RVFW (Table 1). VE-MRI measured slightly later timings than TDI in patients at the septum (difference 0.7%, p = 0.002) At the RVOT, VE-MRI measured slightly later timings in controls (difference 0.9%, p = 0.005). Although statistically significant, the observed differences are very small and therefore probably not clinically relevant. Conclusion VE-MRI is an accurate tool to assess timings of RV mechanics in healthy controls and in cToF patients. In the future, VE-MRI may aid in the selection of cToF patients for CRT. Comparison of timings to peak systolic velocities of the right ventricle between TDI and VE-MRI. Timings are expressed as percentage of the cardiac cycle. Abbreviations: cToF: corrected Tetralogy of Fallot, IVS: interventricular septum, RVFW: right ventricular free wall, RVOT: right ventricular outflow tract.

DYNAMIC CT IN PATIENTS WITH NPH

DYNAMIC CT IN PATIENTS WITH NPH