Transthoracic Doppler Echocardiography Research Articles

Predictors of acute heart failure in patients during the acute period of Q-wave myocardial infarction

The aim was to identify predictors of acute heart failure (AHF) in patients with acute Q-wave myocardial infarction (MI).Materials and methods. A total of 139 patients in the acute period of Q-wave MI were examined, average age was 66.00 ± 0.97 years (M ± m). Patients were divided into 2 groups depending on AHF presence: without AHF – 46 persons, the mean age was 61.00 ± 1.87 years (M ± m) and with developed AHF – 93 persons (Killip II, n = 51; Killip III, n = 42), the mean age was 69.2 ± 8.3 years (M ± m). The patients underwent general clinical examination, blood glucose level was determined on admission, transthoracic Doppler echocardiography was performed and copeptin and NTproBNP levels were measured.Results. According to univariate logistic regression analysis, hyperglycemia in the acute period of Q-wave MI was associated with a probable increase in the odds ratio of AHF by 1.24 times (95 % CI 1.08–1.44; P = 0.003). According to the results of the ROC-analysis, the critical level of glycemia was >9.3 mmol/l (sensitivity 47.8 %, specificity 78.3 %), the area under the ROC-curve was 0.666 (95 % CI 0.580–0.745; P = 0.0004). With the development of systolic dysfunction in the acute period of MI, the odds ratio of AHF increased by 5.69 times (95 % CI 2.47–13.14; P < 0.0001). An increase in copeptin level of more than 0.53 ng/ml (sensitivity 93.1 %, specificity 28.6 %) and the area under the ROC curve of 0.633 (95 % CI 0.543–0.716; P = 0.0086) were associated with an increase in the odds ratio of AHF by 1.39 times (95 % CI 1.06–1.83; P = 0.02). There was no dependence of AHF on NTproBNP level – OR = 1.001 (95 % CI 0.99–1.01; P = 0.36). According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, independent risk factors for AHF were the hyperglycemia level on admission of more than 9.3 mmol/l OR = 1.19 (95 % CI 1.01–1.39; P = 0.036) and left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction – OR = 5.24 (95 % CI 2.03–13.55; P = 0.001).Conclusions. In patients with acute Q-wave MI complicated by AHF, the admission levels of copeptin and glycemia were significantly higher andLV ejection fraction was significantly lower. The dependent risk factors for AHF in patients with acute Q-wave MI were glycemia level of more than 9.3 mmol/l, an increase in copeptin level of more than 0.53 ng/ml, andLV systolic dysfunction. Independent risk factors for AHF in the acute period Q-wave MI were hyperglycemia andLV systolic dysfunction.

Coronary microvascular dysfunction in patients with acute coronary syndrome and no obstructive coronary artery disease

Between 10 and 15% of patients admitted for non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) show no obstructive coronary artery disease (NO-CAD) at angiography. Coronary microvascular spasm is a possible mechanism of the syndrome, but there are scarce data about coronary microvascular function in these patients. To assess coronary microvascular function in patients with NSTE-ACS and NO-CAD. We studied 30 patients (67 ± 10years, 19 female) with NSTE-ACS and NO-CAD. Specific causes of NSTE-ACS presentation (e.g., variant angina, takotsubo disease, tachyarrhythmias, etc.) were excluded. Coronary blood flow (CBF) velocity response to IV ergonovine (6µg/kg up to a maximal dose of 400µg) was evaluated before discharge by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography. CBF response to IV adenosine (140μg/kg/min) and cold pressor test (CPT) was also assessed after 1month. Ten age- and sex-matched patients with non-cardiac chest pain served as controls. Vasoactive tests were repeated after 12months in 10 NSTE-ACS patients. The ergonovine/basal CBF velocity ratio was 0.79 ± 0.09 and 0.99 ± 0.01 in patients and controls, respectively (p < 0.001). The adenosine/basal CBF velocity ratio was 1.46 ± 0.2 and 3.25 ± 1.2 in patients and controls, respectively (p < 0.001), and the CPT/basal CBF velocity ratio was 1.36 ± 0.2 and 2.43 ± 0.3 in the 2 groups, respectively (p < 0.001). In 10 patients assessed after 12months, CBF velocity responses to ergonovine, adenosine, and CPT were found to be unchanged. Patients with NSTE-ACS and NO-CAD exhibit a significant coronary dysfunction, which seems to involve both an increased constrictor reactivity, likely mainly involving coronary microcirculation, and a reduced microvascular dilator function, both persisting at 12-month follow-up.

4D flow magnetic resonance post-operative pulmonary stenosis assessment in patients with transposition of the great arteries repaired by arterial switch

Patients operated for transposition of the great arteries by arterial switch defines a new population coming to adulthood with unknown long-term prognosis. The principle complication in adulthood is the pulmonary stenosis, occurring in 17% of patients and leading to re-intervention in 15% of cases. Repair of this right ventricle outflow is recommended in symptomatic patients when systolic pressure of the right ventricle is greater than 60 mmHg (velocity of tricuspid regurgitation (IT) > 3.5 m/sec). However pulmonary flow measurement cannot be always measured with transthoracic echocardiography Doppler (TTE) due to the peculiarity of the vessels anatomy.4D flow in magnetic resonance is a new imaging method, allowing analysis of blood velocity and flow in an entire volume, permitting detection, quantification and location of vascular stenosis. The objective of this study was to compare this 4D flow imaging to TTE for the diagnosis of pulmonary stenosis in adult with transposition of the great arteries corrected by arterial switch. Thirty-three patients (19 men, 14 women, mean age 25.5 years old) were prospectively included with a TTE and a MRI 4D flow examination the same day. In 16 of them (48.5%), right ventricle out flow was not correctly evaluated by TTE against 0(0%) in 4D flow. TTE detected 11 (33.3%) patients with an upper speed over 2 m/s and 2 (6%) patients with a higher speed over 3.5 m/s against 14 (42%) and 4 (12.1%) respectively with 4D flow. The peak flow velocities measurements in Doppler and 4D flow were highly correlated ( r = 0.79; P < 0.0001). Moreover, there was an highly correlation between the peak velocity and the right ventricle mass index in 4D flow which was higher than TTE ( r = 0.74; P < 0.001 against = 0.55; P = 0.02)At least, 4D flow was able to precise the location of the peak velocity: on the distal pulmonary trunk for 19 (%) patients and on the pulmonary arteries for the other 14 (54.5%) patients (40.5%) In patients with transposition of the great arteries treated by arterial switch, 4D flow MRI permits pulmonary stenosis assessment, with measurements of peak flow velocities highly correlated to TTE, and even detect more stenosis with the ability to specify their location.

Myocardial first pass perfusion assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance and coronary microvascular dysfunction in women with angina and no obstructive coronary artery disease

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is associated with a poor prognosis even in absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. CMD can be assessed as a myocardial blood flow reserve by positron emission tomography (PETMBFR) and as coronary flow velocity reserve by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDECFVR). Impaired first-pass perfusion assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is an early sign of ischemia. We aimed to investigate the association between CMD and CMR first-pass perfusion. Women (n = 66) with angina pectoris and an invasive coronary angiogram (<50% stenosis) were assessed by TTDECFVR and in a subgroup of these (n = 54) also by PETMBFR. Semi-quantitative evaluation of first-pass perfusion at rest and adenosine stress was assessed by gadolinium CMR in all 66 women. Four measures of CMR perfusion reserve were calculated using contrast upslope, maximal signal intensity and both indexed to arterial input. Mean (standard deviation) age was 62 (8) years. Median (interquartile range) TTDECFVR was 2.3 (1.8;2.7) and PETMBFR was 2.7 (2.2;3.1). Using a cut-off of 2.0 for TTDECFVR and 2.5 for PETMBFR, 25 (38%) and 21 (39%) had CMD, respectively. CMR myocardial perfusion reserve from contrast upslope (CMR_MPRupslope) showed moderate but significant correlation with PETMBFR (R = .46, p < .001) while none of the other CMR variables were associated with CMD. A CMR_MPRupslope cut-off of 0.78 identified CMD, area under the curve 0.73 (p = .001). The results indicate that CMR_MPRupslope may be associated to PETMBFR; a measure of CMD. Further research is needed to validate and implement the use of CMR first pass perfusion in this population.

Left Atrial Function Assessment in Patients with Rheumatic Mitral Valve Diseases

AbstractBackground: The assessment of Left Atrial (LA) function is used in various cardiovascular diseases. LA plays a com-plementary role in cardiac performance by modulating Left Ventricular (LV) function. Transthoracic two-dimensional (2D) phasic volumes and Doppler echocardiography can measure LA function non-invasively. However, evaluation of LA deformation derived from 2D Speckle Tracking Echocar-diography (STE) is a new feasible and promising approach for assessment of LA mechanics. These parameters are able to detect subclinical LA dysfunction in different pathological condition.Aim of Study: To assess left atrial function by conventional echo Doppler study and tissue Doppler based strain imaging as well as global longitudinal strain in patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease.Patients and Methods: A total of 50 rheumatic mitral valve disease patients appearing consecutively for echocardi-ogram (ECHO) test at the Cardiology Department in a tertiary care hospital were recruited into the study as per the pre-set inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data were pooled using Microsoft Excel and analysed using SPSS software by appli-cation of appropriate statistical tests.Results: Of the 50 subjects, 22 had Mitral Stenosis (MS), 14 had Mitral Regurgitation (MR), and 14 of them were found to have both MS and MR. The major presenting symptom as observed in 23 patients was dyspnea. LA functions were significantly reduced in double mitral lesion group which was observed in LA indices such as LA emptying fraction, LA passive emptying fraction, atrial fraction, and LA expansion index among groups.Conclusion: LA reservoir, conduit and contractile function were significantly affected in rheumatic mitral valve disease due to increased hemodynamic load. Global longitudinal strain was significantly reduced in patients with MS and MR.

Left atrial strain and distensibility in relation to left ventricular dysfunction and prognosis in aortic stenosis

To test the relationship between left atrial (LA) distensibility (LAD), LA strain (LAS), and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and prognosis in aortic stenosis (AS). Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography was performed prospectively in 102 consecutive patients with AS (77 with severe, 25 with moderate, mean age 77years). LA volume was calculated by the area-length method in apical four- and two-chamber views, immediately before mitral valve opening (Volmax ) and at mitral valve closure (Volmin ). LAD was defined as (Volmax -Volmin )×100%/Volmin . LAS (mean of maximal strain from the 4-2 chamber views) was conducted using a dedicated software package. The endpoint was hospitalization for heart failure and death from any cause. Left atrial strain, LAD, and LA vol/m² were significantly correlated with LV diastolic parameters, and PASP (all, P<0.05). However, LAD and LAS but not LA vol/m² were significantly correlated with Charlson score, LV global longitudinal strain, and to transaortic mean gradient (all, P<0.05). At a median follow-up of 25months, 53 patients had an event. LAS, LAD, LA vol/m², and Charlson index were associated with events (all, P<0.05). In multivariate analysis, LAD, LAS, and Charlson index (all, P<0.01) remained independently associated with events. Using a ROC curve analysis, LAD≤69% and LAS≤17% were the best cutoffs associated with an event. In patients with moderate to severe AS, LAD and LAS are associated with LV dysfunction, AS severity, and are independently linked to events.

Association of coronary artery Doppler-echocardiography diastolic-systolic velocity ratio at rest with obstructive coronary artery stenosis on the left main or left anterior descending coronary artery

BackgroundWe assessed whether the non-invasive measure of peak diastolic-systolic velocity ratio (rDSVR) at rest on the left anterior descending artery (LAD) using Doppler transthoracic echocardiography is associated with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) on the LAD and left main (LM) arteries. We compared rDSVR diagnostic accuracy with stress wall motion (WM) and coronary flow reserve (CFR-LAD), in a group of subjects who underwent contrast stress-echocardiography (cSE) and coronary angiography within 3 months. Methods286 patients selected with a clinical indication to cSE, in which CFR-LAD was measured during the test who also underwent coronary angiography within 3 months were selected and diagnostic performance compared. ResultsDemographics and clinical variables were univariate predictors of LAD or LM >50% stenosis, but rDSVR < 1.7 outperformed other variables (OR 11.18, 95% CI 5.82–21.49, p < 0.001), comprising cSE variables such as reversible WM abnormalities (OR 1.53, 95% CI 0.94–2.49, p = 0.087) or CFR-LAD < 2 (OR 2.88, 95% CI 21.74–4.77, p < 0.001). The addition of rDSVR to multivariate logistic regression models (clinical or clinical + cSE variables) led to a marked increase in C-index (0.82, 95%CI 0.78–0.87) with significant improvement compared to all prior models (p < 0.001). ConclusionsOur data suggest a strict association of reduced rDSVR with >50% coronary artery stenosis on the LM/LAD, superior to other standard clinical or cSE related indexes, such as WM assessment or CFR-LAD, and builds incrementally to them and clinical variables in multivariable logistic models for the prediction of CAD on LM and LAD coronaries.

Non-invasive stroke volume estimation by transthoracic electrical bioimpedance versus Doppler echocardiography in healthy volunteers

Thoracic electrical bioimpedance (TEB) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) are non-invasive methods to estimate stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO). Thoracic electrical bioimpedance is not in widespread clinical use with reports of inaccurate cardiac output estimation compared to invasive monitors, particularly in non-healthy populations. We explore its use as a trend monitor by comparing it against thoracic echocardiography in fifteen healthy volunteers undergoing two physical challenges designed to vary cardiac output. Of all paired values, 54.6% showed gross trend agreement and only 1.9% showed direct disagreement between the two monitors. Our results show thoracic bioimpedance may have a role as a non-invasive cardiac output trend monitor in healthy volunteer studies.

Diagnostic value of noninvasive comprehensive morphological and functional assessment of coronary artery disease

Background/Aim. Recently adopted technique, Transthoracic Doppler Echocardiography (TDE) enables the estimate of functional significance of coronary luminal narrowing. A multi-slice computed coronary angiography (MSCT), as one of the most important noninvasive methods, offers us a quite precise visualization of morphological characteristics of atherosclerotic changes in coronary arteries. We have tried to evaluate the most reliable noninvasive approach aimed at the detection of major stenosis on the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and the right coronary artery (RCA). Methods. This study involved 84 patients, with the previously detected atherosclerotic lesions on the LAD and/or RCA by MSCT. The coronary flow reserve (CFR) assessment by TDE with adenosine was obtained in LAD (n = 75); RCA (n = 61), resulting in 136 vessels subjected to the analysis. Invasive coronary angiography (ICA) was performed in all patients within 24 to 48 hours after the CFR as a reference technique. Results. The Cochrans Q test proved a significant statistical difference among these techniques in detection of a significant stenosis on the LAD and RCA (p &lt; 0.01). Further analyses revealed a significant difference between the MSCT and CFR (p &lt; 0.05), MSCT and ICA (p &lt; 0.01), whereas we did not find a significant difference between the CFR and ICA (p &gt; 0.05). The main discrepancies in results among the CFR, ICA and MSCT were noticed concerning intermediate and severe stenosis on the MSCT. The MSCT had a diagnostic accuracy for the LAD 66.67%, for the RCA 75.%, the CFR had for the LAD 90% and for the RCA 81.67%, in detection of significant stenosis. Where the consensus was reached between both techniques, diagnostic accuracy was improved for the LAD 97.33% and the RCA 90 %. Conclusion. Comprehensive noninvasive evaluation of both anatomical and functional imaging in coronary diseases makes the optimal approach for precise, noninvasive assessment of the coronary artery lesions in the coronary arteries.

Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Echocardiographic Parameters.

BackgroundObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic progressive disorder with high mortality and morbidity rate, associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), especially heart failure (HF). The pathophysiological changes related to OSA can directly affect the diastolic function of the left ventricle.ObjectivesTo assess the association of the risk of OSA, evaluated by the Berlin Questionnaire (BQ), and echocardiographic (ECHO) parameters related to diastolic dysfunction in individuals without HF assisted in primary care.MethodsA cross-sectional study that included 354 individuals (51% women) aged 45 years or older. All individuals selected were submitted to an evaluation that included the following procedures: consultation, filling out the BQ, clinical examination, laboratory examination and transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TDE). Continuous data are presented as medians and interquartile intervals, and categoric variables in absolute and relative frequencies. The variables associated with risk of OSA and at the 0.05 level integrated the gamma regression models with a log link function. A value of p < 0.05 was considered an indicator of statistical significance. Exclusion criteria were presence of HF, to fill out the BQ and patients with hypertension and obesity not classified as high risk for OSA by other criteria. All individuals were evaluated on a single day with the following procedures: medical appointment, BQ, laboratory tests and ECHO.ResultsOf the 354 individuals assessed, 63% were classified as having high risk for OSA. The patients with high risk for OSA present significantly abnormal diastolic function parameters. High risk for OSA confirmed positive and statistically significant association, after adjustments, with indicators of diastolic function, such as indexed left atrium volume LAV-i (p = 0.02); E’/A’ (p < 0.01), A (p = 0.02), E/A (p < 0.01).ConclusionOur data show that patients at high risk for OSA present worsened diastolic function parameters measured by TDE.

Ultrasound stroke volume variation induced by passive leg raising and fluid responsiveness: An observational cohort study

ObjectiveTo assess the performance of the ultrasound measurement of stroke volume (SV) coupled to passive leg raising (PLR) in predicting fluid responsiveness (FR). DesignA prospective cohort study was carried out in patients requiring volume expansion (VE). A transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTE) device was used for the measurement of SV. Four measurements were obtained: before and 90s after PLR, and before and after VE. The patients were subsequently classified according to their hemodynamic response to VE. Responders were defined by an increase in SV of at least 15% in response to VE. ResultsThirty maneuvers were studied. An increase in SV>15% in response to PLR was recorded in 21 cases. Hemodynamic indices taken in the first stage showed significant differences in the distensibility index of the inferior vena cava (dIVC), in the velocity-time integral of aortic blood flow (VTIAo) and in SV, with respective p-values of 0.009, 0.012 and 0.025. The SV changes induced by VE were significantly correlated to the SV changes induced by PLR, with a Spearman coefficient of 0.77 and a linear equation y=0.82 x+1.68. Fluid responsiveness can be efficiently predicted by assessing the effects of PLR on SV monitored by Doppler TTE, with a sensitivity of 94.7% and a negative predictive value of 88%. ConclusionOur data support the interest of Doppler TTE as an effective tool in predicting FR through the assessment of SV in response to PLR, in hemodynamically unstable patients.

Percutaneous Device Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Adult Patients with 10-Year Follow-up.

Objectives:We report our 10-year experience with transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in adult using different closure devices.Background:Transcatheter closure of PDA in adults can be challenging because of frequently associated comorbidities. Reports on immediate and intermediate-term results of PDA closure are excellent. This study aimed to provide the outcomes of PDA closure using different devices on long and very long term follow-up in adults.Materials and Methods:Between September 2009 and December 2018, data were retrospectively reviewed from 27 patients who underwent transcatheter closure of PDA. Outcome parameters were procedural success, procedure-related complications, evidence of residual shunt, and improvement in the signs/symptoms for which the procedure was performed. The mean follow-up interval was 72 months.Results:A device was successfully implanted in 27 of 27 patients (15 females). Median age and weight were 24 years (range: 18–57 years) and 69 kg (range: 53–102 kg), respectively. The mean PDA diameter was 4.1 ± 2.1 mm. Devices used were Amplatzer Duct Occluder (19/27), Occlutech Duct Occluder (6/27), and PFM Nit-Occlud (2/27). Doppler transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) demonstrated 92.6% of full occlusion at day 1, rising to 96.3% at 1 month. Three procedure-related complications occurred with no death. Among symptomatic 26 patients (96.3%), there was marked improvement in symptoms. Among 22 patients (81.5%) for whom the procedure was performed to address left ventricular (LV) enlargement, there was reduction or stabilization in LV size on serial TTEs.Conclusions:Transcatheter closure of PDA in the adult patient appears to be safe and effective.

Determinants of microvascular dysfunction in normotensive offsprings of hypertensive parents

Objective: Microvascular dysfunction usually precedes the onset of hypertension. We hypothesized that offspring of offsprings of hypertensive parents (OHP) would have coronary microvascular dysfunction. Yet, the determinants of microvascular dysfunction in OHP are not fully determined. We, therefore, studied coronary flow reserve (CFR) in OHP in relation to ambulatory blood pressure and lipid profiles. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and twenty-five healthy normotensive offsprings with family history of hypertension and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy normotensive offsprings without family history of hypertension (ONP) were enrolled for the study. All participates underwent transthoracic color Doppler echocardiography at rest and during adenosine (0.14 mg/kg) infusion. CFR was calculated as the ratio between hyperemic diastolic coronary flow to the resting diastolic coronary flow. All participates had ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. In addition, lipid profile was obtained, and triglycerides (TGs)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was calculated. Results: CFR was significantly reduced among OHP compared with ONP (P

Influence of High-Velocity Blood Flow on Right-to-Left Shunt in Patients with Patent Foramen Ovale during the Valsalva Maneuver

In this study, we investigated the changes in the right-to-left shunt (RLS) of the patent foramen ovale (PFO) at different phases of the Valsalva maneuver and analyzed the possible mechanisms. The study population consisted of 57 patients with symptoms highly suggestive of a PFO. These patients had been diagnosed with apsychia, migraine with aura, cerebral infarction, transient ischemic attack (TIA), and cerebral ischemia with unknown cause. Routine echocardiography was performed in all patients to rule out a cardiac malformation. Contrast-transcranial Doppler (c-TCD) and contrast-enhanced transthoracic echocardiography (c-TTE) were used to visualize and quantify the RLS. The standard apical four chamber view was used to observe the changes of E peak, A peak, and velocity-time integral (VTI) ratio of tricuspid blood flow during the strain phase and release phase of the Valsalva maneuver. Paired t-test was used to compare E peak, A peak, and VTI ratio of tricuspid blood flow during the different phases. The right-to-left shunt across the PFO (PFO-RLS) was graded in the two phases and compared by Kruskal-Wallis test. Compared with the strain phase of the Valsalva maneuver, the parameters of E, A, and VTI in diastolic period in patients with PFO-RLS at the release phase were significantly increased [54.30 ± 13.65 cm/s vs 100.35 ± 21.11 cm/s, 42.21 ± 12.32 cm/s vs 57.30 ± 18.88 cm/s, 10.34 ± 3.27 cm/s vs 19.58 ± 4.56 cm/s, respectively], and the difference was statistically significant. The positive consequence of PFO-RLS, as diagnosed by c-TTE with the Valsalva maneuver at the release phase of the Valsalva maneuver, was significantly higher than that at the strain phase of the Valsalva maneuver. At the beginning of release phase of the Valsalva maneuver, decreased intrathoracic pressure led to increased venous backflow into the right atrium. Thus, high-velocity blood flow rapidly pushed the PFO open, which resulted in a significant increase in the PFO-RLS. Therefore, the increase of the PFO-RLS during the Valsalva maneuver is caused by the impact of high-velocity blood flow the PFO.

Defining Coronary Flow Patterns: Comprehensive Automation of Transthoracic Doppler Coronary Blood Flow

The coronary microcirculation (CM) plays a critical role in the regulation of blood flow and nutrient exchange to support the viability of the heart. In many disease states, the CM becomes structurally and functionally impaired, and transthoracic Doppler echocardiography can be used as a non-invasive surrogate to assess CM disease. Analysis of Doppler echocardiography is prone to user bias and can be laborious, especially if additional parameters are collected. We hypothesized that we could develop a MATLAB algorithm to automatically analyze clinically-relevant and non-traditional parameters from murine PW Doppler coronary flow patterns that would reduce intra- and inter-operator bias, and analysis time. Our results show a significant reduction in intra- and inter-observer variability as well as a 30 fold decrease in analysis time with the automated program vs. manual analysis. Finally, we demonstrated good agreement between automated and manual analysis for clinically-relevant parameters under baseline and hyperemic conditions. Resulting coronary flow velocity reserve calculations were also found to be in good agreement. We present a MATLAB algorithm that is user friendly and robust in defining and measuring Doppler coronary flow pattern parameters for more efficient and potentially more insightful analysis assessed via Doppler echocardiography.

Prognostic Value of Preserved Coronary Flow Velocity Reserve by Noninvasive Transthoracic Doppler Echocardiography in Patients With Angiographically Intermediate Left Main Stenosis

The potential of angiography to evaluate the hemodynamic severity of a left main coronary artery (LM) stenosis is limited. Noninvasive transthoracic Doppler echocardiographic coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) evaluation of intermediate coronary stenosis has demonstrated remarkably high negative prognostic value. The aim of this study was to assess clinical outcomes in patients with angiographically intermediate LM stenosis and preserved CFVR (>2.0) as evaluated by transthoracic Doppler echocardiographic CFVR. The initial study population included 102 patients with intermediate coronary stenosis of the LM referred for transthoracic Doppler echocardiographic CFVR assessment. Peak diastolic CFVR measurements were performed in the distal segment of the left anterior descending coronary artery after intravenous adenosine (140μg/kg/min), and CFVR was calculated as the ratio between maximal hyperemic and baseline coronary flow velocity. Nineteen patients had impaired CFVR (≤2.0) and were excluded from further analysis, as well as two patients with poor acoustic windows. The final group consisted of 81 patients (mean age, 60±9years; 76 men) evaluated for adverse cardiac events including death, myocardial infarction, and revascularization. Mean follow-up duration was 62±26months. Mean CFVR was 2.4±0.4. Total event-free survival was 75 of 81 (92.6%), as six patients were referred for revascularization (five patients with coronary artery bypass grafting, one patient with percutaneous coronary intervention). There were no documented myocardial infarctions or cardiovascular deaths in the follow-up period. In patients with angiographically intermediate and equivocal LM stenosis and preserved CFVR values of >2.0, revascularization can be safely deferred.

Board examination stress effect on diastolic function.

To this date, effects of mental stress on cardiac function have not been clearly investigated. Although hemodynamic and neuroendocrine adverse effects of daily mental stress on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality have been reported, its direct impact on diastolic function of the heart has not been previously studied. In this study, we aimed to assess the role of Board Exam anxiety on right and left ventricular diastolic function in medical residents. Forty medical residents prior to participation in the medical board exam were enrolled in our study. Right prior to as well as 2 month after the exam, all residents underwent trans-thoracic Doppler echocardiography. Right ventricular systolic and diastolic functions and echocardiography indices were measured. Levels of anxiety were measured using Beck Anxiety Inventory Questionnaire before and after the exam. Pre exam and post exam results of study population as well as low and high anxiety groups were evaluated. Early to late mitral inflow velocity (E/A ratio) in LV inflow increased after board exam (P-value <.001). E/A ratio in RV inflow increased after board exam (P-value: .002). Early mitral inflow to its annular velocity (E/E' ratio) in septal wall decreased after board exam (P-value<.001). The change in E/E' RV free wall did not reach statistical significance (P = .57). Mitral annuls velocities measured by TDI in septal and lateral wall and also tricuspid annulus velocity increased after board exam (P-value<.05). The comparison of these changes between the high-stress and low-stress groups of residents revealed significant differences. Comparison of changes of E/A ratio in the mitral and tricuspid inflow as well as the E/E' in the septum and free wall of the right ventricle before and after the Board Exam between high-stress and low-stress groups was not statistically significant, although there was a trend of more changes in high- stress group residents. This is the first report of comprehensive sequential assessment of left and right ventricular diastolic functions during and after a real subacute stress occasion. The finding of a decreased E/A and E' in response to mental stress suggests that repetitive mental stress may induce diastolic dysfunction which is a mechanism of diastolic heart failure in individuals at risk.

Avaliação ecocardiográfica transtorácica do débito cardíaco feita por médicos da unidade de terapia intensiva em pacientes críticos sob ventilação mecânica

Background and objectivesTransthoracic echocardiography may potentially be useful to obtain a prompt, accurate and non‐invasive estimation of cardiac output. We evaluated whether non‐cardiologist intensivists may obtain accurate and reproducible cardiac output determination in hemodynamically unstable mechanically ventilated patients. MethodsWe studied 25 hemodynamically unstable mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients with a pulmonary artery catheter in place. Cardiac output was calculated using the pulsed Doppler transthoracic echocardiography technique applied to the left ventricular outflow tract in apical 5 chamber view by two intensive care unit physicians who had received a basic Transthoracic Echocardiography training plus a specific training focused on Doppler, left ventricular outflow tract and velocity‐time integral determination. ResultsCardiac output assessment by transthoracic echocardiography was feasible in 20 out of 25 enrolled patients (80%) and showed an excellent inter‐operator reproducibility (Pearson correlation test r=0.987; Cohen's K=0.840). Overall, the mean bias was 0.03L.min−1, with limits of agreement −0.52 and +0.57L.min−1. The concordance correlation coefficient (ρc) was 0.986 (95% IC 0.966–0.995) and 0.995 (95% IC 0.986–0.998) for physician 1 and 2, respectively. The value of accuracy (Cb) of COTTE measurement was 0.999 for both observers. The value of precision (ρ) of COTTE measurement was 0.986 and 0.995 for observer 1 and 2, respectively. ConclusionsA specific training focused on Doppler and VTI determination added to the standard basic transthoracic echocardiography training allowed non‐cardiologist intensive care unit physicians to achieve a quick, reproducible and accurate snapshot cardiac output assessment in the majority of mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients.

Effects of Long-Term Use of Prescription Methylphenidate on Myocardial Performance in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Tissue Doppler Imaging Study.

Many children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are treated with methylphenidate (MPH). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between long-term use of osmotic-release oral system methylphenidate (OROS MPH) and cardiac functions. The study involved 116 subjects 6-18 years of age. Fifty-eight of these were in the case group and were using OROS MPH (extended-release capsules). Fifty-eight children not receiving treatment were included in the control group. Participants were also assessed using 12-channel electrocardiography (ECG), transthoracic 2D echocardiography, Doppler echocardiography, and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). The findings obtained were compared using statistical methods. No significant differences were determined between the case and control groups in terms of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure or 12-channel ECG findings. There was also no difference in 2D and M-mode measurements among the echocardiography findings. Of the TDI parameters obtained, only E' septal values differed significantly between the case and control groups. However, this was not at such a level as to indicate cardiac function impairment. The study data showed that the echocardiographic parameters we measured resulted in no clinical difference between the children using MPH and the healthy controls. We conclude that MPH use in children does not impair cardiovascular functions at short-term follow-up.

Protocolo diagnóstico de la hipertensión pulmonar sin cardiopatía izquierda

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a pathophysiological disorder defined by a mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥25mm Hg at rest, measured during right heart catheterization. PH may be due to arterial hypertension, left heart disease, secondary to lung disease and/or hypoxia, chronic thromboembolic diseases, unclear/multifactorial mechanism. Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTE) is the main tool on the detection and the screening of PH. If estimated probability for PH is low, echocardiographic follow-up is recommended, and other possible causes may be studied. When echocardiographic findings are consistent with moderate or high probability for PH, accurate identification of clinical groups is needed, and complementary tests will be used to discharge, among others, underlying respiratory diseases (PH Group 3)