Pulmonary Vein Velocity Research Articles

Abstract 12878: Left Atrial Labyrinth in Fetal Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome is Associated With Worse Prognosis

Introduction: Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) with restrictive atrial septum (RAS) is associated with poor outcomes. A subset of patients with HLHS have cor-triatriatum sinister, which often presents as a complex network of folds within the LA, which we referred to as LA-labyrinth (Figure 1). Hypothesis: We hypothesize that LA labyrinth is associated with worse clinical outcomes among those with a RAS compared to patients without LA-labyrinth. Methods: In a single-center retrospective cohort study, all fetuses with HLHS (2010-2020) were included. Fetuses with inadequate images, no follow-up data, pregnancy termination, or postnatal comfort care were excluded. All fetal echocardiograms were reviewed. RAS was defined as a ratio of forward/reverse pulmonary vein velocity time integral (PV-VTI) < 5. Kaplan-Meier analysis from 20 weeks’ gestation was performed to evaluate freedom from the primary outcome (fetal demise, postnatal death, or transplant) by 1-year postnatal life (72 weeks total). Results: Of 241 fetuses with HLHS, 179 met inclusion criteria. RAS was present in 43 (24%), and LA-labyrinth was seen in 9 (5%), of which 6 also had RAS. Freedom from death/transplant was worse in RAS with LA labyrinth vs. no LA labyrinth and vs. HLHS-unrestrictive atrial septum (Figure 2). Among those with RAS, those with LA labyrinth were more likely to have early atrial septal intervention (4/6 vs 10/34), and to die or need transplant (4/6 vs 12/37, p = 0.022). Conclusions: LA-labyrinth is seen in HLHS with RAS and is associated with worse outcomes than RAS alone. The unique left atrial anatomy may need to be taken into consideration during prenatal counseling and postnatal planning.

Maternal Hyperoxygenation Testing in Fetuses with Hypoplastic Left-Heart Syndrome: Association with Postnatal Atrial Septal Restriction

Introduction: In fetuses with hypoplastic left-heart syndrome (HLHS), maternal hyperoxygenation (MHO) may aid risk stratification. We hypothesized that pulmonary vein (Pvein) velocity time integral (VTI) change with MHO would more reliably identify neonates who undergo emergent atrial septoplasty (EAS) than changes in pulmonary arterial pulsatility index (PA PI). Methods: Fetuses with HLHS who underwent MHO testing at our institution between 2014 and 2019 were identified. Data were reviewed in a blinded, retrospective manner. Pvein VTI ratio (prograde:retrograde) was calculated. The primary outcome was neonatal EAS. Results: Twenty-seven HLHS fetuses underwent MHO, and 5 (19%) underwent EAS. Without MHO, a Pvein VTI ratio <3 conferred 60% sensitivity and 100% specificity for EAS. With MHO, a Pvein VTI ratio <6.5 conferred 100% sensitivity and specificity. For an intermediate group of fetuses with a baseline Pvein VTI ratio 3–7, the ratio decrease with MHO conferred 100% sensitivity and specificity. Compared to the Pvein VTI ratio, PA PI was less accurate in identifying EAS neonates. Discussion/Conclusion: Addition of MHO appears to improve the diagnostic ability of the Pvein VTI ratio to identify HLHS fetuses who undergo EAS. The Pvein VTI ratio change may more accurately identify fetuses who undergo EAS than change in PA PI and has less interobserver variability.

Dual-VENC 4D Flow MRI Can Detect Abnormal Blood Flow in the Left Atrium That Potentially Causes Thrombosis Formation after Left Upper Lobectomy.

Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to clarify the blood flow pattern in the left atrium (LA), potentially causing the formation of thrombosis after left upper lobectomy (LUL). The blood flow in the LA was evaluated and compared between LUL patients with and without thrombosis. For the evaluation, we applied highly accelerated 4D flow MRI with dual-velocity encoding (VENC) scheme, which was expected to be able to capture slow flow components in the LA accurately.Methods: Eight volunteers and 18 patients subjected to LUL underwent dual-VENC 4D Flow MRI. Eight patients had a history of thrombosis. We measured the blood flow velocity and stasis ratio (proportion in the volume that did not exceed 10 cm/s in any cardiac phase) in the LA and left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV) stump. For visual assessment, the presence of each collision of the blood flow from pulmonary veins and vortex flow in the LA were evaluated. Each acquired value was compared between healthy participants and LUL patients, and in LUL patients with and without thrombosis.Results: In LUL patients, blood flow velocity near the inflow part of the left superior pulmonary vein (Lt Upp) and mean velocity in the LA were lower, and stasis ratio in the LA was higher compared with healthy volunteers (Lt Upp 9.10 ± 3.09 vs.13.23 ± 14.19 cm/s, mean velocity in the LA 9.81 ± 2.49 vs. 11.40 ± 1.15 cm/s, and stasis ratio 25.28 ± 18.64 vs. 4.71 ± 3.03%, P = 0.008, 0.037, and < 0.001). There was no significant difference in any quantification values between LUL patients with and without thrombosis. For visual assessment, the thrombus formation was associated with no collision pattern (62.5% vs. 10%, P = 0.019) and not with vortex flow pattern (50% vs. 30%, P = 0.751).Conclusion: The net blood flow velocity was not associated with the thrombus formation. In contrast, a specific blood flow pattern, the absence of blood flow collision from pulmonary veins, correlates to the thrombus formation in the LA.

What we believed to be a right upper pulmonary vein by transthoracic echocardiography is actually a right lower pulmonary vein.

Current guidelines recommend that pulmonary vein (PV) velocity should be recorded by using the right upper pulmonary vein (RUPV) during transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function. However, it is uncertain whether the PV displayed during TTE is truly measuring the upper PV. This study aimed to identify the actual site of each PV that is usually detected during TTE. We retrospectively studied 105 patients who underwent cardiac computed tomography (CT) and TTE, reconstructed images three-dimensionally, and measured the angles between each PV and the left ventricle (LV) that would correspond to the Doppler incident angle of the apical four-chamber view on TTE. We also performed TTE during catheter ablation to confirm the exact site of the PV. Apical four-chamber views on TTE revealed that one certain PV was detectable on the right side of the vertebra. CT scans revealed that the median angle of the axes between the LV and right lower pulmonary vein (RLPV) was smaller than that of RUPV {32.1˚ [interquartile range (IQR): 21.7˚-42.1˚] vs. 62.5˚ (IQR: 51.6˚-70.6˚), P<.001}. During catheter ablation for treatment of atrial fibrillation, in the most well-displayed PV on TTE, we detected the ablation catheter placed in the RLPV. The most well-displayed PV in an apical four-chamber view by TTE was not the RUPV but the RLPV which showed the smallest angle of incidence toward the LV apex. The RLPV is suitable for evaluation of PV velocity to assess LV diastolic function.

Effect of pimobendan on left atrial function: an echocardiographic pilot study in 11 healthy cats

Objectives– To evaluate the effect of a single dose of pimobendan on left atrial (LA) function in healthy cats. Animals– Eleven client owned healthy cats. Material and methods– Standardized and repeated echocardiographic examinations were performed on healthy and conscious cats before and after a single dose of orally administered pimobendan (1.25 mg/cat). Left atrial systolic functional parameters were assessed. Results– Some of the tested parameters of LA function showed significant improvement after pimobendan administration, whereas no significant effect on left ventricular function was observed. In particular, LA minimal diameters obtained from M-mode images in short (p=0.018) and long (p=0.009) axis reduced after pimobendan administration, whereas LA fractional shortening from short (p=0.027) and long (p=0.042) axis and LA appendage emptying velocity (p<0.001) significantly increased. A mild increase in heart rate (p=0.001), and a transient increase on the peak systolic wave pulmonary vein velocity (p=0.008) were also recorded as a possible effect. Conclusions– A single dose of pimobendan appears to impact LA function in healthy cats. However, because of the small number of cats included, and the absence of a placebo group, these results cannot be definitively separated from the effect of time. Additional studies are needed to understand if similar effects are observed in cats with cardiomyopathy and LA dilatation.

Surgical correction of postpneumonectomy syndrome with adjustable saline implants and transoesophageal echocardiography.

Postpneumonectomy syndrome can have a significant clinical impact on a patient. It presents as progressive dyspnoea due to compression of the contralateral bronchus and/or pulmonary veins. Herein, we present a patient who over a 2-year period developed progressive dyspnoea on exertion and eventually also at rest, due to compression of her left mainstem bronchus and her left inferior pulmonary vein. Surgical correction with implantable adjustable saline implants was undertaken to ameliorate her symptoms. Concurrent use of intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography permitted real-time adjustment of the implants. This allowed objective measurement and demonstration of normalization of pulmonary vein velocity, which resulted in complete symptom resolution.

Assessment of diastolic dysfunction in patients with acute coronary syndrome and preserved systolic function: comparison between Doppler transthoracic echocardiography and velocity-encoded cardiac magnetic resonance

Objectives Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) remains the mainstay diagnostic imaging tool for the assessment of diastolic dysfunction. However, velocity-encoded phase-contrast imaging permits evaluation with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with excellent capabilities to assess blood flow and myocardial tissue motion. We evaluated the feasibility of measuring mitral blood flow, mitral annular velocity and pulmonary vein flow in assessing diastolic dysfunction in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients.Methods Revascularized acute myocardial infarction patients with normal left ventricular (LV) systolic function on TTE were assessed by 1.5T CMR. Following acquisition of regular short-axis cine volumetry and 2-, 3- and 4-chamber views, we performed single-slice velocity-encoded phase-contrast imaging in short-axis plane at the level of the mitral leaflet tips and in a plane perpendicular to a pulmonary vein. Early, late diastolic mitral inflow velocities, peak systolic, diastolic pulmonary vein velocities and myocardial annular velocities were determined. These were then compared to comparable TTE parameters.Results Fourty-six patients were analyzed. Mean LVEF was 61.1 ± 8.9%. Peak E and A velocities underestimated by CMR, E/A ratio showed a significant correlation with TTE, R2 0.51. Peak S and D velocities also underestimated, S/D ratio significantly correlated with TTE, R2 0.58. Paradoxically, E’ is overestimated by CMR, with lower E/E’ ratio but still significantly correlated with TTE, R2 0.55. Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated excellent agreement with excellent reproducibility.Conclusion CMR evaluation of diastolic dysfunction post-ACS has significant correlation with TTE. Although velocity-encoded phase-contrast imaging underestimates inflow velocities, and overestimates the mitral annular velocity, velocity ratios are consistently correlated with Doppler echocardiography

Echocardiographic Evidence of Early Diastolic Dysfunction in Asymptomatic Children with Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Structural and functional cardiovascular abnormalities have been reported in adults with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI); however, there is a lack of paediatric literature on this topic. This study aimed to investigate cardiovascular abnormalities in children with OI in comparison to a control group. This case-control study was conducted at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in Muscat, Oman, between May 2013 and August 2014. Data from eight patients with OI and 24 healthy controls were compared using conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE). The OI group had significantly lower peak early mitral valve flow velocity (P = 0.027), peak a-wave reversal in the pulmonary vein (P = 0.030) and peak early diastolic velocity of the mitral valve and upper septum (P = 0.001 each). The peak late diastolic velocities of the mitral valve (P = 0.002) and the upper septum (P = 0.037) were significantly higher in the OI group; however, the peak early/late diastolic velocity ratios of the mitral valve (P = 0.002) and upper septum (P = 0.001) were significantly lower. Left ventricular dimensions and aortic and pulmonary artery diameters were larger in the OI group when indexed for body surface area. Both groups had normal systolic cardiac function. Children with OI had normal systolic cardiac function. However, changes in myocardial tissue Doppler velocities were suggestive of early diastolic cardiac dysfunction. They also had increased left ventricular dimensions and greater vessel diameters. These findings indicate the need for early and detailed structural and functional echocardiographic assessment and follow-up of young patients with OI.

Murine left atrium and left atrial appendage structure and function: echocardiographic and morphologic evaluation.

Aim of this study was to provide an echocardiographic protocol for the description of the normal murine venous reservoir (atrium, appendage and pulmonary veins) and to investigate the possibility to use this approach to discriminate changes on left atrium (LA) and left atrial appendage (LAA) in a stress-induced model such us myocardial infarction. Global left ventricular function and the venous reservoir were assessed by a Vevo2100 in 20 female C57BL/6N. LA and LAA were also studied in 10 CD-1 and 10 FVB mice, whereas modifications investigated in 15 C57BL/6N subjected to coronary artery ligation. Left ventricle function was evaluated as well as pulsed Doppler mitral valve, pulmonary vein, and LAA velocities. From 2D view monoplane LA volumes were obtained and LAA long axis measured. Macroscopic inspection with casts and immunohistochemistry were performed. Results show that compared to humans, in C57BL/6N mice left atrium was disproportionately smaller (5.2±1.4μL) than the left ventricle (53±8μL) and connected through a duct by a large LAA and posteriorly to three pulmonary veins. The LA volume increased 2-fold during reservoir with two distinct phases, early and late divided by a short pause. LAA long axis (4.1±0.5mm) was almost 2 times longer than the LA. LAA flow volume together with LA volume reservoir account for about 36% of stroke volume and the rest was provided by conduit flow. Linear regressions showed that stroke volume was strongly influenced by LAA flow, LA early filling volume and left ventricle base descent. Moreover, we also report the ability to assess LA and LAA in other mice strains and discriminate size increase following myocardial infarction. In conclusion, we performed a complete characterization of murine left venous reservoir establishing an optimized protocol that can be used in both investigative and pharmacological studies requiring rapid and serial determination of cardiac structure and function.

Effects of Left Ventricular Wall Motion Abnormality on Global and Regional Diastolic Function of the Left and Right Ventricles at Rest and After Stress.

BackgroundDiastolic dysfunction precedes systolic dysfunction in patients with coronary artery disease. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of left ventricular (LV) wall motion abnormality (WMA) on diastolic LV and right ventricular (RV) function at rest and after stress.MethodsFifty-nine subjects, 15 with LV-WMA (abnormal group) and 44 without (normal group), underwent dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) studies, in addition to evaluation of LV and RV diastolic function before and after DSE.ResultsResting mitral flow parameters were similar. DSE increased peak A-wave velocities in both groups, and mitral color slope only in normal subjects. After DSE, E-wave peak velocities and mitral color slope were higher in normal subjects, P < 0.05. At rest and after DSE systolic and diastolic pulmonary vein velocities were similar in both groups; however, DSE increased these velocities only in normal subjects, P < 0.05. Regional E-wave peak velocities of LV were higher at rest in normal subjects, P < 0.05. Both LV and RV, regional peak E-wave velocities were not affected by DSE. After DSE, regional A-wave peak velocities increased in all (P < 0.01), except at the lateral region (P = 0.07). DSE increased trans-tricuspid velocities in both groups, P < 0.05. Resting A-wave velocities were higher in normal subjects, P < 0.01.ConclusionsGlobal LV early diastolic filling parameters were not affected by LV-WMA at rest. LV-WMA blunted the response after stress. RV E-wave velocities increased after DSE, and were not affected by LV-WMA. LV-WMA reduced regional LV-E’ velocities at rest but not the reserve. A-wave velocities were not affected by WMA and increased after DSE.

Severe obstructive sleep apnea increases left atrial volume independent of left ventricular diastolic impairment

Purpose: Previous studies have demonstrated that severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) itself impairs directly left ventricular (LV) diastolic function. Meanwhile, left atrial (LA) volume index which is an independent predictor of future cardiovascular events is related to the OSA severity. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether OSA is associated with increase of LA volume index irrespective of LV diastolic function. Methods: We enrolled 450 middle-aged OSA{apnea hypopnea index (AHI) ≥5/h} patients without cardiac disease. All the patients underwent overnight fully attended polysomnograpy. They also underwent 2-dimensional echocardiography in order to estimate LA volumes and LV diastolic function which was assessed by the transmitral flow velocity (E/A ratio), deceleration time (DCT), systolic/diastolic pulmonary vein velocity (S/D), and mitral annular velocity (Ea) was derived from tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). Patients were divided into the mild to moderate OSA (5 ≤AHI < 30/h) group and the severe OSA (AHI ≥30/h) group, and compared LA volume index and LV diastolic function between the groups. Multivariate analysis performed whether OSA is the independent factor of LA volume index irrespective of LV diastolic function. Results: The LA volume index in the severe OSA group was significantly larger than those in the mild to moderate OSA group (23.6±5.9 vs. 21.2±5.0, P<0.0001). The E/A ratio and Ea in the severe OSA group was also significantly lower than those in the mild to moderate OSA group (P<0.0001), whereas the S/D ratio in the severe OSA group was significantly higher than that in the mild to moderate OSA group (P<0.001). AHI showed a statistically significant correlation with the LA volume index (r=0.2, P<0.0001), whereas statistically significant inverse correlations were observed between E/A ratio, Ea and AHI (r= -0.14, -0.26, P=0.003, <0.0001, respectively). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that severe OSA was independently related with LA volume index even after adjusting for age, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and LV diastolic function (β=0.113, P=0.02). Conclusions: These results suggest that severe OSA itself may increases directly LA volume irrespective of impaired LV diastolic function.

Echocardiographic Assessment of Pulmonary Vein Velocities Following Lung Transplantation

Background: Pulmonary vein stenosis or thrombosis (PVST) following lung transplantation is a rare but seriouscomplication thatmay lead tograft failure.Diagnosis is challenging, as its radiographical featuresmimic infection or other causes of pulmonary oedema. Transoesophageal echocardiography is often requested to evaluate anastamoses to exclude PVST, though reference ranges for normal Doppler flow in this setting are not widely known, and pulmonary vein velocities are often elevated in the immediate post-transplant period. Aims: To determine pulmonary vein Doppler flow ranges in patients not suspected to have PVST in the post transplant period. Methods: All lung transplants performed in the last six years were identified from a database. The pulmonary vein Doppler velocities were recorded from the left and the right pulmonary vein ‘buttons’. Clinical details were reviewed to determine if a clinical suspicion of PVS was present. Velocities recorded on the first transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) or transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) post transplant were recorded. Results: There were a total of 108 patients (five single lung transplants, 103 double), with baseline characteristics age 44± 13years, 50/108 female. Velocities were able to be measured in 43 patients (17 TOE, 26TTE), a median of 11 days post transplant. Two patients were diagnosed with PVS (systolic/diastolic velocities 120/180 cm/s and 120/220 cm/s) and these values were excluded from calculations.

The relation of color m-mode flow propagation with cardiac iron load in patients with thalassemia major

Myocardial iron overload remains an important problem and results in cardiac dysfunction in patients with thalassemia major (TM). The ratio of color M-mode flow propagation velocity to early diastolic transmitral flow velocity (E/Vp) in echocardiography is a marker of increased left ventricular filling pressure, which is independent of preload, afterload, and heart rate. We examined the relationship between E/Vp and iron loading in patients with TM using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Twenty-one TM patients and 21 age-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Transmitral flow, pulmonary vein velocities, and Vp were obtained by two blinded echocardiographers. Left ventricular isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) was measured in the apical long axis by echocardiography. All patients also underwent MRI for cardiac T2* evaluation of iron overload. An increased E/Vp was defined as > 1.5. The E/Vp ratio was increased in TM patients compared with control subjects (1.7±0.4 and 1.2±0.2, P < 0.01, respectively). There was no correlation between E/Vp and cardiac T2* value. E/Vp was significantly correlated with IVRT (r=0.51, P = 0.02). In addition, the cardiac T2* value was comparable in patients with an E/Vp > 1.5 and E/Vp ≤1.5 (21.1±9.8 ms vs. 22.3±8.0 ms, P = 0.80, respectively). E/Vp may be a marker of diastolic abnormality that is independent from myocardial iron load in TM patients with preserved left ventricular function.

Effect of maintenance hemodialysis on diastolic left ventricular function in end-stage renal disease

PURPOSE:To analyze the effect of maintenance hemodialysis on left ventricular diastolic function in patients with end‐stage renal disease.METHODS:Study population consisted of 42 patients with end‐stage renal disease. Before an arteriovenous fistula was surgically created, the patients were evaluated by conventional and Doppler echocardiography and Doppler tissue imaging. Then, the patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment when the arteriovenous fistula was compleated. After the first hemodialysis session (mean 76.14 ± 11.37 days) the second echocardiographic evaluations were performed.RESULTS:Mean age was 58 ± 13 years and 21 (%50) of the patients were female. After maintenance hemodialysis treatment; peak early (E) and peak late (A) diastolic mitral inflow velocities and E/A ratio were not significantly change however the deceleration time of E wave and left atrial diameter were significantly increased. Also there was no change in the early (Em) and late (Am) diastolic myocardial velocities and Em/Am ratios of lateral and septal walls of left ventricular. E/Em ratio was decreased insignificantly. Pulmonary vein velocities and right ventricular functions are remained almost unchanged after hemodialysis treatment.DISCUSSION:The acute and long‐term effect of hemodialysis on left ventricular diastolic function is unclearly. Patients with end‐stage renal disease treatment with hemodialysis via arteriovenous fistula experience a variety of hemodynamic and metabolic abnormalities that predispose to alterations in left and right ventricular functions. The present study showed that left ventricular diastolic function except left atrial diameter and right ventricular functions were not significantly change, however left ventricular systolic functions were impaired after maintenance hemodialysis treatment in patients with end‐stage renal disease.CONCLUSION:It has been suggested that echocardiographic parameters are useful markers for evaluation of left ventricular and right ventricular functions in patients with end‐stage renal disease. However, in patients with end‐stage renal disease treated with hemodialysis, repeated assessment of echocardiographic examinations to observe serial changes in left and right ventricular functions are not yet well established. In this study, we showed that acute changes of volume status and electrolytes and autonomic regulation by hemodialysis session did not affect left ventricular diastolic and right ventricular functions in a relatively long term.

Detection of pulmonary vascular by transesophageal echocardiography during lung transplantation

Objective To detect the new views for pulmonary vascular by transesophageal echocardiography(TEE) during lung transplantation.Methods Seventeen cases with respiratory failure underwent lung transplantation.A series of scans were detected by TEE during preoperative anesthesia, preand pro-pulmonary vascular occlusion and pro-donor lung, and bronchus, pulmonary veins, pulmonary artery anastomoses.Left and right lung veins open and left and right pulmonary artery branch were key to observed.Pulmonary artery trunk and branch diameter, velocity of blood flow were measured.Results All left and right pulmonary artery,pulmonary vein images were given by TEE.TEE detected the normal blood flow velocity of pulmonary artery branches during pre-operation,average of 65 cm/s.After clipping the side of the pulmonary artery, the lateral pulmonary blood flow disappeared.TEE detected pulmonary veins,pulmonary artery anastomoses pro-operation.Except for 1 case of anastomotic pulmonary vein flow velocity increased,all the pulmonary vein and pulmonary artery branch anastomoses flow velocity increased slightly faster than those before transplantation (mean pulmonary artery branch of 160 cm/s, the average pulmonary vein 149 cm/s).Conclusions TEE can monitor diameter and flow velocity of pulmonary artery branch and pulmonary vein during lung transplantation,and can detect the rightventricular function.The views of left and right branch pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein branches play an important role during lung transplantation. Key words: Echocardiography,transesophageal; Lung transplantation

Left Atrial Strain Measured by Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Represents a New Tool to Evaluate Left Atrial Function

Left atrial (LA) strain (epsilon) and epsilon rate (SR) analysis by two-dimensional speckle tracking can represent a new tool to evaluate LA function. To assess its potential value, the authors addressed whether LA epsilon and SR measured in normal subjects correlates with other Doppler echocardiographic parameters that evaluate LA function and left ventricular function. Sixty-four healthy subjects were studied. LA epsilon and SR were calculated with the reference point set at the P wave, which enabled the recognition of peak negative epsilon (epsilon(neg peak)), peak positive epsilon (epsilon(pos peak)), and the sum of those values, total LA epsilon (epsilon(tot)), corresponding to LA contractile, conduit, and reservoir function, respectively. Similarly, peak negative SR (LA SR(late neg peak)) during LA contraction, peak positive SR (LA SR(pos peak)) at the beginning of LV systole, and peak negative SR (LA SR(early neg peak)) at the beginning of LV diastole were identified. Global LA epsilon(pos peak), epsilon(neg peak), and epsilon(tot) were 23.2 +/- 6.7%, -14.6 +/- 3.5%, and 37.9 +/- 7.6%, respectively. Global LA SR(pos peak), SR(early neg peak) , and SR(late neg peak) were 2.0 +/- 0.6 s(-1), -2.0 +/- 0.6 s(-1), and -2.3 +/- 0.5 s(-1), respectively. The above-described variables derived from analysis of global LA epsilon and LA SR correlated significantly with Doppler echocardiographic indexes that evaluated the same phase of the cardiac cycle or the same component of the LA function, including indexes derived from mitral inflow, pulmonary vein velocities, tissue Doppler, and LA volumes. Global LA epsilon(pos peak), LA epsilon(tot), and LA SR(early neg peak) also correlated significantly with age or body mass index. Global LA SR(late neg peak) also correlated significantly with age. LA epsilon analysis is a new tool that can be used to evaluate LA function. Further studies are warranted to determine the utility of LA epsilon in disease states.

Effect of maintenance hemodialysis on diastolic left ventricular function in end-stage renal disease

To analyze the effect of maintenance hemodialysis on left ventricular diastolic function in patients with end-stage renal disease. Study population consisted of 42 patients with end-stage renal disease. Before an arteriovenous fistula was surgically created, the patients were evaluated by conventional and Doppler echocardiography and Doppler tissue imaging. Then, the patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment when the arteriovenous fistula was compleated. After the first hemodialysis session (mean 76.14 ± 11.37 days) the second echocardiographic evaluations were performed. Mean age was 58 ± 13 years and 21 (%50) of the patients were female. After maintenance hemodialysis treatment; peak early (E) and peak late (A) diastolic mitral inflow velocities and E/A ratio were not significantly change however the deceleration time of E wave and left atrial diameter were significantly increased. Also there was no change in the early (Em) and late (Am) diastolic myocardial velocities and Em/Am ratios of lateral and septal walls of left ventricular. E/Em ratio was decreased insignificantly. Pulmonary vein velocities and right ventricular functions are remained almost unchanged after hemodialysis treatment. The acute and long-term effect of hemodialysis on left ventricular diastolic function is unclearly. Patients with end-stage renal disease treatment with hemodialysis via arteriovenous fistula experience a variety of hemodynamic and metabolic abnormalities that predispose to alterations in left and right ventricular functions. The present study showed that left ventricular diastolic function except left atrial diameter and right ventricular functions were not significantly change, however left ventricular systolic functions were impaired after maintenance hemodialysis treatment in patients with end-stage renal disease. It has been suggested that echocardiographic parameters are useful markers for evaluation of left ventricular and right ventricular functions in patients with end-stage renal disease. However, in patients with endstage renal disease treated with hemodialysis, repeated assessment of echocardiographic examinations to observe serial changes in left and right ventricular functions are not yet well established. In this study, we showed that acute changes of volume status and electrolytes and autonomic regulation by hemodialysis session did not affect left ventricular diastolic and right ventricular functions in a relatively long term.

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Diastolic Function Can Be Used to Guide Clinical Care

For normal cardiac performance, the left ventricle (LV) must be able to eject an adequate stroke volume at arterial pressure (systolic function) and fill without requiring an elevated left atrial (LA) pressure (diastolic function). These systolic and diastolic functions must be adequate to meet the needs of the body both at rest and during stress. Response by Tschope and Paulus on p 809 Systolic function is conveniently (although not always accurately) measured as the ejection fraction (EF), calculated as stroke volume divided by end-diastolic volume.1 The LV EF is easily interpreted. The lower limit of normal is ≈50%. The lower the EF is, the greater the reduction in systolic function. Diastolic function has been more difficult to evaluate.2 Traditionally, invasive measures of LV diastolic pressure-volume relations and the rate of LV pressure fall during isovolumetric relaxation have been used. However, these methods are not practical for routine clinical use and do not adequately evaluate all aspects of diastolic filling.3 Comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation of the dynamics of LV filling using blood pool and tissue Doppler has now progressed so that it provides clinically important information that can be used to direct patient care. We present data that support the use of echocardiographic evaluation of diastolic function to recognize cardiac dysfunction in patients with heart failure, especially those with preserved EF; to guide the management of patients by identifying those with and without elevated left filling pressures regardless of underlying EF; and to determine prognosis in a wide variety of patient populations. Although the LV end-diastolic pressure-volume relation describes the passive properties of the LV, LV filling is not a passive or slow process.3 In fact, the peak flow rate across the mitral valve is equal to or greater than the peak flow rate across the aortic valve. …

Distribution and determinants of Doppler-derived diastolic flow indices in African Americans: The Jackson Heart Study (JHS)

The objective of this study is to investigate the distribution and determinants of diastolic function in a middle-aged cohort of African Americans (AA). The distribution and determinants of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in AA are not well-described despite high rates of AA with diastolic heart failure and a five-fold higher risk of death in those with diastolic dysfunction (DD) compared to normal diastolic function. Four categories of diastolic function were defined in JHS participants undergoing echocardiograms at the first examination (2001-2004) using mitral and pulmonary vein velocities. Investigators used logistic regression to assess the independent relation of DD to traditional risk factors and LV systolic dysfunction. Of the 3,571 study participants (mean age, 56 +/- 12 years; 63.9% female), 70.4% had normal diastolic function, and 18.0%, 10.6%, and 0.9% had mild, moderate, and severe DD, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, DD was significantly related to age (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.4), male sex (OR 1.3 CI 1.0-1.5), LV systolic dysfunction (OR 1.5, CI 1.2-2.0), body mass index (OR 0.8, CI 0.8-0.9), and heart rate (OR 1.2; CI 1.1-1.2). The severity of DD was significantly related with age (OR 0.3; CI 0.3, 0.4), male sex (OR 1.6; CI 1.2-2.2), hypertension (OR 0.6, CI 0.4-0.8), and heart rate (OR 0.7; CI 0.6-0.8). This is the largest community-based analysis of LV diastolic function in middle-aged AA. DD was present in 29.5% and independently related to several traditional risk factors and LV systolic dysfunction.

Misleading Turbulent Flow Through Pulmonary Venous Anastomoses During Lung Transplantation

Misleading Turbulent Flow Through Pulmonary Venous Anastomoses During Lung Transplantation