Three-dimensional Echocardiography In Patients Research Articles

Occult Left Ventricular Dysfunction Assessed by Three-Dimensional Echocardiography in Patients with Significant LAD Single Vessel Disease; A Prospective Study

Occult Left Ventricular Dysfunction Assessed by Three-Dimensional Echocardiography in Patients with Significant LAD Single Vessel Disease; A Prospective Study

The role of cleft and/or indentation in mitral regurgitation etiology detected by three-dimensional echocardiography in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Aim The pathophysiology of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) consists of dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, myocardial ischemia, diastolic dysfunction and mitral regurgitation. Mitral regurgitation may be secondary to left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) or related to primary mitral valve pathologies. Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography has revolutionized imaging of the mitral valve by allowing real-time direct visualization of the mitral valve leaflets in HCM. 3D echocardiography has been using increasingly to evaluate mitral valve clefts and indentations. The aim of this study is to define the frequency of clefts and indentations, and to determine their contribution to mitral regurgitation in patients who are diagnosed HCM and moderate or severe mitral regurgitation by imaging with 3D echocardiography. Methodology A total of 74 patients who were diagnosed with HCM in accordance with current guidelines and moderate or severe mitral regurgitation who underwent 3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) between Aug 2018 and May 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. In the control group, 200 patients with moderate or severe mitral regurgitation without diagnosis of HCM were selected. Two groups were compared with each other by demographical, echocardiographical features and cardiac magnetic resonance images. Results Our final patient population was a total of 50 patients after exclusion criteria. The number of 24 (48%) was female and the number of 26 (52%) was male. There was 89 female patient (44,5%) and 111 male patient (55,5%) in the control group. Patients who are diagnosed HCM were younger compared with the control group (mean age 54,5 ±14 year for HCM patients versus 61±14 year for control patients). Cleft/indentation was present in 14 (28%) HCM patients versus 31 (15,6%) in control patients. It was determined that cleft/indentation was more prevelant in HCM patients (p = 0,041). When we evaluate the direction of mitral regurgitation jet with the presence of celft/indentation, there was a significant association between anteriorly directed mitral regürgitation jet and the presence of cleft (p = 0,003). Conclusion In this study, the frequency of cleft/indentations in HCM patients was 28%, it means that cleft/indentation is more often in HCM patients according to the patients who have moderate or severe mitral regurgitation without HCM. When the cleft exists, it affects on the direction of mitral regurgitation and leads to anteriorly directed jet. On the other hand, the indentations have no effect on the direction of mitral regurgitation jet. As a result, 3D mitral valve modeling can be helpful to make a differential diagnosis in HCM patients with anteriorly directed mitral regurgitation jet. Morover, there is no significant efficacy in management of mitral regurgitation by using 3D mitral valve modeling to describe indentations solely.

Left ventricular function assessed with two-dimensional speckle tracking and three-dimensional echocardiography in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Objective: To investigate left ventricular function by two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking and three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. Subject and method: Patients who were diagnosed with OSA based on the results of full polysomnography and had apnea- hypopnea index values > 5 events/hour of sleep were included in the study. All patient underwent polysomnography recording. Comprehensive 2-dimensional echocardiography were performed to all subjects according to American Society of Echocardiography guidelines [5], followed by real-time 3D echocardiography. Result: From June 2021 to June 2022, there were 46 OSA patients were included in the study. Mean age of OSA patients 51.3 ± 11.7 years. Men 63% (29/46), women 37% (15/46). The apnea-hypopnea index, percentage of total sleep time with an oxygen saturation level < 90%, arousal index increased in OSA patients. E/E’ increased (12.6 ± 4.3), GLS mildly reduced (-16.5 ± 3.8%) while other echocardiographic parameters were in normal range. Results of ANOVA showed an increase in the following LA parameters on 3D echocardiography according to the levels of OSA severity: LV mass index, 3D maximum LA volume, 3D maximum LA volume index, E/E’ were significantly higher in the severe OSA group compared with the moderate OSA and the mild OSA (p<0.05 for all). There was a decrease in the E’ velocity and global longitudinal strain (GLS) (p<0.05 for all). Conclusion: In patients with obstructive sleep apnea, the severity of OSA was associated with lower E′ velocity, greater E/E′ ratio, larger 3D LV volume, greater LV mass index, and poorer left ventricular global longitudinal strain.

Association of outcome with left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction measured with two- and three-dimensional echocardiography in patients referred for routine, clinically indicated studies.

We sought to analyze if left ventricular (LV) volumes and ejection fraction (EF) measured by three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) have incremental prognostic value over measurements obtained from two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) in patients referred to a high-volume echocardiography laboratory for routine, clinically-indicated studies. We measured LV volumes and EF using both 2DE and 3DE in 725 consecutive patients (67% men; 59 ± 18 years) with various clinical indications referred for a routine clinical study. LV volumes were significantly larger, and EF was lower when measured by 3DE than 2DE. During follow-up (3.6 ± 1.2 years), 111 (15.3%) all-cause deaths and 248 (34.2%) cardiac hospitalizations occurred. Larger LV volumes and lower EF were associated with worse outcome independent of age, creatinine, hemoglobin, atrial fibrillation, and ischemic heart diseases). In stepwise Cox regression analyses, the associations of both death and cardiac hospitalization with clinical data (CD: age, creatinine, hemoglobin, atrial fibrillation, and ischemic heart disease) whose Harrel's C-index (HC) was 0.775, were augmented more by the LV volumes and EF obtained by 3DE than by 2DE parameters. The association of CD with death was not affected by LV end-diastolic volume (EDV) either measured by 2DE or 3DE. Conversely, it was incremented by 3DE LVEF (HC = 0.84, p < 0.001) more than 2DE LVEF (HC = 0.814, p < 0.001). The association of CD with the composite endpoint (HC = 0.64, p = 0.002) was augmented more by 3DE LV EDV (HC = 0.786, p < 0.001), end-systolic volume (HC = 0.801, p < 0.001), and EF (HC = 0.84, p < 0.001) than by the correspondent 2DE parameters (HC = 0.786, HC = 0.796, and 0.84, all p < 0.001) In addition, partition values for mild, moderate and severe reduction of the LVEF measured by 3DE showed a higher discriminative power than those measured by 2DE for cardiac death (Log-Rank: χ2 = 98.3 vs. χ2 = 77.1; p < 0.001). Finally, LV dilation defined according to the 3DE threshold values showed higher discriminatory power and prognostic value for death than when using 2DE reference values (3DE LVEDV: χ2 = 15.9, p < 0.001 vs. χ2 = 10.8, p = 0.001; 3DE LVESV: χ2 = 24.4, p < 0.001 vs. χ2 = 17.4, p = 0.001). In patients who underwent routine, clinically-indicated echocardiography, 3DE LVEF and ESV showed stronger association with outcome than the corresponding 2DE parameters.

Early Detection of Subclinical Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case-Control Study

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction by two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and three-dimensional echocardiography in patients with systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: This case-control study was performed on 106 patients, divided into the two groups of case (53 patients with SLE) and control (53 healthy individuals). All study participants were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography, as well as Tissue Doppler echocardiography. Accordingly, ventricular dimensions and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) were assessed. Moreover, E velocity, A velocity, E/A ratio, and E/E’ ratio were evaluated in both groups. The LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) was measured by 2D STE in all individuals. Results: There was no significant difference between the two study groups regarding LVEF based on traditional echocardiography. However, E velocity, A velocity, and the E/e’ ratio were higher in the SLE patients (P &lt; 0.05). In addition, the anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) positivity in SLE patients was associated with the lower levels of LVEF. No significant correlation was found between disease duration, LVEF, and LV GLS (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: Detection of subclinical LV systolic dysfunction by GLS is possible in SLE patients despite normal LVEF in traditional echocardiography. Therefore, LV could be used for the early detection and prevention of cardiac involvement in SLE patients.

The prognostic value of P-wave dispersion and left atrial functions assessed with three-dimensional echocardiography in patients with cirrhosis.

Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) is a well-known entity. The aim of this study was to compare left atrial three-dimensional (3D) volume and P-wave dispersion (PWd) in patients with cirrhosis and a healthy population. The secondary purpose was to assess the left phasic volumes and reservoir functions with 3D echocardiography for the prediction of an increased risk of poor outcomes in patients with cirrhosis. The study included 50 patients with cirrhosis and 43 healthy control subjects without atrial fibrillation. All patients were assessed with two-dimensional (2D), 3D, and tissue Doppler transthoracic echocardiography. The PWd was calculated using a 12-lead surface electrocardiogram (ECG). Cirrhotic patients were followed up for 2.5 years for the evaluation of poor outcomes and the development of atrial fibrillation. Patients with cirrhosis were observed to have significantly higher left atrial phasic volumes such as minimal left atrial volume (3D-LAVmin, P = 0.004) and indexed LAVmin (3D-LAVImin, P = 0.0001), and significantly decreased left atrial reservoir functions such as left atrial emptying volume (3D-LAEV, P = 0,001), left atrial ejection fraction (3D-LAEF, P = 0,001) on 3D echocardiography. PWd was determined to be significantly longer in the cirrhotic group compared with the control group (P = 0.003). In the 2.5-year follow-up period, poor outcomes occurred in 34 patients (22 patients died, six patients had liver transplantation, six patients developed atrial fibrillation/AHRE episodes). In Cox regression analysis, the MELD score (HR, 1.16 (1.06-1.26), P = 0.001) and 3D-LAVImin (HR, 0.95 (0.86-1.00), P = 0.040) were significantly associated with all-cause mortality. Cirrhotic patients with LAVImin of >15 ml/m2 were seen to have poor survival (long rank P = 0.033). The results of this study showed that patients with cirrhosis had higher left atrial volume, longer PWd and worse diastolic functions compared with the control group. Higher disease severity scores were associated with left atrial function and volume. In addition, left atrial volume measured with 3DE was a strong predictor of future adverse events, and minimal left atrial volumes had a higher prognostic value than any other left atrial function indices.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Transillumination in Mitral Valve Prolapse: Side-by-Side Comparison of Standard Transthoracic Three-Dimensional Echocardiography against Surgical Findings

In patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) eligible for surgery, three-dimensional echocardiographic (3DE) imaging is routinely used for preoperative assessment. 1 Baumgartner H. Falk V. Bax J.J. De Bonis M. Hamm C. Holm P.J. et al. 2017 ESC/EACTS guidelines for the management of valvular heart disease. Eur Heart J. 2017; 38: 2739-2791 Crossref PubMed Scopus (2) Google Scholar ,2 Nishimura R.A. Otto C.M. Bonow R.O. Carabello B.A. Erwin J.P. Fleisher L.A. et al. 2017 AHA/ACC focused update of the 2014 AHA/ACC guideline for the management of patients with valvular heart disease: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2017; 70: 252-289 Crossref PubMed Scopus (1731) Google Scholar Despite the worldwide use of transesophageal echocardiography in this context, transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) imaging allows accurate noninvasive evaluation of mitral valve (MV) anatomy and pathology. 3 Gripari P. Mapelli M. Bellacosa I. Piazzese C. Milo M. Fusini L. et al. Transthoracic echocardiography in patients undergoing mitral valve repair: comparison of new transthoracic 3D techniques to 2D transoesophageal echocardiography in the localization of mitral valve prolapse. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2018; 34: 1099-1107 Crossref PubMed Scopus (10) Google Scholar , 4 Tamborini G. Muratori M. Maltagliati A. Galli C.A. Naliato M. Zanobini M. et al. Pre-operative transthoracic real-time three-dimensional echocardiography in patients undergoing mitral valve repair: accuracy in cases with simple vs. complex prolapse lesions. Eur J Echocardiogr. 2010; 11: 778-785 Crossref PubMed Scopus (43) Google Scholar , 5 Pepi M. Tamborini G. Maltagliati A. Galli C.A. Sisillo E. Salvi L. et al. Head-to-head comparison of two- and three-dimensional transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography in the localization of mitral valve prolapse. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2006; 48: 2524-2530 Crossref PubMed Scopus (196) Google Scholar Transillumination (TI) is a new three-dimensional tool that improves the visualization of cardiac structures due to shadow effects achieved by the use of a virtual light source. 6 Genovese D. Addetia K. Kebed K. Kruse E. Yamat M. Narang A. et al. First clinical experience with 3-dimensional echocardiographic transillumination rendering. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging. 2019; 12: 1868-1871 Crossref PubMed Scopus (20) Google Scholar We aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of TTE TI side by side with standard 3DE (s3DE) display in patients undergoing surgery for MVP. Surgical valve inspection was used as a reference standard, even though surgery allows only static MV assessment. 3 Gripari P. Mapelli M. Bellacosa I. Piazzese C. Milo M. Fusini L. et al. Transthoracic echocardiography in patients undergoing mitral valve repair: comparison of new transthoracic 3D techniques to 2D transoesophageal echocardiography in the localization of mitral valve prolapse. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2018; 34: 1099-1107 Crossref PubMed Scopus (10) Google Scholar , 4 Tamborini G. Muratori M. Maltagliati A. Galli C.A. Naliato M. Zanobini M. et al. Pre-operative transthoracic real-time three-dimensional echocardiography in patients undergoing mitral valve repair: accuracy in cases with simple vs. complex prolapse lesions. Eur J Echocardiogr. 2010; 11: 778-785 Crossref PubMed Scopus (43) Google Scholar , 5 Pepi M. Tamborini G. Maltagliati A. Galli C.A. Sisillo E. Salvi L. et al. Head-to-head comparison of two- and three-dimensional transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography in the localization of mitral valve prolapse. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2006; 48: 2524-2530 Crossref PubMed Scopus (196) Google Scholar

P335 Evaluation of systolic right ventricular function with 3D echocardiography in patients with isolated right ventricular pacing induced left ventricle dysfunction

Abstract Background Right ventricular (RV) pacing may worsen left ventricular (LV) systolic function causing heart failure, but the exact mechanism of the LV dysfunction is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the right ventricle by three-dimensional echocardiography in patients with LV dysfunction accompanied by long-term RV pacing. Methods We analysed consecutive patients receiving permanent pacemaker (PPM) due to atrioventricular block from 2015 January to 2017 March (n = 335). During the mean follow-up period (27 months) 4 patients were selected with at least 5% decrease in the LV ejection fraction measured by two-dimensional echocardiography (B group). Control (K) group contains 4 age-, sex-, concomitant disease matched patients without the sign of LV dysfunction from the same time interval. Right ventricle function was assessed by 3D echocardiography. Results In both groups, there were 3 men, and the mean age was similar (B: 68 ± 6 y vs. K: 66 ± 10 y; p = 0.65). Right ventricular ejection fraction (EF) was significantly higher in controls compared to patients (K: 49 ± 7.8% vs. B: 36 ± 3.1%; p = 0.02), while the right ventricular volumes [end-systolic (K: 79 ± 47 ml vs. B: 71 ± 7 ml; p = 0.77), end-diastolic (K: 151 ± 73 ml vs. B: 111 ± 11 ml; p = 0.36) and stroke volumes (K: 58 ± 44 ml vs. B: 40 ± 6 ml; p = 0.5)] did not differ significantly. We did not find any important differences between the groups regarding the permanent right ventricle pace rate (K: 93 ± 5.6% vs. B: 84 ± 19.5%; p = 0.5), systolic pulmonary pressure (K: 34 ± 6 mmHg vs. B: 35 ± 18 mmHg; p = 0.92), or the severity of tricuspid regurgitation. Conclusion The left ventricular dysfunction after permanent right ventricular pacing results in right ventricular systolic dysfunction. The decrease of RV ejection fraction is not associated with RV enlargement or increase of pulmonary pressure.

Evaluation of left atrial volume and functions by real time three-dimensional echocardiography in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism before and after levothyroxine therapy.

The cardiovascular system is one of the major targets of thyroid hormones. Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is a common disease that can represent "early" thyroid failure. Our aim was to evaluate left atrial (LA) volume and functions in patients with SCH using real time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) and also to investigate changes in LA parameters after the levothyroxine treatment. In total, 44 patients with SCH and 40 age- and gender-matched controls were studied. Assessments included history, physical examination and echocardiography. All patients with SCH were followed up with replacement therapy until the euthyroid status was achieved. In patients with SCH, LA total emptying volume, passive emptying volume, and passive ejection fraction were significantly reduced while LA minimal volume, active emptying volume, and active emptying fraction were significantly increased than in control group. Following the levothyroxine treatment, LA volume and function parameters were observed to be significantly improved. A negative correlation between the change of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and change of LA active emptying volume and a positive correlation between the change of TSH level and change of LA passive emptying volume were found. It was shown that volume and functions of LA were impaired in patients with SCH. However, impaired parameters were improved after the levothyroxine treatment. These findings may be indicative of subclinical heart involvement that could lead to functional and structural changes in patients with SCH.

The diagnostic value of three-dimensional echocardiography and speckle tracking echocardiography in patients after myocardial infarction with right ventricle involvement (clinical case)

The inferior myocardial infarctions (MI) of left ventricle (LV) are often complicated with right ventricle (RV) involvement. The traditional echocardiographic parameters lack diagnostic accuracy in assessment of RV function. Speckle tracking echocardiography and three-dimensional echocardiography are promising diagnostic tools in quantification of RV.The purpose of the study was to present the role of speckle tracking echocardiography and three-dimensional echocardiography in patients after inferior MI with RV involvement.It was described a clinical case of a 67-year old male after recent inferior MI with RV involvement. The speckle tracking analysis and three-dimensional echocardiography was performed one and six months after coronary event. The initial study revealed decreased longitudinal strain of RV free wall segments, especially in the apical region. The RV global longitudinal strain was -8,8 % (normal range ≤ -20 %). The RV end-diastolic volume index was 100.9 ml/m2 (normal range &lt;87 ml/m2) and RV end-systolic volume index was 69.8 ml/m2 (normal range &lt;44 ml/m2), indicating its severe enlargement. The three-dimensional RV ejection fraction (EF) was 31 % (normal range &gt;45 %).The analysis on the sixth month revealed improvement of RV contractility in all segments with global longitudinal strain of -14.2 %. The RV volumes decreased by 10 % and EF was raised from 31 to 33 %, reflecting positive cardiac remodeling during follow-up period.Conclusions. Speckle tracking echocardiography and three-dimensional echocardiography provide additional diagnostic information in patients after MI with RV involvement and can be used for patients’ follow-up.

Evaluation of right atrial volumes and functions by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography in patients after acute inferior myocardial infarction.

Right ventricle (RV) involvement causes acute systolic and diastolic functional alterations in the RV in patients after inferior myocardial infarction (IMI), which may result in an increase in left ventricle (LV) end-diastolic and right atrial (RA) pressure. In our study, we sought to evaluate RA volumes and mechanical functions using real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) in IMI patients with or without RV involvement. Ninety-six consecutive patients with IMI (mean age: 59.7±10.2years, 60 female) were included. RV myocardial involvement (RVMI) was defined as the presence of a culprit lesion at the proximal portion of the first RV marginal branch in coronary angiography. The study population was divided into two groups: IMI (58.3%) and IMI+RVMI (41.7%). Patients were evaluated using conventional two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) and RT3DE. In RT3DE measurements, IMI+RVMI patients had significantly higher RA phasic volumes and worse conduit mechanical function. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that an RT3DE RA maximum volume (Vmax) index>27.9mL/m2 was an independent predictor of RV involvement in patients after acute IMI, with a sensitivity of 80.0% and a specificity of 89.3%. Right ventricle involvement may cause an increase in RA phasic volumes and deterioration of conduit function in patients with acute IMI.

Assessment of right ventricular geometry and function from real time three-dimensional echocardiography in patients with acute decompensated heart failure and implanted intracardiac devices

This study was designed to compare two methods for quantifying right ventricular (RV) geometry and function obtained from real-time three-dimensional echocardiography in patients with acute decompensated heart failure and implanted intracardiac devices. 42 patients (29 men and 13 women) aged 29 to 78 years with acute heart failure were included into the research. Three-dimensional reconstruction RT-4DE Tom Tec revealed several advantages in determining the volume and right ventricular function in comparison with 4-D LV Echo PAC program in cases of complicated geometry of endocardial contour of the right ventricle.

Assessment of left atrial volume and mechanical functions using real-time three-dimensional echocardiography in patients with mitral annular calcification.

Objective:Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is degeneration of the fibrous annular ring of the mitral valve. Left atrial (LA) function and volume have been evaluated by many methods; however, none have used real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) in patients with MAC. Our study is the first to evaluate LA volume and mechanical function using RT3DE in patients with MAC.Methods:Our study was a prospective cross-sectional study. In total, 32 patients with echocardiographic evidence of MAC and 30 volunteers without MAC were enrolled in the study. Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Student’s t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, Pearson’s correlation test, and multiple linear regression analyses were used in this study.Results:LA diameter was significantly higher in patients with MAC (38.5±3.8 vs. 31.1±2.9, p<0.001). Maximum LA volume (49.6±11.2 vs. 35.6±2.5, p<0.001), minimum LA volume (23.8±7.9 vs. 12.6±2.3, p<0.001), and LA volume index (LAVI) (26.9±6.1 vs. 20.5±2.4, p<0.001) were also higher in the MAC group. LAVI was correlated with age (p<0.001), blood urea nitrogen levels (p=0.089), total cholesterol levels (p=0.055), left ventricular systolic myocardial velocity (p=0.048), E/A ratio (p<0.001), and MAC (p<0.001). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that age (β=0.390, p<0.001) and MAC (β=0.527, p<0.001) were independent predictors of LAVI.Conclusion:We found that LA mechanical function was impaired in patients with MAC. Furthermore, age and MAC were independent predictors of increased LAVI according to our RT3DE examination.

Association of Outcome with Left Ventricular Parameters Measured by Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Echocardiography in Patients at High Cardiovascular Risk

Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) measured by two-dimensional echocardiographic (2DE) imaging is an important correlate of survival. Real-time three-dimensional echocardiographic (3DE) imaging has addressed some of the limitations of 2DE imaging. The aim of this study was to determine whether 3DE imaging is more predictive of outcomes than 2DE imaging. A total of 529 patients undergoing LV assessment with 2DE and 3DE imaging in 2003 and 2004 at atertiary referral cardiac center were studied. Patients had a high frequency of cardiovascular risk factors. Images were gathered over four cardiac cycles using a matrix-array transducer, with measurements performed offline. Follow-up (all-cause mortality or cardiac hospitalization) was obtained over 6.6 ± 3.4 years in 455 of 486 patients with images suitable for measurement (94%). There were 194 events (43%), including 75 deaths (16.4%). Larger LV volumes and lower EF were associated with worse outcomes independent of age, heart failure, or end-stage renal disease. In stepwise Cox regression analyses, the associations of cardiac hospitalization and survival with clinical variables (age,chronic kidney disease, and heart failure) were augmented by 3DE EF and end-systolic volume more than by 2DE parameters. The incremental model χ(2) value with 3DE EF was 14.67 (P < .001), compared with 9.72 (P= .002) for 2DE EF. Similarly, in Cox regression analyses of mortality, the effects of clinical variables (age, advanced renal disease, and heart failure) were augmented more by 3DE EF (incremental χ(2)= 14.04, P < .0001) than 2DE EF (incremental χ(2)= 5.13, P= .024). In this outcome study, 3DE EF and volumes showed stronger associations with outcomes thanthose derived from 2DE imaging.

Relationship between serum fibroblast growth factor 23 levels and left ventricular mass measured by three-dimensional echocardiography in patients with end-stage renal disease

Purpose: In patients with chronic renal insufficiency traditional risk factors of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy include hypertension, overhydration, anemia and impaired calcium-phosphate homeostasis. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) is a phosphaturic hormone secreted by osteoblasts and a rising biomarker associated with LV hypertrophy and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We sought to determine the relationship between serum FGF-23 levels and left venticular mass measured by three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography in ESRD patients. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 44 patients (mean age 48±13 years, 54% men) with ESRD on three times per week maintenance hemodialysis. Exclusion criteria were previous history of diabetes and any significant cardiac disease. Beyond conventional transthoracic echocardiographic examination, 3D recordings were obtained using multi-beat reconstruction from 6 consecutive cardiac cycles (GE Vivid E9). After semi-automated tracing of LV endo- and epicardial surface at end-diastolic frame, LV mass was calculated using dedicated software (GE 4D Auto LVQ). Serum FGF-23 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Merck Millipore). Overhydration evaluated by bioimpedance (Fresenius Body Composition Monitor), laboratory test results (including serum calcium, phosphate, parathormone, total iron binding capacity levels) and blood pressure were recorded and averaged in the three previous months. Relationships were calculated by Spearman correlation test and multivariate linear regression. Results: The median value of LV mass measured in ESRD patients was 244 grams (interquartile range 97.5). Serum FGF-23 levels ranged between 34 and 6848 with a median of 687 pg/ml. Serum levels of FGF-23 (ρ=0.52), phosphate (ρ=0.55), parathormone (ρ=0.38), total iron binding capacity (ρ=0.61), systolic blood pressure (ρ=0.38) and pulse pressure (ρ=0.47, all p<0.05) correlated significantly with LV mass. FGF-23 correlated with serum phosphate (ρ=0.83) and parathormone (ρ=0.53, both p<0.001) levels. In a multivariate linear regression model, FGF-23 (β=0.42, p<0.001), total iron binding capacity (β=0.49, p<0.001) and systolic blood pressure (β=0.37, p<0.01) were found to be independent predictors of LV mass. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study which demonstrates the strong correlation between serum FGF-23 levels and LV mass measured by 3D echocardiography. Beside the chronic volume- and pressure overload, LV hypertrophy is strongly determined by the endocrine effects of FGF-23 in patients with ESRD.

Assessment of left ventricular volume and functions by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography in patients with compensated and decompensated heart failure

The aim of the study was to evaluate congestive heart failure (HF) patients with real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) to investigate why some of them present with acute decompensation despite having two-dimensional echocardiographic (2DE) parameters with compensated HF patients. The study population consisted of 36 patients with decompensated HF (24 males, 12 females; mean age 65.8±10.4 years) and 30 patients with compensated HF (21 males, 9 females; mean age 63.2±11.5 years).The levels of pro-brain natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP), serum electrolytes, renal function tests and complete blood counts were determined. All patients underwent 2DE and 3DE evaluations. Heart rate and blood urea nitrogen levels were higher in patients with decompensated HF than those with compensated HF (95.8±21.4 vs. 81.2±14.9, p=0.002; 28.3±15.7 mg/dl vs. 18±6.8 mg/dl, p=0.001, respectively). Pro-BNP levels and NYHA class were significantly higher in patients with decompensated heart failure [4925 pg/ml (2199-8711) vs. 330 pg/ml (197-756), p<0.0001 and 2.3±0.6 vs. 1.2±0.4, p<0.0001, respectively]. Although 2DE parameters were similar between groups, left ventricular ejection fraction was lower in patients with decompensated HF while end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes by 3DE were significantly higher in the same group (26.3±3.8% vs. 30.3±4.0%; 205.6±55.5 ml vs. 145.0±33.7 ml; 178.4±55.6 ml vs. 115.7±32.5 ml, all p<0.0001, respectively). However, systolic volume was higher in patients with compensated HF (52.0±15.5 ml vs. 62±12 ml, p=0.005). We think that 3DE provides more reliable information about left ventricular volume and functions in the evaluation of patients with HF.

Assessment of Left Ventricular Volume and Functions by Real-Time Three-Dimensional Echocardiography in Patients with Compensated and Decompensated Heart Failure

Assessment of Left Ventricular Volume and Functions by Real-Time Three-Dimensional Echocardiography in Patients with Compensated and Decompensated Heart Failure

Left Ventricular Systolic Dyssynchrony Index by Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography in Patients with Decreased Left Ventricular Function: Comparison with Tissue Doppler Echocardiography

Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) can simultaneously assess left ventricular (LV) regional systolic motion and global LV mechanical dyssynchrony. We used 3DE to measure systolic dyssynchrony index (SDI) (standard deviation of the time from cardiac cycle onset to minimum systolic volume in 17 LV segments) in 100 patients and analyzed the association of SDI with other parameters for LV systolic function or dyssynchrony. Eighteen patients who underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) were also evaluated at 6 months after CRT, and the association of baseline SDI and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) dyssynchrony index (Ts-SD) with the change of LV end-systolic volume (ESV) analyzed. Ts-SD was calculated using the standard deviation of the time from the QRS complex to peak systolic velocity. There was a significant inverse correlation between LVEF and SDI (r =-0.686, P < 0.0001). QRS duration was also significantly correlated to SDI (r = 0.407, P < 0.0001). There was a significant positive correlation between baseline SDI and the decrease in LVESV after CRT (r = 0.42). Baseline SDI was significantly greater in responders (10 patients) than in nonresponders (16.4 ± 5.1 vs. 7.9 ± 2.4%, P < 0.01), but there was no significant difference in Ts-SD. SDI > 11.9% predicted CRT response with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 75%. SDI derived from 3DE is a useful parameter to assess global LV systolic dyssynchrony and predict responses to CRT.

Evaluation of left and right ventricular function by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography in patients with heart transplantation

Objective To evaluate left and right ventricular function by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography in patients with heart transplantation.Methods Fourteen patients with heart transplantation ( rejection)[12 male,2 female,mean age (49.21±17.91)],twenty four patients with heart transplantation (no rejection) [21 male,3 female,mean age (40.11±12.57)],and fifty one subjects with normal left ventricular function [26 male,25 female,mean age (43.69±14.81) ] were examined by Philips iE33 with a X3-1 probe.Results Right ventricular stroke volume (RVSV) and right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) in heart transplantation (including no rejection and rejection) was reduced compared with subjects with normal heart function (all P 0.05),but the volume and function of right ventricle were no significantly different between rejection heart transplantation and no rejection heart transplantation.Parameter index of 17 segment including standard deviation (SD) and maximum difference(Dif) of 16,12 and 6 segment time to minimal systolic volume(Tmsv 16-SD,Tmsv 16-Dif,Tmsv 12-SD,Tmsv 12-Dif,Tmsv 6-SD,Tmsv 6-Dif),and the percent of SD and maximum difference 16,12 and 6 segment time tominimal systolic volume [Tmsv 16-SD(%),Tmsv 16-Dif(%),Tmsv 12-SD(%),Tmsv 12-Dif(%),Tmsv 6-SD(%),Tmsv 6-Dif(%)] was significantly higher in patients with heart transplantation (rejection) than that in subjects with normal heart function and in patients with heart transplantation (no rejection)[except Tmsv 16-SD and Tmsv 16-SD(%),other P 0.05).But also average,maximum and minimum value of excursion in three groups was no significantly different (all P>0.05).Conclusions Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography can rapidly and acurately evaluate left and right ventricular function in patients with heart transplantation. Key words: Echocardiography,real-time three-dimensional; Heart transplant; Ventricular function

Value of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography in patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy and constrictive pericardits

Objective To investigate value of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography timingexcursion parametric index and 17 segment volume curves index in patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy and constrictive pericardits.Methods Seventeen patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy (proven by biopsy) ,six patients with constrictive pericardits (proven by CT or surgical),twenty subjects with normal left ventricular(LV) function were examined by Philips iE33 with X3-1 probe.Results Parameter index of Tmsv 16-SD,Tmsv 12-SD Tmsv 6-SD,Tmsv 16-Dif,Tmsv 12-Dif,Tmsv 6-Dif,Tmsv 16-SD(%) ,Tmsv 12-SD(%),Tmsv 6-SD(%),Tmsv 16-Dif(%),Tmsv 12-Dif(%),Tmsv 6-Dif(%) was significantly higher in patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy than that in subjects with normal LV function(all P ＜0.05).Average and maximum value and minimum of excursion was significantly lower in patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy than that in subjects with normal LV function (all P ＜0.005).Whereas,compare with subjects with normal LV function,the parametric indexes of timing-excursion and 17 segment volume curves were not significantly difference in patients with constrictive pericardits(all P ＞0.05).Conclusions Realtime three-dimensional echocardiography can evaluate and diagnose fastly restrictive cardiomyopathy and constrictive pericardits. Key words: Echocardiography,real-time three-dimensional; Cardiomyopathy,restrictive; Pericardits,constrictive