Lateral Tricuspid Annulus Research Articles

Evaluation of Left Atrial Electromechanical Delay and Left Atrial Phasic Functions in Surgical Early Menopause Patients.

BACKGROUNDThis study evaluated the atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) and the left atrial (LA) mechanical functions in patients with surgical early menopause.METHODSA total of 62 patients were included in the study: 33 patients with surgical early menopause and 29 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The duration distance from the start of the P wave to the beginning of the A wave for the lateral mitral annulus, septal mitral annulus, and lateral tricuspid annulus was assessed by tissue Doppler echocardiography. The differences in these durations were used to calculate the inter- and intra-atrial mechanical delays. LA volumes were evaluated using the biplane area-length technique, and LA mechanical function values were measured.RESULTSThe baseline laboratory and clinical characteristics were similar between the two groups. Surgical early menopause patients displayed increased static atrial electromechanical connection (PA′) times for the septal mitral annulus and lateral tricuspid annulus compared to the controls. However, the lateral mitral annulus, the inter-atrial, the intra-LA, and the right atrial EMD PA′ times were not significantly altered in surgical early menopause patients compared to controls. Importantly, the LA volume index (28.1 ± 8.17 vs. 24.89 ± 7.96 mL/m2, p = 0.019), the maximal LA volume (49.6 ± 14.1 vs. 42.9 ± 16.1 mL, p = 0.004), the minimal LA volume (18.4 ± 7.0 vs. 15.2 ± 9.0 mL, p = 0.022), and the atrial precontraction LA volume (31.0 ± 10.9 vs. 24.9 ± 10.1 mL, p = 0.006) were higher in the patients with surgical early menopause compared to the controls. The LA reservoir, conduit and pumping functions and the total, passive, and active emptying volumes were all comparable between the two groups (p = 0.09; 0.06; 0.68; 0.06; 0.48; 0.07, respectively).CONCLUSIONSPatients with surgical early menopause demonstrated impaired atrial electrical delay and electromechanical functions.

Modified Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion for Assessment of Right Ventricular Systolic Function.

BACKGROUNDTricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) has become a popular tool for assessing right ventricular (RV) systolic function because of its ease of application. TAPSE using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is limited by alignment with the lateral wall of the RV. Modified TAPSE (m-TAPSE) is a novel method for measuring TAPSE. m-TAPSE is the difference in the ‘apical to lateral tricuspid annulus distance’ during diastole and systole. The aim of the present study was to compare prospectively m-TAPSE with the most commonly used parameter TAPSE and near-gold standard 2D echocardiographic parameter RV fractional area change (RV FAC).METHODSWe conducted a prospective observational study of 125 consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery in a single tertiary care center. Post-anesthetic induction TAPSE was recorded using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). m-TAPSE was recorded using TEE in the mid-esophageal four-chamber view. RV FAC was also assessed using TEE. m-TAPSE < 16 mm, TAPSE < 16 mm and RV FAC < 35% were taken as cut-offs for RV systolic dysfunction. Correlations were assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated using 2 × 2 cross table.RESULTSm-TAPSE was significantly correlated with TAPSE (r = 0.797, p < 0.001). Similarly, a significant correlation was observed between m-TAPSE and RV FAC (r = 0.602, p < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of m-TAPSE were 100%, 98.3%, 80%, 100% and 98.4%, respectively.CONCLUSIONSm-TAPSE correlated well with both RV FAC and TAPSE. Therefore, m-TAPSE can be considered an easily measurable alternative parameter for evaluating RV systolic function in a busy intraoperative setting.

Value of tissue-tracking tricuspid annular plane by speckle-tracking echocardiography for the assessment of right ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Assessment of right ventricular (RV) function remains challenging because of its complex geometry. Application of speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) to the tricuspid annulus provides rapid and automated assessment of the midpoint of the tricuspid annular plane displacement (TAD). The aim of this study was to investigate the value of tissue-tracking TAD for the assessment of RV systolic dysfunction. We retrospectively studied 61 patients in whom RV ejection fraction (EF) measured by 3-dimensional echocardiography was performed. STE-derived displacement of the midpoint between the septal and lateral tricuspid annulus and its percentage of RV length at end-diastole (MTAD) were automatically assessed. We performed comparative analyses between the RVEF ≥45% group and the RVEF <45% group in each parameter for the assessment of RV systolic function. MTAD was successfully assessed in 56 (91.2%). According to receiver operating characteristics analysis, RVEF <45% was best detected by MTAD <14.7% with area under curve (AUC) 0.97, sensitivity 93%, specificity 95%, followed by RV free wall longitudinal strain (AUC 0.86), RV fractional area change (AUC 0.84), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (AUC 0.79), and systolic peak velocity of tricuspid annulus (AUC 0.70), although there was no significant difference between MTAD and RV free wall strain (P=0.14). The present study showed that MTAD was simple index and useful for the assessment of RV systolic dysfunction.

Low-level laser therapy in chronic obstructive lung disease

ContextChronic obstuctive lung disease (COPD) is a common preventable and treatable disease. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) appears to be a promising modality in COPD management.AimsThe aim was to study the short-term effects of LLLT on clinical and cardiac status in patients with stable COPD.Materials and methodsThis was a controlled randomized study. Patients with impaired left ventricular ejection fraction less than 50%, those with atrial fibrillation (AF), those with pulmonary hypertension not owing to COPD, and those with any contraindication to exercise test or LLLT were excluded. A total of 30 patients with stable COPD were divided into laser and control groups (15 patients each). Medical treatment was optimized in both groups with the addition of LLLT in the laser group.The following were assessed before and after LLLT: Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale, 6 min walk test, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, and lateral tricuspid annulus tissue Doppler velocities. The LLLT has wavelength of 905 nm, output of 5–20mW, and frequency of 500 Hz. Laser probe was placed on intercostal space both anteriorly and posteriorly on chest wall and arm with standardized laser acupuncture points of application with a frequency of five sessions/week for 2 successive weeks.Statistical analysisStatistical package for the social sciences Software program, version 21 (SPSS). Data were summarized using range, mean, SD, and median for quantitative variables and frequency and percentage for qualitative ones. Comparison between groups was performed using independent sample t-test (if parametric) or Mann–Whitney test (if nonparametric) for quantitative variables and χ2-test or Fisher’s exact test for qualitative ones. Paired quantitative measures were evaluated using paired t-test (if parametric) or Wilcoxon test (if nonparametric). P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant, and less than 0.01 were considered highly significant.ResultsPatients in LLLT group had higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure, lower early (E′) and higher late (A′) lateral tricuspid annular velocities by Tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE) versus control. Overall, 100% of laser patients showed improvement in mMRC scale by at least one grade versus 46% in control. In laser group, 6 min walk test was 24.4±10.4 before versus 52.9±14.7m at the end of the study (P=0.001). In control, it was 32.4±14.9 versus 40.1±19.2, (P=0.003). No echocardiographic changes were noticed before versus after the study.ConclusionSignificant clinical improvement of 6 min walk test and mMRC scale grading after LLLT therapy was observed. No detrimental effects of LLLT on left ventricle or right ventricle functions or pulmonary artery systolic pressure were seen.

Echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular systolic function in Boxers with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

ObjectivesTo determine whether there are differences in measures of longitudinal right ventricular (RV) systolic function among Boxers with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) compared with healthy control Boxer dogs. To explore relationships between markers of RV systolic function and age, body weight, gender, arrhythmia frequency, and markers of left ventricular (LV) systolic function in Boxer dogs. AnimalsThe study included 50 client-owned Boxer dogs. MethodsThis is a retrospective echocardiographic study. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging–derived systolic myocardial velocity of the lateral tricuspid annulus (S') were measured in healthy control Boxers (n = 18), Boxers with ARVC and normal LV systolic function (n = 19), and Boxers with ARVC and reduced LV systolic function (n = 13). ResultsTricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (p=0.002) and S' (p=0.001) were significantly different between affected and control groups. Significant correlations were found between measures of left heart size and function and both TAPSE and S'. No correlations were found between RV function parameters and age, gender, or body weight in this fairly homogeneous, single-breed population. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that both TAPSE and S' had an area under the curve of 0.77 in distinguishing healthy Boxers from those with ARVC. ConclusionsTricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and S' are reduced in Boxers with ARVC. In contrast to prior studies evaluating these parameters in dogs of different breeds and body types, no correlation was found between markers of RV function and body weight in this population of Boxer dogs.

Assessment of Atrial Conduction Times in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Parkinson's Disease.

Background An increased risk of ischemic stroke has been reported in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Atrial fibrillation (AF) is strongly associated with ischemic stroke. Prolonged atrial electromechanical delay (EMD) is an independent predictor for the development of AF. Aims The aim of the present study was to evaluate the atrial conduction parameters in patients with PD and to assess their relation with the severity of PD. Study design We prospectively enrolled 51 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed PD and 31 age- and sex-matched non-PD subjects. Methods To assess atrial electromechanical coupling (PA), the time intervals from the onset of p wave on ECG to the late diastolic wave at the septal (PAs) and lateral (PAl) mitral annulus and lateral tricuspid annulus (PAt) were measured on Tissue Doppler Echocardiography (TDE). The difference between PAs-PAl, PAs-PAt, and PAl-PAt were defined as left intra-atrial, right intra-atrial, and interatrial EMD, respectively. P-wave dispersion (PWD) was calculated from the 12-lead ECG. Results PWD, PAs, PAl, and PAt durations were significantly prolonged in the PD group (all p < 0.001). Interatrial, right, and left intra-atrial EMD were also significantly longer in PD patients (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p=0.002, resp.). There were significant positive correlations between disease severity (UPDRS score) and PWD (r=0.34, p=0.041), left intra-atrial (r=0.39, p=0.005), and interatrial EMD (r=0.35, p=0.012). By multivariate analysis, PWD (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.02–1.25; p=0.017), LA volume index (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.02–1.37; p=0.021), left intra-atrial (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.01–1.24; p=0.041), and interatrial EMD (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01–1.16; p=0.026) were found as independent predictors of PD. Conclusion Atrial conduction times were longer and correlated with the severity of disease in PD patients. Prolonged inter- and intra-atrial-EMD intervals were also found as independent correlates of PD. These findings may suggest an increased predisposition to atrial fibrillation in PD.

Association between right ventricle two- and three-dimensional echocardiography and exercise capacity in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction

IntroductionEchocardiography represents the most commonly performed noninvasive cardiac imaging test for patients with heart failure (HF). The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between exercise capacity parameters (peak oxygen consumption (VO2) and the minute ventilation-carbon dioxide production relationship (VE/VCO2)), two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) and three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) imaging of right ventricular (RV) function in HF patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF).Material and methodsThis cross-sectional study included 54 patients with diagnosed ischemic LV systolic dysfunction (HF with reduced EF <40%) divided in subgroups based on the proposed values of the analyzed cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) variables: VO2 peak ≤ 15 ml/kg/min, VO2 peak > 15 ml/kg/min, VE/VCO2 slope < 36 and VE/VCO2 slope ≥ 36. All patients underwent a physical examination, laboratory testing, conventional echocardiography, 2D-STE, 3DE, and CPET.ResultsRV fractional area change (FAC), 2D RV global longitudinal strain (GLS), 3D RV EF were significantly decreased, and RV basal diameter (BD), systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), ratio between tricuspid flow and tissue Doppler derived e’ of the lateral tricuspid annulus (TV E/e’) were significantly increased in the subgroups of subjects with a worse VO2 peak and VE/VCO2 slope values. There was a significant positive correlation between the peak VO2 values and TAPSE, 2D RV GLS, 3D RV SV, and 3D RV EF as well as a significantly inverse correlation with VE/VCO2 slope.ConclusionsThe observed significant correlation between the examined parameters suggests that 2D RV GLS and 3D RV EF, SV are associated with exercise capacity in patients with reduced HF.

Right Ventricular Strain in Normal Healthy Adult Filipinos: A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

Introduction: Strain determination by speckle-tracking analysis has been used worldwide in determining strain in the left ventricle. However, strain determination using speckle-tracking analysis can also be done for the right ventricle. This study aimed to establish the normative data on the right ventricular lateral free wall (RVLFW) strain in healthy Filipino adults. Methodology: This was a pilot cross-sectional descriptive study on healthy adult Filipinos seen at the St. Luke’s Medical Center−Global City from April 2015 to February 2016. Subjects underwent 2D echocardiography with speckle-tracking analysis. Strain values from the RVLFW segments were calculated using speckle-tracking analysis software. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was calculated according to American Society of Echocardiography guidelines. Peak systolic velocity at the lateral tricuspid annulus (Sm’) was obtained from pulsed Doppler. Mean RVLFW values were computed and correlated with Sm’ and TAPSE using Pearson’s correlation. Results: Of the 432 patients initially screened, 66 were included in this study. The mean age was 39±9 years, with male patients comprising 53% of the study population. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 65±4.2% The mean TAPSE was 2.1±0.32 cm and the mean Sm’ was 11.6±1.9 cm/s. The speckle-tracking analysis of the RVLFW showed a mean strain of −19.1±6.0% for the basal segment. The mid segment had a mean strain of −26.8± 6.9%, while the apical segment had a mean strain of −26.2±6.4%. The entire lateral free wall had a mean strain of −24.0±4.5%. Females had a significantly higher RVLFW strain value than males. The RVLFW strain was not significantly correlated with TAPSE and Sm’. However, TAPSE was significantly correlated with apical lateral strain (r=0.286; r2=0.082). However, the strength of correlation with the apical lateral strain was weak , explaining only about 8.2% of the variability of apical lateral strain. Conclusion: This study showed that the mean RVLFW strain in healthy adult Filipinos was −24.0±4.5% (95% CI −22.9% to −25.1%). Furthermore, RVLFW strain in healthy adult Filipinos was not significantly correlated with TAPSE and Sm’.

Improved right ventricular index of myocardial performance in the assessment of right ventricular function after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Decreased right ventricular (RV) longitudinal function following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), as assessed by tricuspid annular systolic excursion (TAPSE) and RV peak systolic velocity (RVS') is a known condition. We aimed to explore the feasibility of the right ventricular index of myocardial performance (RIMP) in the assessment of RV function after CABG at rest and during peak dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE). Forty-two patients indicated for CABG were included in this study. Coronary angiography, DSE and exercise bicycle test were performed within 6 weeks before and 3 months after CABG. The RIMP, RVS' and TAPSE at the lateral tricuspid annulus were also assessed. The results were presented as mean ± standard deviation. The RIMP improved after CABG both at rest (0.45 ± 0.11 before vs 0.38 ± 0.08 after CABG, P = 0.013) and during DSE (0.75 ± 0.23 vs 0.49 ± 0.14, P < 0.001). TAPSE declined significantly when comparing the values from before CABG to after CABG both at rest (23.9 ± 4.46 vs 14.6 ± 3.67, P < 0.001) and during DSE (20.9 ± 4.16 vs 11.9 ± 3.60, P < 0.001). RVS' also decreased after CABG both at rest (11.9 ± 2.40 vs 8.5 ± 1.93, P < 0.001) and during DSE (15.6 ± 4.30 vs 10.5 ± 3.21, P < 0.001). On the other hand, exercise capacity improved after CABG compared with baseline (128.4 ± 40.12 W vs 142.1 ± 46.73 W, P = 0.014). RIMP improved after CABG both at rest and during DSE. The reduction in TAPSE and RVS' after CABG indicate reduced regional mechanical RV function along the long axis rather than reduced global RV function.

Assessment of Tricuspid Annular Motion by Speckle Tracking in Anesthetized Patients Using Transesophageal Echocardiography.

The perioperative assessment of right ventricular (RV) function remains a challenge. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) using M-mode is a widely used measure of RV function. However, accurate alignment of the ultrasound beam with the direction of annular movement can be difficult with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to measure TAPSE, precluding effective use of M-mode to measure annular excursion. Tracking of specular reflectors in the myocardium may provide an angle-independent method to assess annular motion with TEE. We hypothesized that TEE speckle tracking of the lateral tricuspid annular motion represents a comparable measurement to the well-validated M-mode TAPSE on transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), and may be considered as a reasonable alternative to TAPSE. This is a prospective, observational cohort study. We included all patients, who were in sinus rhythm, with a preoperative TTE within 3 months of scheduled cardiac surgery that required intraoperative TEE. Tissue motion annular displacements (TMAD) of the lateral (L), septal (S), and midpoint (M) tricuspid annulus were measured (QLAB Cardiac Motion Quantification; Philips Medical, Andover, MA) after induction of general anesthesia. This was compared to the preoperative M-mode TAPSE on TTE. Seventy-two consecutive patients who met eligibility requirements were enrolled from September to November 2016. Twelve were excluded due to poor image quality, allowing TMAD to be analyzed in 60 patients. TMAD was analyzed offline and TMAD analysis was able to track tricuspid annular motion in all patients. The mean TMAD (L), TMAD (S), and TMAD (M) were 17.4 ± 5.2, 10.2 ± 4.8, and 14.2 ± 4.8 mm, respectively. TMAD (L) showed close correlation with M-mode TAPSE on TTE (r = 0.87, 95% confidence interval, 0.79-0.92; P < .01). All patients with a preoperative TAPSE <17 mm had a TMAD (L) <17 mm, while 71% of those with a TAPSE ≥ 17 mm had a TMAD (L) ≥ 17 mm. There was strong positive correlation between TMAD (L) and intraoperative RV fractional area change (r = 0.86, 95% confidence interval, 0.77-0.91; P < .01). Reproducibility analysis of TMAD within and across observers showed excellent correlation. TMAD is a quick and angle-independent method to quantitatively assess RV longitudinal function by TEE. It correlates strongly with M-mode TAPSE on TTE. Because TMAD and TAPSE were not simultaneously measured in this study, their correlation is subject to differences in loading conditions, general anesthesia, and changes in the disease process. TMAD may be easily applied in routine clinical settings and its role in the perioperative environment deserves to be further explored.

Norepinephrine exerts an inotropic effect during the early phase of human septic shock

BackgroundWe conducted this study to investigate whether norepinephrine increases cardiac contractility when administered during the early phase of septic shock. MethodsWe studied 38 patients with septic shock who had been resuscitated for <3 h and whose mean arterial pressure (MAP) remained <65 mm Hg. Echocardiographic variables were obtained before (T0) and after either initiation or an increase in the dose of a norepinephrine infusion to increase MAP to ≥ 65 mm Hg (T1). We collected left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), velocity-time integral of the left ventricular outflow tract (VTI), tissue Doppler imaging of mean systolic velocity of the lateral tricuspid annulus (Sa) and of the lateral mitral annulus (Sm), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). ResultsThere were significant (P<0.05) increases from T0 to T1 in MAP [mean (sd): from 56 (7) to 80 (9) mm Hg], LVEF [from 49 (13) to 56 (13)%], VTI [from 18 (5) to 20 (6) cm], Sm [from 10.8 (5.1) to 12.1 (5.0) cm s–1], TAPSE [from 1.8 (0.5) to 2.0 (0.5) cm], and Sa [from 13.0 (5.6) to 15.1 (6.4) cm s–1]. In the subgroup of 15 patients with LVEF ≤45%, significant increases in VTI [from 16 (8) to 18 (7) cm] and in LVEF [from 36 (7) to 44 (10)%] were observed. ConclusionsNorepinephrine administration during early resuscitation in patients with septic shock increased the cardiac systolic function despite the presumed increase in left ventricular afterload secondary to the increased arterial pressure. Whether such an effect persists over time remains to be evaluated. Clinical trial registrationNCT02750683.

Diabetes Mellitus and Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Diabetes mellitus is associated with left-sided myocardial remodeling in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Little is known about the impact of diabetes mellitus on right ventricular (RV) function in HFpEF. We therefore studied the relation between diabetes mellitus and RV dysfunction in HFpEF. We have examined patients with HFpEF who underwent simultaneous right-sided cardiac catheterization and echocardiography. RV systolic function was assessed using multiple established echocardiographic parameters, and systolic dysfunction was present if ≥2 parameters were outside the normal range. RV diastolic function was assessed using the peak diastolic tissue velocity of the lateral tricuspid annulus (RV e') and was present if <8.0 cm/s. Diabetes mellitus was defined as a documented history of diabetes, a fasting glucose level of ≥7.0 mmol/L, a positive glucose intolerance test result, or a glycated hemoglobin level of ≥6.5%. A total of 91 patients were studied (mean age 74 ± 9 years, 69% women). A total of 37% had RV systolic dysfunction and 23% RV diastolic dysfunction. Thirty-seven percent of the patients had type 2 diabetes mellitus. These patients had higher pulmonary artery pressure (34 mm Hg vs 29 mm Hg, p = 0.004), more RV systolic dysfunction (57% vs 29%, p = 0.009), more RV diastolic dysfunction (46% vs 12%, p = 0.001), and lower RV e' (8.7 cm/s vs 11.5 cm/s, p = 0.006). The presence of diabetes mellitus was independently associated with RV systolic dysfunction (odds ratio 2.84, 95% confidence interval 1.09 to 7.40, p = 0.03) and with RV diastolic dysfunction (odds ratio 4.33, 95% confidence interval 1.25 to 15.07, p = 0.02), after adjustment for age, gender, and pulmonary pressures. In conclusion, diabetes mellitus is strongly associated with RV systolic and diastolic dysfunctions in patients with HFpEF, independent of RV afterload.

Evaluation of right ventricular function in patients with complete right bundle branch block with normal structural heart

Background: The impact of a RBBB in cases with structural heart disease on cardiac function has been evaluated extensively. However, literature about the impact of an isolated complete RBBB without structural heart disease on cardiac function of the right ventricle is limited. Aim: To assess right ventricular function in patients with complete RBBB in normal structural heart patients Material and Methods: Hospital based observational study in 100 patients aged ? 18 years. Cases (50) consisted of patients with isolated complete right bundle branch blocks without structural heart disease while the control group consisted of 50 healthy adults. The diameter, end-diastolic area, end-systolic area, and right ventricular (RV) fractional area ,pulse wave tissue velocity at lateral tricuspid annulus ,TAPSE and E/A ratio were obtained to evaluate RV morphologic and systolic and diastolic function . Results : Although ,the measurements of RA area ,RV basal dimension , RV fractional area change ,TAPSE ,RIMP and S' at lateral tricuspid tissue annulus were in normal limits in block group but there was statistical significant difference in between the patients with blocks and controls(p <0.05 ) . The myocardial performance index (Tei index) of the lateral tricuspid tissue annulus was significantly increased. Chi square test and t test was applied to compare the same variable between the group and p value of ? .05 was considered statistically significant. Conclusions : In patients with isolated complete right bundle branch blocks, systolic and diastolic functions are impaired in the RV and follow-up is needed.

Postsystolic Shortening Is Associated with Altered Right Ventricular Function in Children after Tetralogy of Fallot Surgical Repair.

The aim of the study was to determine whether segmental interactions, as expressed by postsystolic shortening (PSS), affects RV mechanics and are connected with impaired systolic and diastolic function in rTOF children. Patients and Methods: 55 rTOF adolescent (study group), and 34 healthy volunteers (control group) were examined using classical Doppler flow (Doppler), Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) and Speckle Tracking Echocardiography (STE). PSS was found to occur when time to peak (TTP) was longer than pulmonary valve closure time (PVCT). TTP and strain were derived from RV lateral segments—basal (BL), medial (ML) and apical (AL) in STE. PVCT was measured from the beginning of QRS complex in the ECG to the termination of Doppler flow at the pulmonary valve. TDI was obtained at the lateral tricuspid annulus site and the systolic (S′), early (E′) and late diastolic (A’) peak velocities were measured along with isovolumic contraction (IVCT), and relaxation (IVRT) time. PW was used to measure early tricuspid inflow velocity (E) for calculating the E/E’ ratio. The TDI data in patients with PSS presence (TTP>PVCT) and those in whom it did not occur (TTP≤PVCT) were compared. Results: PSS in BL, ML and AL were observed respectively in: 27(51,9%), 9 (18%), and 8 (16,7%) patients. Mean values of TTP in BL, ML, and AL were respectively: 420.6±55.5ms, 389.8±50.0ms and 366.7±59.0ms. PVCT mean value was 396.6±33.5ms. In the study group, the mean E’ in TTP>PVCT was significantly lower (4.8±1.8 cm/s) compared to mean E’ in TTP≤PVCT (8.4±2.6 cm/s), p<0.01. The average E/E’ was significantly higher in TTP>PCVT than in TTP≤PVCT, respectively 21.6±7.3 vs 12.2±5.1, p<0.05. IVRT was significantly prolonged in TTP>PVCT compared to IVRT in TTP≤PVCT, respectively 95.9±38.7 vs 77.0±35.1, p<0.05. Furthermore, in TTP>PVCT, significantly higher strain in BL (-28.8±8.7%) was observed when compared to that parameter in TTP≤PVCT (-35.3±13.1%), p <0.05. Conclusions: Tissue Doppler Echocardiography and Speckle Tracking Echocardiography are useful techniques for detecting regional systolic and diastolic dysfunction in children after Tetralogy of Fallot surgical repair. Postsystolic shortening in the basal lateral segment is commonly seen in children after the Tetralogy of Fallot surgical repair, and is associated with altered right ventricular systolic and diastolic function.

Prognostic Value of RV Tissue Annular Velocity in Chronic Pulmonary Artery Hypertension

Background: Elevated afterload in chronic pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) leads to sequence of events resulting in right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy, dilatation and eventual RV dysfunction. In last two decades, great emphasis has been laid on the right ventricular function for the prognosis of PAH. Hence, RV functional assessment is essential for assessing prognosis and monitoring therapeutic interventions in PAH patient. The purpose of this study to evaluate the prognostic value of pulse wave tissue Doppler imaging (PW – TDI) in chronic PAH patients. Methods: Eighty five patients (85) with chronic pulmonary artery hypertension were analysed. Patients were divided into two groups according to pulmonary artery systolic pressure by 2-D echocardiography as follows: group A (n=56) included mild to moderate PAH with pulmonary artery systolic pressure less than 70 mm of mercury and group B (n=29) included severe pulmonary artery pressure with pulmonary artery systolic pressure of more than equal to 70 mm of mercury. RV dysfunction were present in 8.9 % (n=5) & 24.1 % (n=7) of patients in group A and B respectively (p = 0.01). Tricuspid annulus plain systolic excursion (TAPSE) were measured at tricuspid annulus in M mode and pulse wave tissue Doppler imaging (PW – TDI) were performed and early diastolic annular velocities were recorded at the septal and lateral tricuspid annulus in all patients. Patients were followed for six months. Results: The present study demonstrates an inverse correlation between right ventricular (RV) performance indices e.g., TAPSE, RVPW – TDI early diastolic annular velocity (E`) and systolic pulmonary artery pressure in both groups of PAH patients. TAPSE was 20.45 mm and 18.13 mm (p<0.05) whereas E` lateral annular velocity was 16.05 cm/sec and 13.33 cm/sec (p < 0.05) for group A and B patients respectively. Similarly, TAPSE was 15.9 mm and 10.2 mm (p<0.05) whereas E` lateral annular velocity was 20.6 cm/sec and 13.6 cm/sec (p < 0.05) for normal RV function and RV dysfunction patients respectively. Lower TAPSE and RV TDI early diastolic annular velocities had more re-hospitalization (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The measurement of TAPSE by M-mode and RV TDI early diastolic annular velocities is a non-invasive, effective, simple and reproducible method that correlated well with pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and right ventricular function.

Basics of Tissue Doppler Revisited

Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) records velocities of myocardial tissue. Routinely longitudinal velocities of medial and lateral mitral annulus and lateral tricuspid annulus are evaluated in apical four chamber view. Commonly recorded waves include isovolumic contraction wave, systolic wave, isovolumic relaxation wave, early diastolic wave, and late diastolic wave. TDI is useful in detection of subclinical systolic dysfunction and early diastolic dysfunction. It is useful in differentiating athlete's heart from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and pericardial constriction from restrictive cardiomyopathy.

Functional Assessment of Fetal Heart: Normative Data for Tissue Doppler Indices and Other Echocardiographic Parameters for Indian Population

Objective: To establish normative data for tissue Doppler indices and other parameters for ventricular function assessment in fetal imaging for the Indian population and to assess the variation of these parameters with gestational age. Materials and Methods: A prospective study involving 172 fetuses diagnosed as having normal cardiac structure and function. Mothers were advised for fetal echocardiography for several indications; however, mothers with diabetes (both gestational and pregestational), placental dysfunction, fetuses with intrauterine growth retardation, and multiple gestation were excluded as these could affect the fetal cardiac function despite a normal cardiac structure. Peak myocardial velocity was measured during systole (S'), early diastole (E'), and late diastole (A') using spectral tissue Doppler. Pulsed Doppler was used to measure the inflow early (E) and late (A) diastolic velocities and the diastolic filling period (DFP). M-mode was used to measure the tricuspid and mitral annular peak systolic excursion (TAPSE and MAPSE). Results: Normative data for tissue Doppler velocities and various other parameters for functional assessment of fetal heart were derived from the 172 normal fetuses. On tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), the mean values for the peak systolic and diastolic velocities at the lateral and medial mitral annulus and at the lateral tricuspid annulus and ratio of early and late diastolic velocity (E'/A') increased while the (E/E') ratio decreased with gestational age. Other parameters that increased with age are TAPSE, MAPSE, and the DFP at the tricuspid and mitral valves. The left and right ventricular myocardial performance index did not show any variation with gestation. Conclusion: TDI has already been documented as a useful technique in fetal cardiac imaging. The normative data so derived for various parameters can be used as a future reference. These parameters can prove very useful in fetal cardiac functional evaluation and detection of systolic or diastolic dysfunction at an early stage which may have long-term and prognostic implications.

Assessment of atrial conduction times in prediabetic patients with coronary artery disease.

Objective:Prediabetes is a dysglycemic state and is associated with subtle myocardial injury and dysfunction. We evaluated atrial conduction times (ACTs) and atrial electromechanical delays (EMDs) in prediabetic patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).Methods:In the present study, we recruited 128 consecutive patient candidates (40 euglycemic, 48 prediabetic, and 40 diabetic patients) for coro- nary artery bypass grafting. ACTs were measured using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). The time intervals between the beginning of the P wave in the surface electrocardiogram and the peak of the a¢ wave in TDI (PA) in the septal and lateral mitral annuli and the lateral tricuspid annulus were measured and termed as “septal PA,” “lateral PA,” and “right ventricular (RV) PA,” respectively. The differences between lateral and septal PA, septal and RV PA, and lateral and RV PA were termed as “left intra-atrial EMD,” “right intra-atrial EMD,” and “inter-atrial EMD” respectively.Results:Septal PA, lateral PA, RV PA, left and right intra-atrial EMDs, and inter-atrial EMD were not statistically different between these three groups. Furthermore, multivariable linear regression models, adjusted for potential confounders, showed that glycemic state was not associated with ACTs, left and right intra-atrial EMDs, and inter-atrial EMD.Conclusion:There were no significant differences between the euglycemic, prediabetic, and diabetic patients with CAD regarding ACTs and atrial EMDs.

Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Systolic Excursion and Fractional Shortening: Can These Echocardiographic Parameters be Used for the Assessment of Right Ventricular Function?

Background:Echocardiographic right ventricular (RV) function assessment is difficult and still a gray area despite rapid advancement of imaging modalities. The aim of this study is to assess the role of echocardiographic RV outflow tract (RVOT) function in the form of RVOT fractional shortening (RVOT FS) and RVOT systolic excursion (RVOT SE) for the assessment of RV function.Methods:We studied ninety individuals divided equally into two groups. The control group included 45 normal healthy individuals and age-matched patient group included 45 patients with RV dysfunction which was defined by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) <16 mm and RV fractional area change (RV FAC) ≤35%. Echocardiography was performed to measure RVOT FS and RVOT SE and correlate them with other parameters of RV function including TAPSE, RV FAC, peak systolic velocity of the lateral tricuspid annulus (S’) using pulsed tissue Doppler, and pulmonary acceleration time (PAcT).Results:RVOT FS showed positive correlation with TAPSE (r = 0.75, P = 0.02), RV FAC (r = 0.45, P = 0.003), and PAcT (r = 0.39, P = 0.00) and negative correlation with left atrial dimensions (LADs) (r = −0.359, P = 0.017) and left ventricular end-diastolic dimensions (r = −0.304, P = 0.042). RVOT FS <32% was 93% sensitive and 98% specific to identify patients with impaired RV function. However, RVOT SE showed weak correlation with echocardiographic RV parameters. RVOT SE <5 mm was 80% sensitive and 76% specific to identify patients with impaired RV function.Conclusion:RVOT FS is a simple valuable parameter that can be used for the assessment of RV function. However, RVOT SE is less accurate than RVOT FS in RV function assessment.

Early Results of the Modified Right Atrial Lesion Set for the Cox-CryoMaze Procedure.

The standard right atrial lesion (RAL) set, as originally outlined in the Cox-Maze III procedure, can be technically challenging when using a cryoprobe to create the lesions. We report our initial experience with an alternative set of RALs for the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Between September 2011 and January 2015, a total of 112 patients underwent a CryoMaze procedure with biatrial lesions using argon-based cryoablation (cryoprobe temperature, -160°C). Although the standard left atrial lesion set was used, the RAL pattern was modified in this cohort of patients. The intracaval superior vena cava-inferior vena cava lesion was performed as in the pattern described for the standard Cox-Maze III procedure. In addition, a horizontal atriotomy incision (the "T" lesion) in the mid free wall of the right atrium was based roughly in the midintercaval line and extended medially as a linear cryolesion to the lateral tricuspid annulus at the so-called 2-o'clock position as in the Cox-Maze III lesion pattern. Ordinarily, a linear cryolesion would be placed from the tip of the right atrial appendage (RAA) to the anterior tricuspid annulus at the so-called 10-o'clock position to prevent macro re-entry around the base of the RA appendage. Our modification consisted of, instead, a linear cryolesion directed perpendicularly from the mid portion of the atriotomy (T lesion) to the tip of the RA appendage, which simply interrupted RAA re-entry at another point. The mean ± standard deviation age was 72.7 ± 10.6 years, 56.3% were males, and 63.1% had long-standing persistent AF. There were three operative deaths (2.6% with an observed over expected of 0.58), all in the concomitant procedures with associated cardiac disease. Overall follow-up was 91.3%. Freedom from AF at discharge, 1-, 3-, 6-, 12-, 24-month, and last follow-up [16.1 ± 11.3 months (range, 0.4-43 months)], was 100%, 76.3%, 84.2%, 98.3%, 89.5%, 89.2%, and 90.5%, respectively. Similarly, freedom from antiarrhythmic drugs was 74% and 81%, whereas freedom from anticoagulants was 72% and 78% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. These results suggest the modified RAL set to be an effective alternative to the traditional RALs of Cox-Maze III. By substituting this lateral RAA lesion for the more technically difficult medial lesion, the procedure becomes easier to perform and favorably impacts operative time while achieving comparable results in reducing AF burden.