Doppler Color Flow Mapping Research Articles

A case report of patent ductus arteriosus in a Brazilian longhair female kitten

Among the congenital cardiac alterations observed in small pets, the persistence of the right aortic arch has been described as a rare anomaly in cats. The ductus arteriosus corresponds to a normal fetal vascular structure derived from the distal portion of the sixth left aortic arch that connects the pulmonary artery to the dorsal aorta. During fetal life, this structure has the function of transporting oxygenated blood from the maternal placenta to the aorta, bypassing the collapsed lungs of the fetus. At birth, the increase of O2 partial pressure dissolved in arterial blood (PaO2) and the decline in prostaglandin concentration cause the closure of the ductus arteriosus in the first hours of life, giving rise to the ligamentum arteriosus. If this process does not occur, the ductus arteriosus will remain patent. In this case report, a 4-month-old longhair female kitten was treated, and, during auscultation, a heart murmur was found. After performing a Doppler echocardiogram and color flow mapping, the presence of continuous turbulent flow in the pulmonary artery was demonstrated, characteristic of patent ductus arteriosus persistence. The animal was sent for surgery, and in the post-surgical Doppler echocardiogram, correction of patent ductus arteriosus was verified, demonstrating the absence of continuous turbulent flow in the pulmonary artery.

Clinical case of successful surgical treatment of arteriovenous malformation of the thumb finger

The management of arteriovenous malformations of the hand is one of the most difficult problems in vascular surgery. It’s primarily related to the number of vessels and nerves involved in the pathological process on a very limited anatomical area. Commonly the required steps of the diagnostic process are the following: clinical examination, Doppler colour flow mapping, MRI with intravenous contrast, angiography and thermography. There are various methods ofsurgical treatment of patients with arteriovenous malformation of the hand. Generally, they might be classified as endovascular and open-surgical ones. Endovascular methods, such as embolization and sclerotherapy, are associated with the risk of severe complications such as soft tissue necrosis, distal vascular bed-specific thrombosis, along with both sensory and motor connectivity of the hand. However minimally invasive procedures do not always contribute to an appropriate clinical result. This article presents an example of successful surgical treatment of a patient with arterio-venous malformation of the thumb finger with severe pain syndrome and recurrent bleeding ulcers. A radical removal of the malformation-bearing tissue with preservation of the arterial blood supply was performed under an arterial tourniquet. At the one-year post-surgery follow-up examination, the patient noted the absence of pain syndrome and ulcers, restoration of mobility in the interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints. Thus, the treatment of arteriovenous malformation of the hand should be based on the latest research findings and the most advanced testing technologies. This clinical case demonstrates that open surgery can be considered as an effective and sustainable clinical approach with a good medium-term outcome for the patients with arteriovenous malformation of the hand.

Cigarette smoking abolishes the mediterranean diet benefit on exercise capacity, coronary physiology and target organ damage in hypertensive males with erectile dysfunction

Abstract Background Erectile dysfunction (ED) often coexists impairing quality of life in the hypertensive aging male population. The Mediterranean diet (Med-diet) benefits cardiovascular health. Coronary flow reserve (CFR) displays the ability of the coronary circulation to increase flow. Central vascular stiffness and microalbuminuria (UMALb) represent hypertension-related target organ damage (TOD). Purpose To investigate cigarette smoking adverse effects on the Med-diet benefit in exercise capacity, coronary physiology and TOD in hypertensive males with ED. Methods We enrolled 290 hypertensive ED males (mean age: 57 yo) with no history of diabetes mellitus or overt cardiovascular disease. 121 (42%) were current cigarette smokers. Intensity of smoking referred in packs/year. All underwent a treadmill stress test (Bruce protocol), exercise capacity was validated as metabolic equivalents (METs). We measured the CFR of the LAD artery (2D echo) by performing an adenosine protocol (max dose 140μg/Kg/min over 6 min). PW Doppler measurements were achieved at the middle/distal LAD (color Doppler flow mapping). CFR was validated as ratio between peak diastolic flow velocity following drug infusion and rest. Ratios ≥ 2 indicate macro and microvascular coronary integrity. Participants were screened for the presence of UMALb (urinary albumin loss 30 – 300 mg /24 h urine volume collection). Finally a non-invasive evaluation of the carotid – femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), estimation of central pressures and augmentation index (AIx) a parameter of wave reflection amplification were performed (Sphygmocor device). ED severity and the Med-diet adherence were assessed by the SHIM-5 (range:0-25) and the Med-diet (range:0-55) scores. Higher values indicate a better erectile ability and Med-diet compliance respectively. Results In bivariate analysis the Med-diet score was positively associated with METs, CFR and the SHIM-5 score and negatively with PWV, AIx and UMALb (p< 0,05). CFR, METs and the SHIM-5 score were also positively related (p< 0,03). In linear regression analysis the Med-diet relation remained significant after correction for age, BMI, LDL, total cholesterol and systolic blood pressure. However introducing cigarette smoking as a cofounder abolished the above relations. Packs/year were positively related to AIx, UMALb and negatively to the SHIM-5 score (p< 0,05). We also divided our population according to the mean Med-diet score (27) in high and low Med-diet groups .The high score group had higher METs and SHIM-5 score and lower PWV. Smokers had higher AIx and lower SHIM-5 score (pictures). Conclusion Cigarette smoking influences microvascular physiology and peripheral wave reflection and so abolishes Med-diet benefit on exercise capacity, coronary physiology, target organ damage and erectile ability in hypertensive males with ED. It is of vital importance consult this population avoiding smoking to restore cardiovascular health and quality of life.

Informativeness of the doppler twinkling artifact in the diagnosis of urinary tract calculi

The kidney stone disease (nephrolithiasis, urolithiasis) is a common urological problem that affects both adults and children and has a high recurrence rate. Early and reliable imaging diagnosis of urolithiasis is important for early pain relief and the avoidance of complications that require surgical intervention. Non-contrast computed tomography is considered the method of choice in the diagnosis of urolithiasis, however, this method is associated with exposure to ionizing radiation. Ultrasound diagnostics or sonography, in contrast, is considered as the method of early diagnosis of urolithiasis that is widely spread, highly accessible and does not use ionizing radiation. Recently, the attention of sonographers has been attracted by the so-called twinkling artifact or the artifact of the colored comet tail, which occurs in the Doppler color flow mapping behind a calculus in the urinary tract. The twinkling artifact is a phenomenon of a rapid change (twinkle) of red and blue behind the calculus. Among adult patients, the artifact shows high sensitivity in finding urinary stones, but at the same time a high level of false-positive results. However, the sensitivity of the artifact in children is higher than in adults, whereas the rate of false-positive findings is much lower. According to many authors, the sensitivity and specificity of the twinkling artifact as an independent diagnostic sign of urolithiasis are both very heterogeneous, especially compared to non-contrast computed tomography. Nevertheless, the artifact is known to increase the diagnostic efficiency in stone detection to more than 90%. We believe that the twinkling artifact in the Doppler color flow mapping should always be considered as an additional diagnostic tool, which is complementary to B-mode ultrasonography and increases its sensitivity and specificity.

Left Ventricular Outflow Obstruction in D-Transposition of Great Arteries: A Rare Etiology

A 2-day old neonate [gender: male; weight: 3.2 kg; height: 53cm] presented to the authors institution with an arterial oxygen saturation of 74%. The child was receiving 6 cm H2O continuous positive airway pressure therapy [FIO2: 0.5] and was treated with a prostaglandin E1 infusion [10ng/kg/min]. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed situs solitus, levocardia, normal systemic and pulmonary venous drainage and a 6 mm non-restrictive atrial septal defect with a left to right shunt. The atrioventricular connections were concordant. The aorta was arising from the right ventricle with no right ventricular outflow obstruction [Figure 1]. The pulmonary artery was arising from the left ventricle with confluent good size branch pulmonary arteries with posterior deviation of the conal septum [Figure 2]. A large perimembranous (conoventricular type)1 ventricular septal defect with an inlet [6 mm] and outlet [6 mm] extension and an additional tiny apical defect were demonstrated [Figure 3]. A patent ductus arteriosus [2.7 mm] shunting left to right was also present (not shown). A 2-dimensional echocardiography image in the parasternal long axis view displayed an obstruction to the left ventricular outflow tract [white arrow] and a color Doppler blood flow map demonstrated turbulence in the outflow tract [Figure 4A,B]. In the subcostal view with the probe tilted anteriorly, color flow Doppler mapping showed the ventricular septal defect and also the blood flow acceleration across the left ventricular outflow tract [Figure 5, videolip-1]. At the area of turbulence, the jet width was 0.234 cm[Figure 6A]. A continuous wave Doppler interrogation of the area demonstrated a gradient of ≈ 25 mmHg [Figure 6B]. 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography interrogation in the subcostal view identified the etiology of the left ventricular outflow tract obstruction [Figure 7, Videoclip-2]. What is the diagnosis? Figure 2Transthoracic echocardiography image showing the relationship between the pulmonary artery and the left ventricle. View Large Image Figure Viewer Download Hi-res image Figure 3Subcostal 4-chamber transthoracic echocardiography image showing the perimembranous ventricular septal defect. View Large Image Figure Viewer Download Hi-res image Figure 4A&B. Parasternal long axis transthoracic echocardiography 2-dimensional image showing the obstruction in the left ventricular outflow tract ‘white arrow’ [A], and turbulence in the outflow tract by a color Doppler blood flow map ‘white arrow’[B]. View Large Image Figure Viewer Download Hi-res image Figure 5Subcostal transthoracic echocardiography image showing color Doppler flow acceleration over the left ventricular outflow tract and a ventricular septal defect. View Large Image Figure Viewer Download Hi-res image Figure 6A&B. Subcostal transthoracic echocardiography image showing the width of the obstruction [A] and the pressure gradient across the obstruction [B]. View Large Image Figure Viewer Download Hi-res image Figure 7A subcostal transthoracic echocardiography view showing the etiology of the left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in systole. View Large Image Figure Viewer Download Hi-res image

A prospective cohort study: can advanced ultrasonography replace magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of placental adhesion disorders?

To define and compare the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography (USG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the placental adhesive disorder (PAD). A prospective study was conducted between January 2019 and February 2020 in a tertiary referral university hospital. A total of 115 placenta previa cases were included in the study during the third trimester of gestation. USG examination was performed, and the placenta was scanned in a systematic manner using gray-scale ultrasound, color Doppler flow mapping, and 3-D imaging for each participant. Thereafter, all participants underwent an MRI examination. USG and MRI findings were compared with histopathological findings. Loss of the retroplacental sonolucent zone (71%[95% CI 47-88]) and an irregular retroplacental sonolucent zone (71% [95% CI 47-88]) were the most sensitive USG parameters. For MRI, the uterine bulging parameter was the most sensitive (60% [95% CI 36-80]) andspecific (91% [95% CI 83-96]) findings, and it had thehighest accuracy rate (85% [95% CI 77-91]). Overall, the USG sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rates were 77% (95% CI 54-92), 87% (95% CI 79-93), and 85% (95% CI 77-91), respectively. The MRI sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rates for all participants were 81% (95% CI 59-94), 85% (95%CI 76-92), and 84% (95% CI 76-90), respectively. In the diagnosis of PAD, the specificity and accuracy of USG are higher than that of MRI, whereas the sensitivity of MRI is better than that of USG.

Роль комплексной эхографии печени в ранней диагностике преэклампсии и HELLP-синдрома

Objective. To study the possibilities of comprehensive ultrasound imaging with pulsed wave mode and Doppler color flow mapping in evaluation of hepatic blood flow and its compensatory capabilities in pre-eclampsia (PE) of different severity. Patients and methods. Complex liver ultrasonography combined with Doppler assessment of arterial and venous blood flow was performed in 87 pregnant women at 28–40 weeks’ gestation. The study group comprised 59 women with PE of varying severity and 12 women with HELLP syndrome. The control group included 30 women with normal pregnancy. Results. Doppler assessment of blood flow in the hepatic artery and in the maternal-placental-fetal system arteries in patients with moderate and severe PE revealed similar changes, which were manifested by elevated vascular resistance in these vessels and correlated with the severity of PE. The maximum values of pulsatility index and resistance index in the hepatic artery were observed in patients with HELLP syndrome – 1.6 ± 0.11 and 0.74 ± 0.08, respectively. Qualitative and quantitative characteristics of blood flow in the portal vein in patients with moderate PE did not statistically differ from those in the control group, while patients with severe PE and HELLP syndrome showed statistically significant disturbances of portal vein blood flow manifested by an increase in portal vein diameter and a decrease in maximum linear velocity of blood flow in the portal vein. Changes in hepatic arterial blood flow were found in patients with moderate PE in the absence of clinical and laboratory manifestations of liver dysfunction. Already in the early stages of PE, a shift of hemodynamic indices toward an increase in peripheral vascular resistance was determined. The increase in hepatic artery vascular resistance was observed in parallel with the increase of similar indices in the uterine-placental-fetal blood flow. Disturbance of blood flow in the portal vein was determined only in patients with severe PE and HELLP syndrome. Conclusion. Vascular disorders of the liver can serve as an additional diagnostic method for early diagnosis of liver involvement in the pathological process, while the signs of portal vein blood flow disorders are a criterion of extremely severe PE course, prognostically unfavorable regarding HELLP syndrome development. Key words: resistance index, liver dysfunction, hepatic artery, pre-eclampsia, hepatic blood flow, pulsatility index, HELLP syndrome

Аномалии плацентации: современное представление об этиологии, патогенезе и диагностике

The increasing trend in surgical delivery (caesarean section) rates observed over the last several years results in a rise of abnormal placentation (AP) cases. In this context, timely diagnosis and correct routing of patients with abnormal placentation to level 3 specialized healthcare institutions will ensure the provision of quality medical care and thus to minimize maternal and infant mortality. The article presents modern views on the main risk factors and pathogenesis of AP, updated definitions of placenta adherenta, increta and percreta and the latest clinical and morphological classification. The authors highlight the advanced diagnostic criteria based on sonographic imaging, Doppler color flow mapping, an important method required for making diagnosis. They also specify cases where MRI techniques could be more informative than ultrasound methods and describe MRI findings that suggest abnormal placentation. Major strategies for providing effective healthcare are considered, including organ preserving surgical procedures, hemostasis (endovascular occlusion or embolization) and replacement of blood loss (reinfusion or hemotransfusion), etc. to reduce the prevalence of unfavorable obstetric and perinatal outcomes. KEYWORDS: placentation, uterine scar, caesarean section, placenta adherenta, placenta increta, placenta percreta, hemorrage. FOR CITATION: Dobrokhotova Yu.E., Borovkova E.I., Kulikov I.A. et al. Abnormal placentation: modern views on etiology, pathogenesis and diagnosis. Russian Journal of Woman and Child Health. 2023;6(1):20–25 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2618-8430-2023-6-1-20-25.

Doppler Spectral Wave Patterns of Ductus Venosus: Do They Change with Foetal Position in the First Trimester?

Introduction: The ductus venosus is a branch of the umbilical vein that carries oxygenated blood to the foetus’s right atrium. Assessing the ductus venosus during the first trimester is used as one of the soft markers to detect aneuploidy. Since, operators often have to wait for extended periods for the foetus to assume the desired position. Prolonged scanning increases costs and reduces efficiency by extending scan times. Therefore, it is crucial to determine whether the foetal position affects the ductus waveform. In India, where the number of qualified operators is limited compared to the high demand for scans, efficiency is particularly important. Aim: To observe the spectral flow patterns on colour Doppler of the ductus venosus in supine, prone, and oblique positions of the foetus. Materials and Methods: The authors conducted a prospective observational study at Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences and Delta Diagnostics, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, between August 2021 and December 2021. The study included 100 pregnant women who underwent routine first-trimester antenatal scans between 11 weeks and 13 weeks and six days. Colour Doppler flow mapping was used to visualise the umbilical vein, ductus venosus, and foetal heart. Spectral flow patterns of the ductus venosus were obtained in the supine, prone, and oblique positions of the foetus. The parameters studied were peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, and ductus venosus pulsatility index. Friedman’s Test followed by Wilcoxon Signed Rank Post hoc test was used to compare the mean values of systolic and diastolic velocity and pulsatility index between different foetal positions. Results: A total of 100 singleton pregnancies were included, mean gestational age was 12 weeks and four days. There was no difference in the subjective evaluation of the waveforms obtained in different positions. All foetuses exhibited type 1 spectral waveform. There were no false positives in the subjective evaluation for ‘a’ wave reversal. However, there was a significant difference in the systolic and diastolic velocities of the ductus venosus with different foetal positions, with a p-value of less than 0.001. The mean systolic velocities in supine, prone, and oblique positions were 60.09 cm/s, 51.59 cm/s, and 31.38 cm/s, respectively. The mean diastolic velocities in supine, prone, and oblique positions were 25.23 cm/s, 22.05 cm/s, and 19.05 cm/s, respectively. There was no significant difference in the pulsatility index among the supine, prone, and oblique positions. Conclusion: Radiologists do not need to wait for the foetus to be in the horizontal position to assess the ductus venosus waveforms. The waveforms can be evaluated in other foetal positions without affecting the assessment of aneuploidy risk.

Значимость нарушений ретинальной микроциркуляции как предикторов прогрессирования глаукомной оптической нейропатии

Purpose – to assess the significance of retinal microcirculation disorders in progression of glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON). Material and methods. In this 2-year prospective study 85 patients (124 eyes) the vessel density of the superficial parafoveal plexus (VD parafovea) and peripapillary retina (VD ppr) were measured with optical coherence tomography angiography, peripheral resistance index (RI) and blood flow velocity of the posterior short ciliary arteries (PSCA) and the central retinal artery (CRA) were studied by color Doppler flow mapping method. The predictor properties of each indicator were calculated from the area under the ROC curve (AUC). Results. The results of the study revealed a high significance of the values of relative density of the superficial plexus vessels in the parafoveolar region (VD parafovea AUC 0.70 ± 0.07), and the relative density of the microvasculature of the optic nerve head (ONH) and peripapillary retina (VD ppr 0.715 ± 0.07) as predictors of the progression of GON. Keywords: primary open-angle glaucoma, glaucomatous optic neuropathy, ocular blood flow, optical coherence tomography angiography

Sincope ricorrente: attenti alla coronaria

Anomalous aortic origin of coronary artery (AAOCA) is a rare condition and the second cause of sudden cardiac death among young athletic patients. Suspicion should arise in the presence of exertional syncope without prodrome, chest pain and/or dyspnea. An accurate transthoracic echocardiogram with Doppler colour flow mapping is the best and first method to identify AAOCA, followed by cardiac CT or MRI to define the coronary anatomy that could benefit from corrective cardiac surgery.

Importance of Coronary to Pulmonary Artery Fistulae Incidentally Detected on Echocardiography: Can We Ignore It During Childhood?

Backround:Coronary artery fistula (CAF) is an abnormal precapillary connection between a coronary artery and an adjacent structure. The incidence of CAF in children as estimated from echocardiography is 0.06-0.2%. We aimed to establish the follow up results of clinically silent CAF found incidentally by colour Doppler echocardiography.Methods:The study included patients with abnormal fistulous flow in the pulmonary artery who had been studied between 2008 and 2020. Patient demographics, clinical findings, indication for echocardiography, electrocardiographic findings at presentation, follow-up times and any fistula progress were obtained from the recorded files.Results:Among the 78,000 patients who had had an echocardiographic examination, 118 had been found by colour Doppler flow mapping to have a clinically silent CAF. The exit point of CAF was clearly visualized with colour Doppler in all patients. In most patients the CAF was located around the pulmonary valve and the bifurcation; in 76 patients, it was on the aortic side of the main pulmonary artery, 26 patients had fistulous flow through the anterior wall of the main pulmonary artery, two had the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) as the exit site, for 12, it was the right pulmonary artery, and for another two, the left pulmonary artery. The 118 patients had ongoing follow-up to mean 41 months. There was no spontaneous resolution of fistula. The patients were asymptomatic without intervention and with ongoing echocardiographic evidence of small CAF at the last follow-up.Conclusion:We recommend the treatment strategy for paediatric patients should be individualized according to fistula origin, size, chamber enlargement, draining site, age of the patient and cost of imaging during follow up.

Anomalous aortic origin of coronary artery: For a challenging diagnosis, a transthoracic echocardiogram is recommended.

Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA), especially the interarterial course of the right or left coronary artery, predisposes paediatric patients to myocardial ischaemia. This rare condition is a leading cause of sudden cardiac death. General paediatricians face challenges when diagnosing this anomaly, and they should pay particular attention to the recurrence of exercise‐related syncope without prodromal symptoms, chest pain and dyspnoea. An accurate transthoracic echocardiogram with Doppler colour flow mapping is the best method to use to identify AAOCA.ConclusionIdentifying an AAOCA is challenging, and we provide advice on clinical red flags and diagnostic approaches for general paediatricians.

Exercise capacity benefit in relation to endogenous testosterone, coronary and central vascular physiology, and the Mediterranean regime in hypertensive males with erectile dysfunction

Abstract Background The Mediterranean diet (Med-diet) benefits cardiovascular health, and erectile dysfunction (ED) often coexists in the hypertensive aging male population were endogenous testosterone (TT) typically declines. Coronary flow reserve (CFR) displays the ability of the coronary circulation to increase flow. Wave reflection amplification as expressed by augmentation index (AIx) exhibits a vital parameter of central vascular stiffness. Purpose To investigate the possible benefits of the Med-diet in exercise capacity, central physiology, CFR and erectile ability in relation to endogenous TT in the middle aged male hypertensive population with ED. Methods 250 hypertensive males (mean age 56 yo) with ED enrolled the study. All underwent a treadmill stress test (Bruce protocol). Exercise capacity was validated as metabolic equivalents (METs). We measured separately the CFR of the left anterior descending artery by an adenosine protocol (max dose 140μg/kg/min over 6 minutes). PW Doppler measurements were achieved at the middle/distal LAD segment under the guidance of color Doppler flow mapping. CFR was validated as ratio between peak diastolic flow velocity following drug infusion and rest. Ratios ≥2 are considered as non-ischemic response, higher values indicate microvascular coronary integrity. TT was measured on blood samples taken before 09:00 am. ED severity and adherence to the Med-diet were assessed by the SHIM-5 (range: 0–25) and the Med-diet (range: 0–55) scores. Higher values indicate a better erectile ability and Med-diet compliance respectively. Finally, central pulse pressure (cPP) and AIx were noninvasively estimated as parameters of central hemodynamic load and wave reflection amplification (Sphygmocor device). Results In bivariate analysis METs were positively associated to the Med-diet, CFR, TT and the SHIM-5 score (all p<0,005) and negatively to the AIx and cPP (both p<0,025). There was also positive association of the Med-diet to the CFR, TT and the SHIM-5 score (p<0,02) and negative to the AIx and cPP (p<0,025). By linear regression analysis association of METs to TT, CFR and Med-diet remained significant after adjustment for age, BMI, diabetes mellitus, use of statins and smoking status (p<0,005). We further subdivide our population according to the TT threshold of hypogonadism (≤3 ng/ml). Hypogonadism patients exhibit a lower exercise capacity comparing to the normal TT group (picture). Conclusion The Med-diet regime benefits exercise tolerance and erectile performance in hypertensive males with ED by enhancing endogenous testosterone and so coronary and central vascular physiology. We strongly recommend this culinary preference promoting thus vascular health and the sense of well being. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Right Ventricular-Pulmonary Arterial Coupling in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot.

We assessed right ventricular (RV)-pulmonary arterial (PA) coupling in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Sixty patients (34 males) aged 18.6 ± 8.3years at 14.8 ± 7.4years after repair and 60 controls were studied. Two-dimensional, tissue Doppler and speckle tracking echocardiography and colour flow mapping were performed to assess RV end-systolic (ESA) and -diastolic areas, tricuspid valve Doppler and myocardial velocities, left ventricular (LV) and RV deformation and pulmonary (PR), tricuspid regurgitation (TR), respectively. The ratios of RV area change to ESA and peak tricuspid annular systolic (s) velocity to RV ESA indexed to body surface area reflected RV-PA coupling. Patients had greater RV areas and reduced tricuspid annular and myocardial velocities, LV and RV myocardial mechanics compared to controls (all p < 0.05). Both RV area change/ESA ratio and peak tricuspid annular s velocity/indexed RV ESA ratio were reduced in patients (all p < 0.001). Sixty-one and 100% of patients had, respectively, RV area change/ESA ratio and peak tricuspid annular s velocity/indexed RV ESA ratio < -2SD of controls. Indices of RV-PA coupling correlated positively with tricuspid myocardial velocities, LV and RV deformation and inversely with PR and TR (all p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed RV systolic strain rate, PR and TR as independent predictors of both RV-PA coupling indices, whilst age, gender and LV systolic strain were also predictors of peak tricuspid annular s velocity/indexed RV ESA ratio (all p < 0.05). In conclusion, RV-PA coupling is impaired and is associated with RV and LV mechanics and severity of PR and TR in patients with repaired TOF.

Multiple Color Doppler Flow Jets Into The Atria in a Child With Heterotaxy Syndrome

A nine-month-old girl (weight: 7.92 kg; height: 70 cm) was taken to the operating room for the creation of a bilateral bidirectional Glenn shunt and atrial septectomy. Patent ductus arteriosus stenting had been done when the child was four days old. Transthoracic echocardiography showed heterotaxy (left atrial isomerism) with situs inversus, discordant atrioventricular and concordant ventriculoarterial connections (ventricular ‘noninversion’), a large ventricular septal defect, membranous pulmonary atresia with a hypoplastic main pulmonary artery, confluent branch pulmonary arteries, aorta anterior and to the right of the pulmonary artery, and bilateral superior vena cava with no bridging vein. The left superior vena cava was draining into the left-sided atrium (morphologic right atrium), while the right superior vena cava was draining into the same atrium via a massively dilated coronary sinus. The inferior vena cava was interrupted, with hemzygous continuation to the left superior vena cava. A computerized tomography scan revealed a right-sided stomach with a midline liver, and demonstrated the complex vascular communications (Fig 1, A and B). Transesophageal echocardiography confirmed the preoperative diagnosis (Fig. 2, Fig. 3; Videos 1 and 2). Color- flow Doppler mapping in the mid-esophageal view demonstrated multiple jets into both the atria and the right-sided ventricle (Fig 4, A and B; Videos 3 and 4). Pulse-wave Doppler of a dominant jet revealed a biphasic flow (Fig 5; Video 5). The intramyocardial origin of the jets was traced toward the aorta (Fig 6; Video 6). Fig. 2The midesophageal, four-chamber transesophageal echocardiography view with color- flow Doppler map showing demonstrating the anatomic abnormality in the child. View Large Image Figure Viewer Download Hi-res image Fig. 3The midesophageal, four-chamber transesophageal echocardiography view with color- flow Doppler map demonstrating the left superior vena cava. Left SVC, left superior vena cava. View Large Image Figure Viewer Download Hi-res image Fig. 4(A) The midesophageal transesophageal echocardiography views with color-flow Doppler map demonstrating jets (white arrows) into the left atrium. (B) The right atrium and the right ventricle. View Large Image Figure Viewer Download Hi-res image Fig. 5The midesophageal pulse-wave Doppler signal interrogation of the jet by transesophageal echocardiography. View Large Image Figure Viewer Download Hi-res image Fig. 6The midesophageal transesophageal echocardiography view displaying the color-flow Doppler mapping delineating the origin of the jet (white arrows). View Large Image Figure Viewer Download Hi-res image

Peculiarities of ultrasound diagnostics of paraurethral glands in women of fertile age

Aim. Evaluation of ultrasound diagnostics of paraurethral glands considering their types of location in women of fertile age. Materials and methods. A gynaecological, sexological and ultrasound study of 94 women in the age from 24 to 42 (average age 31.01 ± 6.60) was carried out. Determination of paraurethral glands during ultrasound study was conducted in the format of grey scale (B-mode) using the Doppler colour flow mapping and evaluation of Doppler indices of paraurethral glands both before and after sexual stimu­lation. To optimize the paraurethral glands visual view at the beginning of examination urinary bladder was catheterized and a balloon, filled with gel, was inserted into vagina. Results. The front type of paraurethral glands location was found in the accumulation of glandular tissues in regard to the distal part of urethra in 67 (71.2 %) of the examined, back type – in the area of back urethra in 19 (20.2 %), diffuse type – along urethra in 7 (7.5 %) and absence – in 1 (1.1 %). Paraurethral glands were visualized in the form of clear isoechogenic oval formation with the following dimensions: length – 2.20 ± 0.60 cm, width – 1.52 ± 0.40 cm, thickness – 1.30 ± 0.30 cm, and volume – 4.75 ± 0.50 cm3. The diameter of vessels in the paraurethral glands area was between 0.17 cm and 0.21 cm in calm state and 0.39–0.41 cm – during stimulation. Maximum systolic speed of blood flow (Vps) in calm was 8.9–11.1 cm/sec, while in sexual stimulation it was 13.9–14.1 cm/sec, resistance index (IR) – 0.60–0.62 and 0.63–0.68, respectively, pulsation index (IP) – 1.22–1.44 and 1.61–1.72, respectively. Conclusions. The ultrasound study of vessels of paraurethral glands, when Doppler method is used according to the suggested methodology, gives the opportunity not only to identify its anatomical structure, but also to determine its types. In CDC the increase of diameter of vessels and the optimization of vessels image in the area of paraurethral glands in case of sexual stimulation were marked.

Left Ventricular Deformation and Vortex Analysis in Heart Failure: From Ultrasound Technique to Current Clinical Application.

Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, its symptoms and signs are not specific or can be absent. In this context, transthoracic echocardiography plays a key role in diagnosing the various forms of HF, guiding therapeutic decision making and monitoring response to therapy. Over the last few decades, new ultrasound modalities have been introduced in the field of echocardiography, aiming at better understanding the morpho-functional abnormalities occurring in cardiovascular diseases. However, they are still struggling to enter daily and routine use. In our review article, we turn the spotlight on some of the newest ultrasound technologies; in particular, analysis of myocardial deformation by speckle tracking echocardiography, and intracardiac flow dynamics by color Doppler flow mapping, highlighting their promising applications to HF diagnosis and management. We also focus on the importance of these imaging modalities in the selection of responses to cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Phytoselective therapy is a method of choice for the treatment of mastopathy in combination with premenstrual syndrome

Breast dishormonal diseases and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) have a common pathogenetic mechanism: hyperprolactinemia, decreased progesterone levels, thyroid dysfunction, increased cortisol including as a result of stress, dysphoric disorders.Purpose of the study was to optimize monotherapy of breast dishormonal diseases in combination with PMS with phytoselective complex Tazalok™ and to compare the clinical efficacy with traditional therapy with Vitex agnus-castus derivative.Materials and methods. 120 women aged 22–39 years were observed into 2 groups: group I – 60 patients who received monotherapy Tazalok™ for 3 months; group II – 60 patients who received monotherapy with derivative of Vitex agnus-castus. Data analysis was performed after 1 and 3 months of treatment. Sex hormones, thyroid, gonadotropic hormones levels were determined. Ultrasound examination with color Doppler flow mapping of mammary glands, pelvic organs, and thyroid was performed. Dysphoric disorders were assessed on the Beck depression scale, pain was assessed on the visual-analog scale (VAS).Results. Group I showed an improvement in hormonal profile, reduction of subjective complaints after 1 month, in group II there was mainly a decrease in prolactin and relative normalization of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone; PMS complaints persisted. By 3 months patients in group I had normalization of all hormonal parameters, including cortisol, thyroid hormones, decreased pathological vascularization of mammary glands, thyroid, and pelvic organs, and a significant reduction in the Beck depressive score and VAS. In group II there was no normalization of cortisol, thyroid hormones, significantly reduced levels of progesterone and luteinizing hormone compared to group I, there was pathological vascularization in the thyroid gland, uterus. Dysphoric disorders decreased slightly, pain syndrome on the VAS decreased moderately, but the score was higher than among women taking Tazalok™.Conclusions. Tazalok™ directly affects reproductive system and balance of stress hormones, has a therapeutic effect on the thyroid gland. Under its action sonographic picture of hormone-dependent organs was normalized in contrast to the Vitex agnus-castus derivative. Tazalok™ has a pronounced effect on dysphoric disorders of PMS, helps to normalize the neuropsychological and cognitive state, to prevent of psychosomatic disorders.

The application of ultrasonography to select tactics for treatment of women of reproductive age with uterine leiomyoma

Objective. To study the condition of the pelvic organs in women of reproductive age with uterine leiomyoma UL, depending on the type of treatment based on ultrasonographic monitoring.Materials and methods. 299 women of reproductive age were examined. Patients were divided into 3 groups: 1 group consisted of 159 women with uterine leiomyoma (UL) who underwent surgical treatment, 2 group – 120 women with UL who underwent conservative treatment, 3 control group consisted of 20 healthy women of reproductive age. In order to obtain the most complete information about the size of the uterus, the structure and topography of myomas, the features of their vascularization, patients underwent ultrasound before and 3 months after treatment.Results. Ultrasound examination of the average parameters of the uterine body in the main groups showed an excess of these indicators relative to the control group (3.2 times in group 1 and 1.3 times in group 2). Uterine volume was greater in women of group 1 compared with women of groups 2 and 3 (p &lt;0.05). In most cases, in 139 (49.0%) women of the main groups, the localization of fibroids was intramural with central growth, without changing the configuration of the uterus from the outside and was not deformed cavity. Whereas, intramural nodes with centripetal growth deformed the uterine cavity in 39 (14.0%) cases, and centrifugal - in 100 (36.0%) subjects - its contour. Mixed and central types of angioarchitectonics were characteristic of women with the largest uterine sizes. In dynamic ultrasound examination in women after conservative myomectomy who did not receive hormone therapy, the level of myometrial perfusion was higher than in those who received gonadotropin-releasing hormones before and after treatment, which may be more prognostically favorable for UL recurrence. Women in group 2 after receiving conservative treatment had a positive tendency to reduce the volume of the uterus and fibroids.Conclusions. Ultrasound diagnostics can be considered a highly informative, non-invasive method that helps to identify the presence, location, structure, size of the myoma, the presence of concomitant pathology of the pelvic organs, as well as in addition to Doppler color flow mapping and pulsed Doppler blood allows us to detect the presence of tumor blood circulation. Echographic and Doppler evaluation of uterine leiomyoma with peculiarities of vascularization in the diagnostic algorithm helps to differentiate the choice of the method of treatment (conservative or surgical).