Doppler Flow Research Articles

Sonographic Features of Primary Breast Lymphoma: An Analysis of 10 Cases.

Primary breast lymphoma (PBL) is a rare malignant breast tumor. The literature concerning PBL ultrasound is based primarily on case reports, with only a few cases reported to date. This study aimed to elucidate the sonographic characteristics of PBL and explore the value of ultrasonography in the preoperative diagnosis of PBL using the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS). A retrospective review of files involving a diagnosis of PBL (2013-2020) was conducted in the Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, and the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou. The clinical characteristics and sonographic features of 12 lesions in 10 patients were analyzed and discussed in light of the literature. All patients, aged 50.40 ± 14.31 years (range 30-66 years), had clinically palpable lumps. Most cases were on the right breast and were unilateral. Only one patient had mucosa-associated lymphoma. The histological type of the other patients was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Ultrasonography revealed nodular and diffuse PBL lesions without internal calcification. The nodular PBL was hypoechoic or mixed hypo- to hyperechoic, with a differential lobulated shape and horizontal growth. Although color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) showed no significant features, the ultrasound findings were categorized as BI-RADS 4 in 10 of the 12 lesions and BI-RADS 5 in two lesions. All patients were suspected of having malignancies (BI-RADS 4 or 5). PBL was mostly found in middle-aged and elderly women, and the right breast was more prone to the development of malignancies. PBL lesions were classified as either nodular or diffuse based on the boundaries of the tumors in the ultrasound images. Typical PBL was characterized by hypoechoic or heterogeneous lesions with circumscribed or microlobulated margins and horizontal growth. The sonographic features of the PBL lesions and the BI-RADS categorizations of the lesions analyzed suggested malignancy.

A scoring diagnostic system based on biparametric ultrasound features for prostate cancer risk assessment.

Ultrasound has advantages in prostate cancer (PCa) detection and biopsy guidance but lacks a comprehensive quantitative evaluation model with multiparametric features. We aimed to construct a biparametric ultrasound (BU) scoring system for PCa risk assessment and to provide an option for clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) detection. From January 2015 to December 2020, 392 consecutive patients at Chongqing University Cancer Hospital who underwent BU (grayscale, Doppler flow imaging, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound) and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) before biopsy were retrospectively enrolled in the training set to construct the scoring system. From January 2021 to May 2022, 166 consecutive patients at Chongqing University Cancer Hospital were retrospectively enrolled in the validation set. The ultrasound system was compared with mpMRI, and the gold standard was a biopsy. The primary outcome was the detection of csPCa in any area with a Gleason score (GS) ≥3+4, and the secondary outcome was defined as a GS ≥4+3 and/or maximum cancer core length (MCCL) ≥6 mm. Malignant association features in the nonenhanced biparametric ultrasound (NEBU) scoring system included echogenicity, capsule, and gland asymmetrical vascularity. In the biparametric ultrasound scoring system (BUS), the feature of contrast agent arrival time was added. In the training set, the area under the curves (AUCs) of the NEBU scoring system, BUS, and mpMRI were 0.86 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.82-0.90], 0.86 (95% CI: 0.82-0.90), and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.83-0.90), respectively (P>0.05). Similar results were also observed in the validation set, in which the areas under the curves were 0.89 (95% CI: 0.84-0.94), 0.90 (95% CI: 0.85-0.95), and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.82-0.94), respectively (P>0.05). We constructed a BUS that showed efficacy and value for csPCa diagnosis as compared with mpMRI. However, in limited circumstances, the NEBU scoring system may also be an option.

A novel pathogenic variant of CEP164 in an infant with Senior-Loken syndrome.

A novel pathogenic variant of CEP164 in an infant with Senior-Loken syndrome.

Post-spastic flow recovery time to document vasospasm induced ischemia during acetylcholine provocation testing

BackgroundIntracoronary acetylcholine (ACh) provocation is an established method for diagnosing epicardial and microvascular vasospasm in contemporary clinical practice. We hypothesize that ACh-induced vasospasm is followed by post-spastic reactive hyperemia (PSRH), which is measured as an increased flow-recovery time. ObjectivesTo assess flow-recovery time, indicative of ischemia, among the diagnostic endotypes that follow ACh provocation testing. MethodsPatients with angina and non-obstructive coronary artery disease on angiography who underwent ACh provocation testing were included in this analysis. Doppler flow was continuously measured during the procedure and used to determine the flow-recovery time, which was calculated as time between cessation of ACh infusion and the point of flow recovery. ResultsConventional provocation testing according to the COVADIS criteria diagnosed vasospasm in 63%(77/123), an equivocal result in 22%(27/123) and a negative result in 15%(19/123) of patients. In reaction to the highest-dose of ACh, flow-recovery time was significantly extended and similar in the epicardial, microvascular and equivocal test results compared to the negative result (all p < 0.001) indicative of PSRH. ConclusionFlow-recovery time in patients with an equivocal result is similar to patients with vasospasm, which indicates the occurrence of myocardial ischemia and therefore, these patients may benefit from medical treatment.

Correlation between the VExUS score and right atrial pressure: a pilot prospective observational study

Venous congestion is an under-recognized contributor to mortality in critically ill patients. Unfortunately, venous congestion is difficult to measure, and right heart catheterization (RHC) has been considered the most readily available means for measuring venous filling pressure. Recently, a novel “Venous Excess Ultrasound (VExUS)” score was developed to noninvasively quantify venous congestion using inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter and Doppler flow through the hepatic, portal, and renal veins. A preliminary retrospective study of post-cardiac surgery patients showed promising results, including a high positive-likelihood ratio of high VExUS grade for acute kidney injury. However, studies have not been reported in broader patient populations, and the relationship between VExUS and conventional measures of venous congestion is unknown. To address these gaps, we prospectively assessed the correlation of VExUS with right atrial pressure (RAP), with comparison to inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter. Patients undergoing RHC at Denver Health Medical Center underwent VExUS examination before their procedure. VExUS grades were assigned before RHC, blinding ultrasonographers to RHC outcomes. After controlling for age, sex, and common comorbidities, we observed a significant positive association between RAP and VExUS grade (P < 0.001, R2 = .68). VExUS had a favorable AUC for prediction of a RAP ≥ 12 mmHg (0.99, 95% CI 0.96–1) compared to IVC diameter (0.79, 95% CI 0.65–0.92). These results suggest a strong correlation between VExUS and RAP in a diverse patient population, and support future studies of VExUS as a tool to assess venous congestion and guide management in a spectrum of critical illnesses.

Doppler Ultrasound Flow Reversal in the Superior Sagittal Sinus to Detect Cerebral Venous Congestion in Vein of Galen Malformation.

Vein of Galen malformation is a rare congenital cerebrovascular malformation. In affected patients, increased cerebral venous pressure constitutes an important etiologic factor for the development of brain parenchymal damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of serial cerebral venous Doppler measurements to detect and monitor increased cerebral venous pressure. This was a retrospective monocentric analysis of ultrasound examinations within the first 9 months of life in patients with vein of Galen malformation admitted at <28 days of life. Categorization of perfusion waveforms in the superficial cerebral sinus and veins into 6 patterns was based on antero- and retrograde flow components. We performed an analysis of flow profiles across time and correlation with disease severity, clinical interventions, and congestion damage on cerebral MR imaging. The study included 44 Doppler ultrasound examinations of the superior sagittal sinus and 36 examinations of the cortical veins from 7 patients. Doppler flow profiles before interventional therapy correlated with disease severity determined by the Bicêtre Neonatal Evaluation Score (Spearman ρ = -0.97, P = < .001). At this time, 4 of 7 patients (57.1%) showed a retrograde flow component in the superior sagittal sinus, whereas after embolization, none of the 6 treated patients presented with a retrograde flow component. Only patients with a high retrograde flow component (equal or more than one-third retrograde flow, n = 2) showed severe venous congestion damage on cerebral MR imaging. Flow profiles in the superficial cerebral sinus and veins appear to be a useful tool to noninvasively detect and monitor cerebral venous congestion in vein of Galen malformation.

The combined use of ultrasound examination of hemodynamics in the umbilical artery and urine microalbumin levels can predict adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with severe preeclampsia

The aim of this study was to elucidate the application of ultrasound examination of umbilical artery (UA) hemodynamics with urine microalbumin (UmA) determination in evaluating the outcomes of sPE patients. Altogether 80 sPE patients and 75 healthy pregnant women were recruited. UmA, RI (resistance index) and PI (pulsatility index) were separately measured by ELISA and the ultrasonic Doppler flow detector. The correlation between parameters was analysed using Pearson’s coefficient method. The independent risk factors of sPE were identified using the Logistic regression model. sPE patients had increased UmA, RI and PI (all p < 0.05). UmA level was positively correlated with RI and PI in sPE patients. RI, PI and UmA were independent risk factors of sPE (all p < 0.05). sPE can predict adverse pregnancy outcomes. High UmA levels may increase the risk of poor prognosis. Overall, ultrasound examination of UA hemodynamics with UmA determination can predict the adverse pregnancy outcomes of sPE patients. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Doppler ultrasound and urine microalbumin (UmA) measurement are important tools in assessing the clinical severity of severe preeclampsia (sPE). What do the results of this study add? This study aims to unravel the application of ultrasound examination of hemodynamics in the umbilical artery (UA) combined with the determination of UmA in evaluating the outcomes of sPE patients. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Ultrasound examination of hemodynamics in UA combined with the determination of UmA can predict the adverse pregnancy outcomes of sPE patients.

Roxadustat promotes hypoxia-inducible factor-1α/vascular endothelial growth factor signalling to enhance random skin flap survival in rats.

Random skin flaps have limited clinical application as a broad surgical reconstruction treatment because of distal necrosis. The prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing protein inhibitor roxadustat (RXD) enhances angiogenesis and reduces oxidative stress and inflammation. This study explored the function of RXD in the survival of random skin flaps. Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into low-dose RXD group (L-RXD group, 10 mg/kg/2 day), high-dose RXD group (H-RXD group, 25 mg/kg/2 day), and control group (1 mL of solvent, 1:9 DMSO:corn oil). The proportion of surviving flaps was determined on day 7 after surgery. Angiogenesis was assessed by lead oxide/gelatin angiography, and microcirculation blood perfusion was evaluated by laser Doppler flow imaging. Specimens in zone II were obtained, and the contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured as indicators of oxidative stress. Histopathological status was evaluated with haematoxylin and eosin staining. The levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and the inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by immunohistochemistry. RXD promoted flap survival and microcirculatory blood perfusion. Angiogenesis was detected distinctly in the experimental group. SOD activity increased and the MDA level decreased in the experimental group. Immunohistochemistry indicated that the expression levels of HIF-1α and VEGF were increased while the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were decreased after RXD injection. RXD promoted random flap survival by reinforcing vascular hyperplasia and decreasing inflammation and ischaemia-reperfusion injury.

A Novel Equivalent Time Sampling-Based Method for Pulse Transit Time Estimation with Applications into the Cardiovascular Disease Diagnosis.

The increasing incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is reflected in additional costs for healthcare systems all over the world. To date, pulse transit time (PTT) is considered a key index of cardiovascular health status and for diagnosis of CVDs. In this context, the present study focuses on a novel image analysis-based method for PTT estimation through the application of equivalent time sampling. The method, which post-processes color Doppler videos, was tested on two different setups: a Doppler flow phantom set in pulsatile mode and an in-house arterial simulator. In the former, the Doppler shift was due to the echogenic properties of the blood mimicking fluid only, since the phantom vessels are non-compliant. In the latter, the Doppler signal relied on the wall movement of compliant vessels in which a fluid with low echogenic properties was pumped. Therefore, the two setups allowed the measurement of the flow average velocity (FAV) and the pulse wave velocity (PWV), respectively. Data were collected through an ultrasound diagnostic system equipped with a phased array probe. Experimental outcomes confirm that the proposed method can represent an alternative tool for the local measurement of both FAV in non-compliant vessels and PWV in compliant vessels filled with low echogenic fluids.

The effect of exercise on cerebral blood flow and executive function among young adults: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial

Studies have demonstrated that exercise benefits executive function. However, it remains unclear which type of exercise is optimal for preserving executive function among young adults and the cerebral blood flow (CBF) mechanisms that underlie exercise-induced cognitive benefits. Therefore, this study aims to compare the intervention effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on executive function and the CBF mechanism. This was a double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial study conducted between October 2020 and January 2021 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04830059). Ninety-three healthy young adults (25.23 ± 2.18 years old; 49.82% male) were randomized into the HIIT (N = 33), MICT (N = 32), and control (N = 28) groups. Participants in exercise groups were guided to perform 40 min of HIIT and MICT three times a week for 12 weeks, while the control group received health education for the same period. The primary outcomes, changes in executive function assessed by the trail-making test (TMT), and CBF measured by transcranial Doppler flow analyzer (EMS-9WA), were evaluated before and after the interventions. The time taken to complete the TMT task improved significantly in the MICT group compared to the control group [β = −10.175, 95%, confidence interval (CI) = −20.320, −0.031]. Additionally, the MICT group showed significant improvements in the pulsatility index (PI) (β = 0.120, 95% CI = 0.018, 0.222), resistance index (RI) (β = 0.043, 95% CI = 0.005, 0.082), and peak-systolic/end-diastolic velocity (S/D) (β = 0.277, 95% CI = 0.048, 0.507) of CBF compared to the control group. The time taken to complete the TMT was associated with the velocity of peak-systolic (F = 5.414, P = 0.022), PI (F = 4.973, P = 0.012), and RI (F = 5.845, P = 0.006). Furthermore, the accuracy of TMT was associated with PI (F = 4.797, P = 0.036), RI (F = 5.394, P = 0.024), and S/D (F = 4.312, P = 0.05) of CBF. A 12-week MICT intervention improved CBF and executive function more effectively than HIIT among young adults. Furthermore, the findings suggest that CBF was one of the potential mechanisms underlying the cognitive benefits of exercise in young people. These results provide practical evidence supporting the promotion of regular exercise to maintain executive function and improve brain health.

Data dynamics of angiogenesis visualization instrumental methods in patients with psoriasis during methotrexate therapy: Clinical and prognostic value of dermatoscopy and ultrasound dopplerography

BACKGROUND: Pathological angiogenesis is one of the important pathogenetic links of psoriasis. At the same time, the prognostic significance of instrumental methods for studying the severity of angiogenesis in psoriatic plaques remains poorly understood.&#x0D; AIM: Clinical assessment of the correlation between the dynamics of angiogenesis parameters (morphometric parameters of vascular glomeruli and Doppler blood flow in the skin and nail bed) and indicators of the methotrexate clinical efficacy during 12 months of therapy.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The work is based on the clinical data analysis of 82 patients with moderate and severe psoriasis vulgaris in the acute stage, who were prescribed methotrexate after initial examination. Patients underwent Doppler ultrasound examination of the skin in psoriatic plaques area and digital dermatoscopy to study the characteristics of vascular angiogenesis loci before treatment and at 1, 3 and 12 months of methotrexate therapy.&#x0D; RESULTS: As a result of comparative correlation analysis of dermatoscopy and ultrasonographic Dopplerography indicators dynamics and psoriasis clinical index values during the treatment of patients with methotrexate, moderate and strong correlations were established between the values of the average diameter of the vascular glomerulus and the degree of increased blood flow in psoriatic plaque area after 1 month of methotrexate treatment and the values of PASI at 3, 6 and 12 months from the start of treatment (r=0.540.76, p=0.0020.005), as well as between the mean vascular glomerulus diameter values and the degree of skin blood flow increase after 3 months and PASI and BSI indices after 6 and 12 months (r=0.360.74, p=0.0010.036). Disappearance of Doppler signals in psoriatic plaques skin and decrease in vascular glomeruli average diameter after 1 month from the start of therapy in 1.76 [1.38; 2.30] and 1.30 [1.38; 2.30] times increase the probability of achieving clinical improvement after three months of methotrexate treatment. The correlation coefficient between the degree of NAPSI reduction after 6 and 12 months of treatment and the dynamics of Doppler blood flow in the nail bed and resistance index of arterial vessels in the nail bed after three months from the start of treatment varied from 0.53 to 0.73.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: The dynamics of instrumental methods indicators for studying pathological angiogenesis correlates with the probability of achieving clinical improvement in psoriasis symptoms during systemic methotrexate therapy.

Echocardiographic Strain to Predict Need for Transplant or Mortality in Fontan Patients with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

Despite recent advances, hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) patients subsequent to the Fontan still have significant morbidity and mortality. Some require heart transplant due to systemic ventricular dysfunction. Limited data exist on timing for transplant referral. This study aims to correlate systemic ventricular strain by echocardiography to transplant-free survival. HLHS patients who had Fontan palliation at our institution were included. Patients were divided into: 1) Required transplant or experienced mortality (composite end point); 2) Did not require transplant or survived. For those who experienced the composite endpoint, the last echocardiogram prior to the composite outcome was used, while for those who did not experience the composite endpoint the last echocardiogram obtained was used. Several qualitative and quantitative parameters were analyzed with focus on strain parameters. Ninety-five patients with HLHS Fontan palliation were identified. Sixty-six had adequate images and eight (12%) experienced transplant or mortality. These patients had greater myocardial performance index by flow Doppler (0.72 versus 0.53, p = 0.01), higher systolic/diastolic duration ratio (1.51 versus 1.13, p = 0.02), lower fractional area change (17.65 versus 33.99, p < 0.01), lower global longitudinal strain (GLS) (-8.63 versus -17.99, p < 0.01), lower global longitudinal strain rate (GLSR) (-0.51 versus -0.93, p < 0.01), lower global circumferential strain (GCS) (-6.68 versus -18.25, p < 0.01), and lower (GCSR) global circumferential strain rate (-0.45 versus -1.01, p < 0.01). ROC analysis demonstrated predictive value for GLS -7.6 (71% sensitive, 97% specific, AUC 81%), GLSR -0.58 (71% sensitive, 88% specific, AUC 82%), GCS -10.0 (86% sensitive, 91% specific, AUC 82%), and GCSR -0.85 (100% sensitive, 71% specific, AUC 90%). GLS and GCS can help predict transplant-free survival in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome having undergone Fontan palliation. Higher strain values (closer to zero) may be a helpful tool in determining when transplant evaluation is warranted in these patients.

Placental pathology in pregnancies with late fetal growth restriction and abnormal cerebroplacental ratio

IntroductionLate fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with mild growth restriction and normal or mild abnormal doppler flows. The cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) has been demonstrated as more sensitive to hypoxia than its individual components in these fetuses. We hypothesized that abnormal CPR in late FGR is reflected in specific placental vascular malperfusion lesions. MethodsRetrospective cohort study of late FGR newborns between 2012 and 2022 in a tertiary hospital. Overall, 361 cases were included: 104 with pathological CPR (study group), and 257 with normal doppler flows (control group). The primary outcome was a composite of maternal vascular malperfusion lesions (MVM) and fetal vascular malperfusion lesions (FVM). Secondary outcomes were macroscopic placental characteristics and various obstetrical and neonatal outcomes. ResultsThe study group had lower birthweight compared with the normal CPR group (2063.5 ± 470.5 vs. 2351.6 ± 387.4 g. P < 0.0001), higher rates of composite adverse neonatal outcomes (34.2% vs. 22.5%, p < 0.0001), lower mean placental weight (318 ± 71.6 vs. 356.6 ± 76.5 g, p < 0.0001), as well as a higher prevalence of Vascular lesions of MVM (15.3% vs. 5.0%, p = 0.002), villous lesions of FVM (37.5% vs. 24.9%, p = 0.02), and composite FVM lesions (36.5% vs. 25.6%, p = 0.04). On multivariate regression analysis for MVM lesions and composite FVM lesions, abnormal CPR was found as an independent risk factor (aOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.63–4.19, and aOR 1.31, 95% CI 1.09–3.97, respectively). DiscussionsAbnormal CPR in late FGR is reflected in placental histopathologic vascular malperfusion lesions, and the incidence of these lesions is higher than in FGR placentas with normal CPR.

Precise evaluation of blood flow patterns in human carotid bifurcation based on high-frame-rate vector flow imaging.

To investigate the feasibility of high-frame-rate vector flow imaging (HiFR-VFI) compared to ultrasound color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) for precisely evaluating flow characteristics in the carotid bifurcation (CB) of presumed healthy adults. Forty-three volunteers were assessed for flow characteristics and their extensions using HiFR-VFI and CDFI in CBs. The flow patterns were classified according to the streamlines in HiFR-VFI and quantitatively measured using an innovative turbulence index (Tur-value). Interobserver agreement was also assessed. HiFR-VFI was consistent with CDFI in detecting laminar and nonlaminar flow in 81.4% of the cases; however, in 18.6% of the cases, only HiFR-VFI identified the nonlaminar flow. HiFR-VFI showed a larger extension of complex flow (0.37 ± 0.26 cm2 ) compared to CDFI (0.22 ± 0.21 cm2 ; p < 0.05). The flow patterns were classified into four types: 3 type-I (laminar flow), 35 type-II (rotational flow), 27 type-III (reversed flow), and 5 type-IV (complex flow). The Tur-value of type-IV (50.03 ± 14.97)% is larger than type-III (44.57 ± 8.89)%, type-II (16.30 ± 8.16)%, and type-I (1.48 ± 1.43)% (p < 0.05). Two radiologists demonstrated almost perfect interobserver agreement on recognizing the change of streamlines (κ = 0.81, p < 0.001). The intraclass correlation coefficient of the Tur-value was 0.98. HiFR-VFI can reliably characterize complex hemodynamics with quantitative turbulence measurement and may be an auxiliary diagnostic tool for assessing atherosclerotic arterial disease.

P20 LOOK BEYOND APPEARANCES:NOT ONLY A SIMPLE AORTIC ENDOCARDITIS

Abstract Infective endocarditis (IE) refers to the colonization of cardiac valve endocardium by virulent microorganisms. It is the fourth leading cause of life–threatening infectious disease syndrome, if not efficiently diagnosed and treated. The three most common causes of IE on native valves (from the most to the least frequent) are Staphylococci, Streptococci and Enterococci. Enterococcus related IE are often associated to endoscopic procedures involving the digestive tract. The most remarkable structural complications associated with IE are: cusp or leaflet rupture, perforation, aneurysm/pseudoaneurysm, fistula, abscess, embolization. The usual final consequences of these lesions are severe valve regurgitation and heart failure.A 74 years old male patient with no history of heart disease, presented to the hospital with orthopnoea and periferal edema, consistent with acute heart failure.Few months before he underwent a routine colonscopy. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a mildly reduced ejection fraction and the presence of a little, mobile mass on the aortic valve, suggestive of vegetation, associated with a severe aortic regurgitation. The diagnosis was confirmed thanks to a transesophageal echocardiogram that represents the technique of choice for the diagnosis of endocarditis and for detecting eventual perivalvular extention; it documented the presence of an endocarditic vegetation protruting in the LVOT, complicated by a pseudoaneurysm, identified as a pulsatile perivalvular echo free–space with colour doppler flow inside. Successively, a specific antibiotic therapy was started because of the positivity of blood cultures for Enterococcus Faecalis. After performing a thoracic computed tomography that showed the presence of “plus image" at the level of aortic valvular plane, particularly between the right coronary and non–coronary cusp, consistent firstly with a pseudoaneurysm, the patient underwent urgent cardiac surgery with the removal of the vegetations and the implantion of an aortic valve bioprosthesis after the apposition of bovine pericardial patches for repairing aortic wall’s lacerations. A post–operative transesophageal echocardiogram revealed a good result with a mild paravalvular leak. Pseudoaneurysm and severe valvular regurgitation are among the major causes of acute heart failure in the setting of infective endocarditis. In such cases, surgery should be considered to decrease mortality.

P391 THE DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGE BETWEEN CHRONIC PULMONARY EMBOLISM AND PULMONARY ARTERY SARCOMA: A CASE REPORT

Abstract We report the case of a 63–year–old obese and hypertensive woman, admitted in hospital with worsening dyspnea for 2 weeks and syncope. A suspected chronic thromboembolism was diagnosed nine months before for a similar clinical picture; hematologic screening excluded thrombophilia and NOACs were prescribed. Two–dimensional transthoracic echocardiography showed enlargement of right chambers, the interventricular septum shifted to the left ventricle, showing “D” sign. Color Doppler flow imaging showed moderate regurgitation in tricuspid valve, with indirect pulmonary pressure estimation 90 mmHg. Left ventricle was normal for dimensions and function. ECG evidenced sinus tachycardia and no specific ST–T alterations. Blood exams evidenced anemia (Hb 9 mg/dl), negative neoplastic markers and absence of occult blood in feces, mildly elevated inflammatory markers, T–Troponin and D–dimer. Naso–pharyngeal swab for SARSCoV2 infection was negative. Chest computed tomography with contrast revealed a large filling defect within bilateral main pulmonary arteries. No lymph nodes or pulmonary pneumonia were detected. Lower extremity venous ultrasound was positive for right popliteal deep vein thrombosis. The global clinical picture suggested an acute pulmonary embolism recurrence, with a severe right ventricle impairment and a concomitant deep vein thrombosis. Some factors were not completely clear: chronic anemia, only mildly increased D–dimer, no specific increase of inflammatory markers. The patient was referred to Cardiac Surgery Unit of IRCCS Foundation Policlinico San Matteo in Pavia, for pulmonary endarterectomy. Unexpectedly the surgical finding was a bilateral pulmonary artery sarcoma, confirmed by histological exam. We thus clarified some uncertain clinical aspects, explainable in the context of a severe neoplastic picture. There were no immediate complications, and a chemotherapy was initiated after a period of cardio–pulmonary rehabilitation. Pulmonary artery intimal sarcoma is a very rare disease, its prevalence is about 0.001–0.003%, it can originate from the left and right pulmonary arteries and intimal layer of pulmonary arteries, forming a tumor growing in the nodular cavity or spreading along the intimal surface. PAS is often misdiagnosed as acute or chronic pulmonary thromboembolism due to its clinical presentation and radiological findings. Thus, early diagnosis is very crucial and may improve patient outcome.

Fetal pulmonary artery Doppler blood flow velocity measures and early infant lung function. A prospective cohort study

Background Reduced lung function at birth has evident antenatal origins and is associated with an increased risk of wheezing and asthma later in life. Little is known about whether blood flow in the fetal pulmonary artery, may impact postnatal lung function. Objective Our primary aim was to investigate the potential associations between fetal Doppler blood flow velocity measures in the fetal branch pulmonary artery, and infant lung function by tidal flow-volume (TFV) loops at three months of age in a low-risk population. Our secondary aim was to explore the association between Doppler blood flow velocity measures in the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries, and the same lung function measures. Methods In 256 non-selected pregnancies from the birth cohort study Preventing Atopic Dermatitis and ALLergies in Children (PreventADALL) we performed fetal ultrasound examination with Doppler blood flow velocity measurements at 30 gestational weeks (GW). We recorded the pulsatility index, peak systolic velocity, time-averaged maximum velocity, acceleration time/ejection time ratio, and time velocity integral primarily in the proximal pulmonary artery close to the pulmonary bifurcation. The pulsatility index was measured in the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries and the peak systolic velocity in the middle cerebral artery. The cerebro-placental ratio (ratio between pulsatility index in the middle cerebral and umbilical arteries) was calculated. Infant lung function was assessed using TFV loops in awake, calmly breathing three months old infants. The outcome was the time to peak tidal expiratory flow to expiratory time ratio (t PTEF/t E), t PTEF/t E <25th percentile, and tidal volume per kg body weight (V T/kg). Potential associations between fetal Doppler blood flow velocity measures and infant lung function were assessed using linear and logistic regressions. Results The infants were born at median (min - max) 40.3 (35.6 − 42.4) GW, with a mean (SD) birth weight of 3.52 (0.46) kg, and 49.4% were females. The mean (SD) t PTEF/t E was 0.39 (0.1) and the 25th percentile was 0.33. Neither univariable nor multivariable regression models revealed any associations between fetal pulmonary blood flow velocity measures and t PTEF/t E, t PTEF/t E <25th percentile, or V T/kg at three months of age. Similarly, we did not observe associations between Doppler blood flow velocity measures in the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries and infant lung function measures. Conclusion In a cohort of 256 infants from the general population, fetal third-trimester Doppler blood flow velocity measures in the branch pulmonary, umbilical, and middle cerebral arteries were not associated with infant lung function measures at three months of age.

Long-term Effectiveness of Ethanol Ablation in Controlling Neck Nodal Metastases in Childhood Papillary Thyroid Cancer.

Childhood papillary thyroid carcinoma (CPTC), despite bilateral thyroidectomy, nodal dissection and radioiodine remnant ablation (RRA), recurs within neck nodal metastases (NNM) in 33% within 20 postoperative years. These NNM are usually treated with reoperation or further radioiodine. Ethanol ablation (EA) may be considered when numbers of NNM are limited. We studied the long-term results of EA in 14 patients presenting with CPTC during 1978 to 2013 and having EA for NNM during 2000 to 2018. Cytologic diagnoses of 20 NNM (median diameter 9 mm; median volume 203 mm3) were biopsy proven. EA was performed during 2 outpatient sessions under local anesthesia; total volume injected ranged from 0.1 to 2.8 cc (median 0.7). All were followed regularly by sonography and underwent volume recalculation and intranodal Doppler flow measurements. Successful ablation required reduction both in NNM volume and vascularity. Post EA, patients were followed for 5 to 20 years (median 16). There were no complications, including postprocedure hoarseness. All 20 NNM shrank (mean by 87%) and Doppler flow eliminated in 19 of 20. After EA, 11 NNM (55%) disappeared on sonography; 8 of 11 before 20 months. Nine ablated foci were still identifiable after a median of 147 months; only one identifiable 5-mm NNM retained flow. Median serum Tg post EA was 0.6 ng/mL. Only one patient had an increase in Tg attributed to lung metastases. EA of NNM in CPTC is effective and safe. Our results suggest that for CPTC patients who do not wish further surgery and are uncomfortable with active surveillance of NNM, EA represents a minimally invasive outpatient management option.

Radar Technology for River Flow Monitoring: Assessment of the Current Status and Future Challenges

As an emerging non-contact method of flow monitoring, radar technology compensates for the shortcomings of traditional methods in terms of the efficiency, timeliness, and difficulty in monitoring high floods, and can provide accurate measurement results, making it one of the most promising flow monitoring methods in the future. This paper describes in detail the workflow from radar data acquisition to flow calculation; compares and analyzes the current state-of-the-art signal sampling and its limitations, Doppler spectrum estimation, signal processing and flow inversion; points out the challenges that these technologies may face in the future; and provides corresponding solutions in order to improve the real-time and accuracy of hydrometric as well as promote the development of non-contact flow monitoring technology.

Reduced Left Atrial Appendage Flow Is Associated With Future Atrial Fibrillation After Cryptogenic Stroke

Hemostasis within the left atrial appendage (LAA) is a common cause of stroke, especially in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Although LAA flow provides insights into LAA function, its potential for predicting AF has yet to be established. The aim of this study was to explore whether LAA peak flow velocities early after cryptogenic stroke are associated with future AF on prolonged rhythm monitoring. A total of 110 patients with cryptogenic stroke were consecutively enrolled and underwent LAA pulsed-wave Doppler flow assessment using transesophageal echocardiography within the early poststroke period. Velocity measurements were analyzed offline by an investigator blinded to the results. Prolonged rhythm monitoring was conducted on all participants via 7-day Holter and implantable cardiac monitoring devices, with follow-up conducted over a period of 1.5years to determine the incidence of AF. The end point of AF was defined as irregular supraventricular rhythm with variable RR interval and no detectable P waves lasting ≥30sec during rhythm monitoring. During a median follow-up period of 539 days (interquartile range, 169-857 days), 42 patients (38%) developed AF, with a median time to AF diagnosis of 94 days (interquartile range, 51-487 days). Both LAA filling velocity and LAA emptying velocity (LAAev) were lower in patients with AF (44.3±14.2 and 50.7± 13.3cm/s, respectively) compared with patients without AF (59.8±14.0 and 76.8±17.3cm/sec, respectively; P<.001 for both). LAAev was most strongly associated with future AF, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.88 and an optimal cutoff value of 55cm/sec. Age and mitral regurgitation were independent determinants of reduced LAAev. Impaired LAA peak flow velocities (LAAev<55cm/sec) in patients with cryptogenic stroke are associated with future AF. This may facilitate the selection of appropriate candidates for prolonged rhythm monitoring to improve its diagnostic accuracy and implementation.