Flow Propagation Velocity Research Articles

Doppler Tissue Imaging And Flow Propagation Velocity Reveal Impaired Left Ventricular Filling Following A Marathon

Doppler Tissue Imaging And Flow Propagation Velocity Reveal Impaired Left Ventricular Filling Following A Marathon

Validation of echocardiographic and Doppler indexes of left ventricular relaxation in adult hypertensive and normotensive rats

This study was performed to validate echocardiographic and Doppler techniques for the assessment of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar rats. In 11 Wistar rats and 20 SHR, we compared 51 sets of invasive and Doppler LV diastolic indexes. Noninvasive indexes of LV relaxation were related to the minimal rate of pressure decline (-dP/dt(min)), particularly isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), the Tei index, the early velocity of the mitral annulus (E(m)) using Doppler tissue imaging, and early mitral flow propagation velocity using M-mode color (r = 0.28-0.56 and P < 0.05-0.0001). When the role of systolic load was considered, the correlation between Doppler indexes of LV diastolic function and relaxation rate [(-dP/dt(min))/LV systolic pressure] improved (r = 0.48-0.86 and P = 0.004-0.0001, respectively). Similarly, Doppler indexes of LV diastolic function and the time constant of isovolumic LV relaxation (tau) correlated well (r = 0.50-0.84 and P = 0.0002-0.0001, respectively). In addition, eight SHR and eight Wistar rats were compared; their LV end-diastolic diameters were similar, whereas the SHR LV mass was greater. Furthermore, IVRT and Tei index were significantly higher and E(m) was lower in SHR. Moreover, tau was higher in SHR, demonstrating impaired LV relaxation. In conclusion, LV relaxation can be assessed reliably using echocardiographic and Doppler techniques, and, using these indexes, impaired relaxation was demonstrated in SHR.

Interaction between left ventricular wall motion and intraventricular flow propagation in acute and chronic ischemia

Myocardial ischemia has been associated with left ventricular (LV) postsystolic shortening. The combination of tissue Doppler imaging and high frame-rate acquisition of two-dimensional color flow makes it possible to study the interaction between LV wall motion and intraventricular flow propagation. The aim of this study was to examine in a clinical model the impact that acute myocardial ischemia and prior myocardial infarct might have on LV flow patterns and to explain the underlying mechanisms from the tissue Doppler data. LV flow propagation and tissue velocities during early diastole were studied in 18 healthy individuals, 17 patients with prior anterior myocardial infarct, and 16 patients before and during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the left anterior descending artery. Normal individuals had intraventricular flow propagation toward the apex during isovolumic relaxation. During this early diastolic time phase, myocardial velocities measured at mid- and apical septal segment were directed away from the apex. Before PCI, patients without myocardial infarction had similar findings as in normal individuals. In contrast, each patient with either prior myocardial infarction or PCI-induced acute ischemia had flow propagation opposite to normal individuals, and tissue velocities reversed toward the apex during early diastole. Reversal of early diastolic LV flow propagation in acute and chronic anterior myocardial ischemia reflects postsystolic shortening in the dyskinetic apical and septal myocardial segments.

Reduced ventricular flow propagation velocity in elite athletes is augmented with the resumption of exercise training

Chronic exercise induces physiological enlargement of the left ventricle ('athlete's heart'), but the effects of current and long-term exercise training on diastolic function have not been investigated. Echocardiography and Doppler imaging were used to assess left ventricular (LV) dimensions and indices of diastolic filling in 22 elite athletes at the end of their 'off-season' (baseline) and, subsequently, following 3 and 6 months of training. Twelve matched controls were also studied at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Compared to controls at baseline, athletes exhibited significantly higher LV mass (235.7 +/- 7.1 g versus 178.1 +/- 14.5 g, P < 0.01) and reduced flow propagation velocity (V(P): 50.21 +/- 1.7 versus 72.2 +/- 3.6 cm s(-1), P < 0.01), a measure of diastolic function. Three months of training further increased LV mass in athletes (253.2 +/- 7.1 g; P < 0.01 versus baseline), and significantly increased their V(P) (66.7 +/- 2.5 cm s(-1); P < 0.05 versus baseline). These trends for increased mass and diastolic filling persisted following 6 months of training (LV mass 249.0 +/- 8.7 g P < 0.05 versus baseline; V(P) 75.7 +/- 3.0 cm s(-1); P < 0.01 versus baseline, and P = 0.01 versus 3 months). This study suggests that following a period of relative inactivity the rate of ventricular relaxation during early diastole may be slowed in athletes who exhibit ventricular hypertrophy, whilst resumption of training increases the speed of ventricular relaxation in the presence of further hypertrophy of the left ventricle.

Isovolumic relaxation flow propagation velocity in patients with diseases impairing ventricular relaxation

To evaluate the propagation velocity of isovolumic relaxation flow within the left ventricle (IRFPV) associated with impaired ventricular relaxation, 49 patients with diseases known to impair ventricular relaxation (disease group) and 38 age-matched control subjects (control group) were studied. IRFPV was measured as the slope of the first aliasing velocity line segment of the isovolumic relaxation flow wave front in the color M-mode Doppler echocardiogram. Compared with the control group, the disease group had thicker interventricular septum and left ventricular posterior wall, more left ventricular mass, and lower early diastolic mitral annular velocity (8 +/- 3 vs 11 +/- 4 cm/s, P < .001), early (E) wave propagation velocity (47 +/- 16 vs 70 +/- 41 cm/s, P = .002), and IRFPV (193 +/- 149 vs 395 +/- 220 cm/s, P < .001). No matter in subgroup or whole population analysis, either the early diastolic mitral annular velocity or the E wave propagation velocity was selected as one of the determinants of IRFPV. In conclusion, diseases impairing ventricular relaxation may retard IRFPV.

Plasma Concentration of Big Endothelin-1 and Its Relation With Plasma NT-proBNP and Ventricular Function in Heart Failure Patients

Elevated plasma concentrations of big endothelin-1 (big ET-1) are related with severity and prognosis in patients with heart failure, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a marker of ventricular remodeling. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between plasma levels of big ET-1 and NT-proBNP, and between the former and ventricular function. We studied 103 patients with heart failure (75 men, mean age 63 [13] years). Each participant completed a questionnaire and underwent Doppler echocardiographic study to measure ejection fraction (EF), mitral flow propagation velocity (Vp) and atrioventricular plane displacement (AVPD). Blood samples were also taken to determine plasma levels of big ET-1, aldosterone and NT-proBNP. For the whole population big ET-1 concentration was 1.03 [0.75] fmol/m, NT-proBNP 619 (307-1328) pg/mL, aldosterone 168 [102] pg/mL, EF 37 [10], Vp 37 [11] cm/s, and AVPD 8.0 [1.7] mm. Plasma big ET-1 correlated positively with plasma NT-proBNP (r=0.50, P<.0001). However, a negative correlation was found between big ET-1 and EF (r=-0.30, P<.01), Vp, (r=-0.30, P<.01) and AVPD (r=-0.21, P<.05). When ET-1 levels were divided into quartiles and the corresponding NT-proBNP, EF, Vp and AVPD values were compared, we found significant differences (ANOVA P<.0001, P<.01, P<.05 and P<.05, respectively). Plasma levels of big ET-1 correlated positively with NT-proBNP levels and inversely with EF, Vp and AVPD. These findings help clarify the relationships between ventricular function and the neurohormonal activation involved in heart failure, and may aid the search for therapeutic interventions.

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Function in Cardiomyopathic Mice by Tissue Doppler and Color M‐Mode Doppler Echocardiography

Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and color M-mode Doppler flow propagation velocity (Vp) are used to assess cardiac function in humans, but the feasibility and applicability of these measurements to murine cardiomyopathic models of heart failure remain unclear. Left ventricular (LV) function was measured by TDI and Vp among mice exhibiting severe dilated cardiomyopathy (TOT), pressure-overload hypertrophy (TAC), and normal controls (NTG). Transmitral flow pattern in TACs and TOTs showed a restrictive filling pattern, but early diastolic mitral annulus velocity was comparable among the three studied groups. Propagation velocity in an anesthetized state was comparable in all three groups. However, while Vp increased in all three groups in the conscious state, the increase in NTGs was statistically greater than in TACs and TOTs. Collectively, results indicate that color M-mode Doppler echocardiography can be used to assess LV function in mice. Furthermore, Vp is depressed by anesthesia, a complication that can lead to misinterpretation of LV function in normal hearts.

Mitral valve leaflet excursion velocity in the pediatric population: A comparable diastolic index to the color M-mode propagation velocity

Color M-mode (CMM) Doppler flow propagation velocity (Vp) is a reliable diastolic index, but may be difficult to define. We hypothesized that because the valve is opened by flow, the anterior mitral leaflet excursion velocity (MEVApex ), interrogated from the cardiac apex, may be similar to the CMM-Vp. We investigated the MEVApex by apical M-mode echocardiography in 49 children and adolescents with normal echocardiograms, and compared it with the CMM-Vp and other indices. The mean CMM-Vp and MEVApex were similar (41.5 +/- 6 vs 40 +/- 5.7, respectively, mean +/- SD; P = .5) and correlated positively ( r = 0.71, P < .0001, Bland-Altman analysis). The peak velocity of mitral inflow (E wave) divided by the Vp (E/Vp) and E/MEVApex correlated well (2.54 +/- 0.58 vs 2.52 +/- 0.58, respectively, mean +/- SD; r = 0.857, P < .001, Bland-Altman analysis). The MEVApex is comparable with the CMM-Vp and the E/MEVApex with E/Vp. The Vp may be assessed either by CMM or conventional M-mode from the apex. In our experience, the latter is easier to do. Study in other populations is warranted.

The Effect of Preload Reduction on a New Parameter to Evaluate Left Ventricular Diastolic Function

Background and Objectives：The time interval between the onset of the mitral inflow and the mitral annulus velocity (TE’-E) has been proposed as a new index for representing the left ventricular (LV) relaxation and this is related to the LV filling pressure. This index has been reported to be a preload independent parameter in an experimental canine model. However, the impact of the preload on this index has not been studied in humans. Subjects and Methods：Forty-five patients (29 men, mean age: 51±14 years old) who had end-stage renal disease underwent echocardiography immediately before and after hemodialysis (HD). The two-dimensional and Doppler parameters were measured, including the peak early (E) and late (A) transmitral inflow velocity. The mitral annulus velocity (E’) at the septal, lateral, anterior and inferior corners of the mitral annulus, as accessed by Doppler tissue imaging (DTI), and the flow propagation velocity (Vp), as accessed by color M-mode, were also measured. The time intervals between the peak of the R wave and the onset of the mitral E velocity and also between the peak R wave and the onset of E’ at the four corners of the mitral annulus were measured. Results：The mean ejection fraction was 62±16%. The average weight reduction by the HD was 2.9±1.1 kg. The dimensions of the LV end-diastole, left atrium and inferior vena cava were significantly reduced. After the HD, the peak E, A and E/A ratio, the average peak E’ and the Vp were significantly decreased. The TE’-E did not change significantly after the HD regardless of the LV systolic function. Conclusion：A new parameter for the diastolic function, i.e., the time interval between the onset of mitral inflow and the mitral annulus velocity, appears to be preload-independent in the patients with a normal or decreased LV systolic function. (Korean Circulation J 2005;35:827-833)

Calculation of left ventricular flow velocity propagation from M-mode echocardiography

The left ventricular (LV) flow velocity propagation measured by colour M-mode Doppler ( V p) is a useful function diastolic index, with some advantages over pulsed Doppler. It might be used to differentiate a normal from a pseudonormal LV filling pattern.1,2 We have observed that the opening of the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve closely …

Nouveaux indices doppler d’estimation de la pression capillaire pulmonaire : influence de l’âge, faisabilité en situation aiguë et reproductibilité

Background. – The Doppler indexes E/Vp, E/Ea, 1000/(2 ×IRT +Vp), 1000/(2 ×IRT + Ea) and DTd (E :peak E mitral velocity; Vp: flow propagation velocity by color M-mode; Ea: peak early diastolic velocity at lateral mitral annulus by tissue Doppler; IRT: isovolumic relaxation time; DTd: deceleration time of the pulmonary venous diastolic wave) have been proposed for the non-invasive prediction of left ventricular filling pressures. However, the influence of age, the feasibility in acute setting and the reproducibility of these Doppler indexes have never been simultaneously investigated. Objective. – The present study was conducted to evaluate the influence of age in 56 healthy subjects (57 ±20 years of age), the feasibility in 40 critically ill patients (72 ±13 years of age; 21 with decompensated heart failure) and the reproducibility in 15 patients. Results. – Only the indexes E/Vp ( R =0.37, P =0.005) and E/Ea ( R =0.72, P<0.001) were correlated with age. The feasibility was 92, 90, 72, 72 and 45% for E/Ea, 1000/(2 ×IRT +Ea), E/Vp, 1000/(2 ×IRT +Vp) and DTd, respectively. The best reproducibility was observed for the Doppler parameters E and Ea. Conclusion. – Despite it is influenced by age, E/Ea appears to be the most useful index for predicting left ventricular filling pressures routinely.

Which echocardiographic Doppler left ventricular diastolic function measurements are most feasible in the clinical echocardiographic laboratory?

Numerous measures of left ventricular diastolic function are currently in clinical use. To determine which echo-Doppler left ventricular diastolic function measurements are most feasible in the clinical echocardiographic laboratory, the success rate, recording time taken by the sonographer, and inter-reader variability were calculated for transmitral valve inflow, pulmonary vein flow, tissue Doppler imaging, and color M-mode flow propagation velocity in 80 inpatients.

Propagation velocity of mitral late flow toward the apex in healthy participants

The transit time of mitral late flow (A wave) to the outflow tract (A-Ar interval) has been demonstrated to be shorter in the presence of increased ventricular stiffness. However, the A-Ar interval is just a measure of time duration and the data of intraventricular A-wave propagation velocity are still unavailable. In this study we presented the aging trend in various intracardiac Doppler signals, including the mitral A-wave propagation velocity toward the apex (APV apex). It was measured as the slope of the first aliasing velocity line segment of the mitral A wavefront at color M-mode Doppler analysis. Age correlated significantly with peak velocity of mitral early flow (E wave), peak A velocity, velocity ratio of E to A wave, deceleration time of E wave, and mitral E-wave propagation velocity toward the apex, but not with the A-Ar interval ( r = −0.262, P = .066) or the APV apex ( r = −0.047, P = .748). Neither the A-Ar interval nor the APV apex was different between the young and the elderly groups. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between the APV apex and the A-Ar interval ( r = −0.135, P = .348). In conclusion, aging has a major adverse impact on myocardial relaxation associated with a minor one on the noninvasive indices of ventricular compliance. The APV apex is age-independent and, moreover, there is no significant correlation between the APV apex and the A-Ar interval.

Assessment of systolic function by atrioventricular plane displacement in patients with diastolic dysfunction

Objectives — Early recognition and appropriate therapy of diastolic dysfunction (DD) is advisable to prevent further progression to diastolic or systolic heart failure and death. The mitral atrioventricular plane displacement (AVPD) method has been shown to be a reliable and simple technique to study left ventricular systolic function in patients, because the mitral annulus can be visualized in almost all patients even if the endocardial borders are difficult to trace. The aim of our study is to estimate the left ventricular ejection fraction by AVPD method (EFAVPD), in addition to Teicholz’s short axis method (EF-T) and Simpson’s biplane method (EF-2D) in patients with DD.Material and methods — One hundred and two subjects were submitted to complete echocardiographic assessment, and DD was shown in 62 patients. The systolic mitral AVPD was recorded at 4 sites (septal, lateral, anterior, and posterior) using M-mode and left ventricular ejection fraction was calculated from the AVPD-mean in 62 patients with DD (mean age 55.67 ± 5.65, 24 men and 38 women) and in 40 age-matched control subjects (mean age 54.07 ± 6.96, 15 men and 25 women). There were no statistically significant group differences related to age, gender, heart rate or body mass index. However, in the patients with DD, presence of hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus was significantly higher than control subjects.Results — The systolic functions, as assessed by conventional measures in patients with DD and healthy subjects were not stastically different, and were within normal limits. The septal, anterior, lateral and posterior part of the atrioventricular plane values and AVPD-mean during systole were statistically lower in the DD group (12.35 ± 1.42 mm) compared with controls (15.32 ± 1.38 mm) (p < 0.001). EFAVPD in patients with DD was statistically lower (62.97 ± 7.85%) than healthy subjects (79.30 ± 7.60%) (p < 0.001). Significant positive correlations between EFAVPD and EF-2D (r = 0.325, p < 0.01) and EF-T (r = 0.355, p < 0.01) and FS (r = 0.314, p < 0.01) were found. EFAVPD correlated only with velocity of mitral flow propagation (VPR) in diastolic function parameters (r = 0.374, p < 0.01).Conclusions — The AVPD method may indicate a systolic dysfunction with a relatively lower AVPD-mean and relatively lower EFAVPD in the DD group compared with controls.This indicated the presence of a statistically significant and mildly reduced left ventricular systolic function by the AVPD method in patients with DD. It might be suggested that DD might be combined with systolic dysfunction. However, isolated diastolic dysfunction is uncommon.The mitral AVPD is reproducible, widely applicable and a simple non-invasive method for the estimation of left ventricular systolic function in patients with DD.

Association of left ventricular filling parameters assessed by pulsed wave Doppler and color M-mode Doppler echocardiography with left ventricular pathology, pulmonary congestion, and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure

Among 90 consecutive patients with various degrees of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction (normal patients, LV hypertrophy, LV ejection fraction <50%, and <30%), the mitral valve pulse-wave E/A ratio showed a characteristic U-shaped curve with increasing severity of LV dysfunction. In contrast, there was a significant progressive decrease in flow propagation velocity of the E-wave (Vp) and a significant increase in E/Vp values with increasing severity of LV dysfunction. The E/Vp ratio was the best predictor of pulmonary congestion, and in a subgroup of patients who underwent cardiac catheterization, it was the only significant predictor of LV end-diastolic pressure.

The diastolic function: an echocardiographic study and its clinical meaning

Many patients with manifestations and/or symptoms of heart failure show a normal or only slight depressed systolic function of the left ventricle. The origin of these symptoms is attributed to anomalies of the diastolic function and the echocardiography has became an important technique for a non-invasive investigation of such anomalies. The valuation of the diastolic function, mainly in patients with a left ventricle dysfunction, is usually performed by means of the analysis of the transmitral flow with pulsed Doppler, integrating as necessary the basal information with actions of preload variations. However, in many cases it is necessary to use other procedures of study to better characterise the diastolic function in each patient by means of the analysis of venous pulmonary flow, the valuation of propagation velocity of mitral flow with Color M-Mode, or the valuation of diastolic velocities of myocardium with Doppler tissue imaging. The integrated analysis of these various methods of exam, moreover, allows to enhance the diagnostic accuracy in the evaluation of the filling pressure, which is a fundamental parameter to stratify the risk of short/medium term events, being equal the left ventricle dysfunction.

Comparison of early diastolic mitral annular velocity and flow propagation velocity in detection of mild to moderate left ventricular diastolic dysfunction

Background: Pulsed wave tissue Doppler echocardiography (PW-TDE) and color M-mode are new Doppler methods for left ventricular (LV) diastolic function assessment. To date, few studies have compared the data obtained by these methods in the same series of patients and compared them to the current clinical reference method of detecting LV diastolic function. Aims: To determine the utility of PW-TDE and color M-mode parameters in the assessment of LV diastolic function in the typical patient population encountered in daily clinical practice and to compare their discriminating power. Methods: Early diastolic septal mitral annular velocity ( Em ) determined by PW-TDE and color M-mode flow propagation velocity ( Vp ) were measured in 86 male patients and compared to LV filling patterns obtained using standard Doppler indices. Values of Em <0.08 m s −1 and Vp <0.5 m s −1 were considered as markers of abnormal LV diastolic function. Results: A value of Em <0.08 m s −1 distinguished mild to moderate LV diastolic dysfunction with higher sensitivity and specificity than Vp <0.5 m s −1 (96% and 87% vs. 73% and 84%, respectively). A comparison of receiver operating characteristic curves showed a significant difference for areas under the curve in favor of Em ( p <0.01). In a stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis, a pseudonormal filling pattern and an EF > 60% were identified as significant predictors of Vp false negative results ( p <0.05). Conclusions:Em appears to be superior to Vp in the detection of mild to moderate LV diastolic dysfunction. Vp failed to detect abnormal LV diastolic function in particular in patients with preserved LV systolic function and a pseudonormal filling pattern type.

The utility of newly derived Doppler echocardiographic variables in the diagnosis and management of patients with heart failure.

Doppler echocardiography, because of its noninvasive nature, is an ideal tool to evaluate patients with heart failure (HF), offering the potential to improve early identification and management of these patients. Although traditional Doppler indices have allowed characterization of diastolic filling abnormalities associated with various HF states, important limitations are recognized. More refined Doppler techniques such as analysis of color M-mode flow propagation velocity, tissue Doppler imaging, and strain parameters can add to the ability of the noninvasive laboratory to improve the identification and management of this group of patients. These newer techniques as well as the traditional Doppler assessment of transmitral left ventricular inflow and pulmonary venous inflow velocities are reviewed as methods to improve the diagnosis and management of patients with HF.

Assessment of diastolic function in endomyocardial fibrosis: value of flow propagation velocity.

Endomyocardial fibrosis is manifested mainly by diastolic heart failure. However, diastolic function has not been well characterized in this disease. The aim of this study was to characterize left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) by echocardiography. Eighteen patients with LV EMF and 18 healthy subjects were studied. Cardiac volumes and ejection fraction were assessed by Simpson's method. Pulsed-wave Doppler was used to obtain mitral and pulmonary venous flow velocities and grade diastolic function. Pulsed-wave tissue Doppler imaging velocities along the septal side of mitral annulus, flow propagation velocity (Vp) of the early diastolic mitral inflow, and myocardial performance index were obtained. According to this grading method, four patients with normal diastolic function, five with impaired relaxation, five with pseudonormal, and four with a restrictive pattern were found. A positive correlation of these diastolic function grades and NYHA functional class was found (r = 0.66, P = 0.003). By "stepwise" logistic regression the best index that discriminated EMF patients from controls was Vp. The probability of occurrence of EMF = exp(7.9288 - 0.1366 Vp)/1 + exp(7.9288 - 0.1366 Vp). A wide range of diastolic function grades is found in patients with EMF and these correlated with functional class. Delayed myocardium relaxation, as reflected by altered Vp, was a frequent finding, making Vp the most useful index to discriminate EMF patients.

Potentials and limitations of color M-Mode and tissue Doppler indexes in identifying pseudonormal mitral filling pattern in patients with acute symptoms of heart failure and preserved left ventricular systolic function

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of flow propagation velocity by color M-mode (Vp) and peak early diastolic mitral annulus velocity by tissue Doppler (Ea) in identifying pseudonormal mitral filling in 25 patients with acute symptoms of heart failure and preserved left ventricular systolic function compared with 25 gender- and age-matched healthy subjects. Although normal velocities for both Vp and Ea were found in 40% of patients, E/Vp and E/Ea ratios were able to differentiate pseudonormal from normal filling irrespective of values for Vp and Ea.