Comparison of several noninvasive methods for estimation of pulmonary artery pressure

Noninvasive estimation of pulmonary artery pressure is an important component of cardiac ultrasound studies. A number of methods are available for estimation of pulmonary pressure, each with varying degrees of reported accuracy. To assess feasibility and accuracy, noninvasive pulmonary artery pressure estimates were performed in infants and children at the time of catheterization. Patients were examined prospectively until there were 50 patients, in whom each of six methods for estimation of pulmonary pressure had been accomplished. All patients had tricuspid and pulmonary regurgitation of less than severe degree and no structural, flow, or electrocardiographic abnormality known to compromise the six methods. Systolic pressure was estimated by the Burstin method and also from peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity. Mean pressure was estimated by acceleration time divided by ejection time from waveforms obtained from the right ventricular outflow tract and main pulmonary artery. Diastolic pressure was estimated by systolic time intervals and from end-diastolic pulmonary regurgitation velocity. Noninvasive estimates were compared with simultaneous or nearly simultaneous catheterization measurements. For systolic pressure Burstin estimates were accomplished in 89% with high accuracy (r = 0.97). Tricuspid regurgitation velocities were recorded in 82%, also with high accuracy (r = 0.96). Waveforms for mean pressure estimation were recorded in 98% to 100% of patients. Those from the right ventricular outflow tract corresponded well with catheterization pressures (r = 0.94), whereas those recorded from the main pulmonary artery offered poor prediction of pulmonary pressure (r = 0.63). Systolic time interval measurements were accomplished in only 65% and did not correlate highly with catheterization (r = 0.84). Diastolic pressure estimates based on pulmonary regurgitation velocity were recorded in 98% of subjects with high accuracy (r = 0.96). Each method had advantages and disadvantages. The Burstin method was accurate but technically demanding and is reported to be limited by heart rate and significant right-sided regurgitation. Peak tricuspid velocities proved unexpectedly difficult to record in some patients but when successful, provided excellent prediction of pressure. Recording of waveforms for ratios of acceleration time to ejection time proved easy, but accuracy was high only for outflow tract waveforms. Peculiarities of main pulmonary artery flow may have led to poor accuracy for ratios measured from that site. For diastolic pressure estimation, systolic time interval records were the most difficult to obtain and did not provide useful accuracy. In contrast, pulmonary regurgitation velocities were easily obtained and provided high accuracy results. This is a selected pediatric series, evaluating methods in nearly ideal circumstances.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Echocardiographic features of primary pulmonary hypertension.

Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is essentially a diagnosis of exclusion and usually is made late because of the nonspecific nature of the early signs and symptoms. Echocardiography is a key screening test in the diagnostic algorithm of patients with suspected PPH. The purpose of this study was to define the echocardiographic Doppler features in patients with PPH at the time of diagnosis. From 1992 to 1997, 51 patients were diagnosed with PPH at our institution. All underwent a standardized transthoracic echocardiographic examination, including a contrast study and transthoracic echocardiographic examination if indicated. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure was calculated from the tricuspid regurgitation jet. The majority of patients had pulmonary artery systolic pressure greater than 60 mm Hg (96%) associated with systolic flattening of the interventricular septum (90%), enlarged right atrium (92%) and ventricle (98%), and reduced right ventricular systolic function (76%). There was an increase in the interventricular septal thickness (>1.2 cm) in 21 (43%) of 49 patients, accompanied by a septal/posterior wall ratio greater than 1.3 in 11 (22%) of 49. Although a reduction in both left ventricular systolic and diastolic volumes was noted, global left ventricular systolic function was preserved in all patients. Mitral E/A ratio was less than 0.7 in 7 (22%) patients studied. Color Doppler revealed moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation and pulmonic insufficiency in 41 (80%) of 51 and 16 (31%) of 51 of cases, respectively. Pericardial effusion (7 small and 1 moderate) and patent foramen ovale (n = 12) were also frequently detected. At the time of initial diagnosis, PPH is associated with secondary cardiac abnormalities in the majority of patients.     

风湿性二尖瓣狭窄患者右室收缩功能的定量组织速度成像评价

目的定量组织速度成像评价风湿性二尖瓣狭窄(MS)合并三尖瓣返流(TR)患者右室收缩功能及其影响因素。方法选择58例MS合并TR患者和30例正常人进行研究,测量右室收缩横径(RVD),应用定量组织速度成像(QTVI)测量右心室游离壁基底段收缩期峰值速度(Vs)。MS患者测量三尖瓣返流速度,估测肺动脉收缩压(PASP);PASP轻度升高(30~50mmHg)的患者为A组,PASP中重度升高(>50mmHg)的患者为B组。测量三尖瓣反流面积(TRA)与右房面积(RAA),计算TRA/RAA比值反映三尖瓣反流程度。结果与对照组相比较,A组、B组Vs测值降低(P<0.05,P<0.01),RVD测值增大(P<0.01,P<0.01)。B组较A组Vs测值降低(P<0.05),RVD、TRA/RAA增大(P<0.01,P<0.01)。Vs与PASP、RVD、TRA/RAA均呈负相关(r=-0.30,P<0.05;r=-0.28,P<0.05;r=-0.42,P<0.01)。结论MS患者存在右室收缩功能降低,右室功能与肺动脉压、右室径、三尖瓣反流密切相关。     

A rabbit model with acute thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension created with echocardiography guidance

A rabbit model of acute thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension was developed by infusing self-thrombi into the right femoral vein and simultaneously measuring the pulmonary artery pressure via a right heart catheter and echocardiography. The model was used to explore the usefulness of an ultrasound-guided protocol. In the present study, acute thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension was produced in 25 of 30 healthy New Zealand rabbits; the success rate was 83%. A significant and positive correlation between the right ventricle-right atrial pressure gradient, an estimate of the pulmonary artery systolic pressure derived from tricuspid regurgitation and the pulmonary artery systolic pressure measured using the right heart catheter (r=0.765, P=0.002) was noted. During the process of establishing a rabbit model of acute thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension, it was demonstrated that echocardiography can be used to guide the right heart catheter to obtain pulmonary artery systolic pressure measurements, to quantify the tricuspid regurgitation jet to assess the pulmonary artery systolic pressure and to observe cardiac morphologic changes so as to evaluate cardiac function. Based on the present study, it is clear that echocardiography is valuable in improving the success rate of producing the animal model of acute thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension. This could ultimately facilitate preclinical research and clinical research in humans.     

风湿性心脏病二尖瓣狭窄患者左心房功能对继发性三尖瓣反流的影响

目的探讨风湿性心脏病二尖瓣狭窄患者左心房大小及功能对继发性三尖瓣反流的影响。 方法选取2015年2月至2017年2月来阜外医院就诊的中度或重度风湿性心脏病二尖瓣狭窄患者67例，所有患者均行二尖瓣人工瓣膜置换手术，并于术前行超声心动图检查，均明确存在继发性三尖瓣反流。选取2016年于阜外医院就诊的门诊患者20例作为正常对照组，且均于就诊时行超声心动图检查。对研究组与正常对照组各项超声参数及左心房功能进行比较，对研究组左心房功能与三尖瓣结构及功能的相关性及继发性三尖瓣反流的影响因素进行分析。 结果研究组患者的三尖瓣瓣环直径指数与左心房面积变化率、排空分数及左心房平均应变呈强相关性（r=-0.65、-0.58和-0.59，P均<0.01）。肺动脉收缩压与左心房面积变化率、排空分数及左心房平均应变呈较强的负相关性（r=-0.60、-0.58和-0.59，P均<0.01）。Logistic多因素回归分析显示，三尖瓣瓣环直径指数、瓣叶闭合高度和肺动脉收缩压是影响术前继发性三尖瓣反流的相关因素（OR=1.916、2.382、1.059，95%CI：1.18~3.109、1.312~4.323、1.009~1.111，P均<0.05）。Logistic回归分析发现肺动脉收缩压、左心房面积变化率和左心房平均应变是影响三尖瓣瓣环增大的危险因素（OR=1.044、0.875、0.809，95%CI：1.002~1.088、0.761~0.964、0.656~0.997，P均<0.05）。 结论左心房扩大、功能减低参与了继发性三尖瓣反流的发生，左心房面积变化率和房壁平均应变减低会引发三尖瓣瓣环增大，从而导致三尖瓣反流的发生及加重。二维斑点追踪技术分析左心房应变可以提供更早期的左心房功能信息。     

Doppler-determined peak systolic tricuspid pressure gradient in persons with normal pulmonary function and tricuspid regurgitation.

The Doppler-estimated peak systolic tricuspid pressure gradient is the most reliable noninvasive method for the evaluation of pulmonary artery systolic pressure in patients with tricuspid regurgitation. Our goal was to evaluate the range of this gradient in healthy persons and determine a normal upper limit. We studied 53 healthy persons (34 women, 19 men; aged 14 to 55 years, mean 38.9 +/- 12.7 years) who did not smoke and who had an adequate Doppler signal of tricuspid regurgitation. The presence of pulmonary or cardiac disorders was excluded by a review of the subject's medical history in addition to physical examination, spirometry, arterial blood gasses determination, electrocardiography, chest x-ray examination, and rest echocardiography. Tricuspid gradient ranged from 12.6 to 29. 3 mm Hg (mean 19.3 +/- 4.0); 35.8% of patients had values higher than 20 mm Hg. In conclusion, a tricuspid gradient of 30 mm Hg may be considered as the upper normal limit. The different approaches for estimating mean right atrial pressure are also discussed.     

组织多普勒Tei指数评价新生儿持续性肺动脉高压的右室功能

目的探讨应用脉冲波组织多普勒显像技术所测Tei指数评价新生儿持续性肺动脉高压的右室功能。方法测量32例持续性肺动脉高压的新生儿及20例健康新生儿的右心常规超声指标,同时记录三尖瓣环的脉冲波组织多普勒显像技术频谱图,测量相关时间间期,并计算出Tei指数。结果新生儿持续性肺动脉高压组所测Tei指数明显增大,与正常组有显著性差异(P<0.05)。持续性肺动脉高压的患儿各组间Tei指数无显著性差异(P>0.05)。单因素直线相关性分析:正常组与新生儿持续性肺动脉高压组中Tei指数与孕周、日龄、心率均无相关性(P>0.05)。患儿组中Tei指数与肺动脉收缩压呈正相关性(r=0.45,P<0.05)。结论采用脉冲波组织多普勒显像技术所测Tei指数方法简便,可重复性好,而且不受孕周、日龄、心率的影响,可以较敏感地定量反映新生儿持续性肺动脉高压的右室功能变化。     

Doppler echocardiographic index for assessment of global right ventricular function

Echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular function remains difficult and challenging. However, there is considerable clinical need for a simple, reproducible, and reliable parameter of right ventricular function in patients with right-sided heart disease. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical value of a Doppler-derived index, combining systolic and diastolic intervals of the right cycle, in assessing global right ventricular function in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension. The study population comprised 26 consecutive patients with primary pulmonary hypertension and 37 age-matched normal subjects. The sum of right ventricular isovolumetric contraction time and isovolumetric relaxation time was obtained by subtracting right ventricular ejection time from the interval between cessation and onset of the tricuspid inflow velocities with pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiography. An index of combined right ventricular systolic and diastolic function was obtained by dividing the sum of both isovolumetric intervals by ejection time. The index was compared with available parameters of systolic or diastolic function, clinical symptoms, and survival. Right ventricular isovolumetric contraction time and isovolumetric relaxation time were prolonged significantly in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension (85 ± 41 msec and 135 ± 43 msec) compared with normal subjects (38 ± 7 msec and 49 ± 9 msec, respectively; p < 0.001). Ejection time was shortened significantly in patients with pulmonary hypertension (241 ± 43 msec versus normal [322 ± 21 msec]; p < 0.001). However, the index was the single most powerful variable to discriminate patients with primary pulmonary hypertension from normal subjects (0.93 ± 0.34 versus 0.28 ± 0.04; p < 0.001) and was the strongest predictor of clinical status and survival. The index was not significantly affected by heart rate, right ventricular pressure, right ventricular dilation, or tricuspid regurgitation. It is well known that right ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction coexist in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension. This article reports the use of an easily obtainable Doppler-derived index that combines elements of systolic and diastolic function. This index appears to be a useful noninvasive means that correlates with symptoms and survival in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension.     

斑点追踪技术评价肺动脉高压患者右心室形态及收缩功能的研究

目的：应用二维斑点追踪成像技术评价肺动脉高压患者右心室收缩功能,并与实时三维超声心动图进行对比研究。方法肺动脉高压患者31例,正常对照组33例,常规超声心动图测量各房室腔的大小、右心室游离壁厚度;二维斑点追踪成像技术获得右心室各个节段纵向应变、应变率及运动速度;应用实时三维超声心动图测量右心室射血分数。结果与对照组相比,肺动脉高压组右心室游离壁、室间隔基底段及中间段收缩期峰值运动速度较正常对照组减低（P〈0.05）;右心室各段收缩期应变除了心尖段外,其余各段较对照组减低（P〈0.05）;右心室应变率除室间隔侧心尖段外,其余各段差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;右心室游离壁、室间隔收缩期峰值纵向应变平均值与肺动脉收缩压、三件瓣环收缩期位移、右心室射血分数有较好的相关性（P〈0.01）。结论斑点追踪成像技术各参数与多普勒超声心动图、三维超声心动图测量肺动脉收缩压及射血分数呈较好的相关性,为临床提供了一种新的方法评价肺动脉高压患者右心室收缩功能。     

肺移植术后早期心脏结构和功能的变化

目的 分析肺移植术后早期心脏结构和功能变化,探讨其与患者术后肺动脉压力降低之间的关系。方法 回顾性分析2002-2010年无锡市人民医院行肺移植手术90例,术前及术后超声心动图资料完整者20例患者的临床资料。对比分析术前及术后超声心动图的变化。应用Pearson直线相关分析判断术后早期心脏结构及功能的变化与肺动脉收缩期压力下降之间的关系。结果 术后肺动脉收缩期压力[(38.30±8.92)mmHg]较术前[(60.05±29.10)mm Hg]明显降低(t=3.120,P=0.006);术后右心室内径较术前明显缩小(t =36.000,P=0.008);三尖瓣及肺动脉瓣返流程度明显减轻(t=57.000、t=66.000,P均＜0.05)。术后左心房内径、左心室舒张末期内径[(35.15±5.73) mm和(43.25±5.56)mm]均较术前[(32.40±7.29)mm和(40.15±6.20) mm]明显扩大(t=-2.384和t=-2.153,P均＜0.05)。虽然术后每搏输出量[(59.54±14.97) ml)]较术前[(44.18±15.85) ml]明显增加(t=-3.918,P=0.004),但术后左心室射血分数(63.10±8.48)％较术前(71.75±8.10)％明显下降(t =3.742,P=0.001)。Pearson直线相关分析可见肺移植术后肺动脉收缩压降低程度越大,术后左心房内径、左心室舒张末期内径增加幅度及术后左心室射血分数降低幅度越大(相关系数分别为0.642、0.737、0.448,P均＜0.05)。结论 肺移植术后早期右心结构正常化,右心功能改善,左心扩大,心搏出量增加,但左心室收缩功能降低,这些变化与肺动脉收缩期压力降低有一定关系。     

超声心动图急性肺栓塞溶栓治疗的评估

目的应用超声心动图技术观察急性肺栓塞患者溶栓抗凝治疗前后肺动脉栓子、右心结构及收缩功能的改变。方法前瞻性非随机对照研究,对2002年12月至2006年4月间经肺动脉CT或肺血管造影证实的30例急性肺栓塞患者行溶栓治疗,应用经胸超声心动图观察治疗前、治疗后24～30h、1个月的肺动脉栓子、主肺动脉及其分支内径、右房室内径,右室前壁运动幅度、右室舒张末期容积、右室射血分数,三尖瓣返流、肺动脉收缩压等指标。结果30例急性肺动脉栓塞患者溶栓治疗24～30h后右房室结构明显改善,表现为右房长径及横径、右室前后径及横径、主肺及右肺动脉内径、右室舒张末期容积与治疗前比较明显回缩(P<0.01),右室前壁运动幅度、右室射血分数有所增加(P<0.01),肺动脉收缩压明显下降(P<0.01);治疗后1个月后右房室大小、主肺及右肺动脉内径、右室舒张末期容积、右室前壁运动幅度及肺动脉收缩压等仍有恢复(P<0.05或P<0.01)。5例患者主肺动脉和/或右、左肺动脉内检出栓子,溶栓后栓子逐渐消失。结论超声心动图可动态、实时、无创评价急性肺动脉栓塞溶栓治疗效果,尤对血栓的溶解、右房室结构、右室超负荷及肺动脉高压的变化有独到的价值。     

实时三维超声心动图评价肺动脉高压患者右心室整体和节段收缩功能

目的 应用实时三维超声心动图(real-time three-dimensional,RT-3DE)探讨肺动脉高压(pulmonary hypertension,PH)患者右心室整体和节段收缩功能的特征。方法 入选PH患者30例和健康对照者27例,采集心尖四腔观以右心室为主的全容积图像,使用TomTec软件定量分析获得右心室整体和流入道部、体部、流出道部3个节段的舒张末容积(EDV)、收缩末容积(ESV)、每博输出量(SV)和射血分数(EF),分析三维超声参数的组间差异及其与常规超声心动图参数的相关性。结果 PH组右心室整体及各节段局部EDV和ESV较正常对照组升高（均P＜0.05）,右心室整体和节段EF较正常对照组降低(均P ＜0.05)。右心室流入道节段EDV、SV及EF显著高于流出道和体部（均P＜0.05),右心室整体EF低于流入道节段而高于流出道和体部（均P ＜0.05)。PH组右心室整体和流入道节段EF与肺动脉收缩压及三尖瓣反流最大速度与肺动脉口血流时间速度积分比值呈显著负性相关（r= -0.611、-0.576,P＜0.001、P=0.001及r=-0.772、-0.721,P=0.002、P＜0.001）。结论PH患者右心室容积增大,右心室整体和节段收缩功能减退,右心室整体和节段收缩功能受损的程度与右心室后负荷增高程度密切相关。     

组织多普勒成像测量三尖瓣环等容收缩期峰值速度在评价肺高压患者右心功能中的应用

目的探讨组织多普勒成像（TDI）技术测量三尖瓣环等容收缩期峰值速度（IVCv）评价肺动脉高压（PH）患者右心功能的可行性和临床价值。方法对41例疑诊PH患者采用组织多普勒测量IVCv,同时超声检测右心收缩功能常用参数：右心室侧壁三尖瓣环平面位移（TAPsE）、右心室侧壁三尖瓣环收缩期峰值运动速度（PSv）、右心室面积变化率（RVFCA）。另外,右心导管（RHC）检测肺动脉压力。根据肺动脉收缩压（PASP）将患者分为无PH组,轻度PH组,中度PH组,重度PH组4组,比较各组之间IVCv是否存在差异,受试者操作特性（ROC）曲线分析IVCv对右心功能评价的敏感度和特异度,以及IVCv与常用右心收缩功能参数和肺动脉压力的相关性。结果IVCv与TAPSE、PSv、RVFAC呈正相关,r值分别为0．341、0．714、0．557,P值均〈O．001。IVCv与PASP呈负相关,,值为一O．739,P〈0．05。无PH组、轻度PH组、中度PH组、重度PH组的IVCv分别为（13．83±3．56）cm／s、（10．11±1．36）cm／s、（8．70±2．21）cm／s、（5．80±1．03）cm／s。重度PH组IVCv显著低于中度、轻度及无PH组（P值均〈0．05）,无PH组IVCv显著高于轻度、中度PH组（P值均〈0．01）;轻度PH组与中度PH组IVCv差异无统计学意义（尸〉0．05）。以常用的超声心动图评估右心室收缩功能参数的低限（TAPSE〈16mm,PSv〈10crn／s,RVFA〈35％）为标准,选用IVCv〈6．5cm／s作为阈值,诊断右心室收缩功能减低的敏感度分别是91％、96％、87％,特异度分别是70％、53％、77％。结论组织多普勒测量三尖瓣环等容收缩期峰值速度是一项较新、能客观反映右心室收缩功能的参数,值得进一步研究应用。     

超声心动图评价高血压患者右室重构与右室功能的研究

目的 探讨超声心动图评价高血压右室重构及右室功能的临床价值.方法 高血压患者62例,按左室重量指数分为无左室肥厚组(A组,33例)和左室肥厚组(B组,29例).对照组为28例健康者.二维超声测量右室前壁厚度(RVAWTd)、右室舒张期内径(RVEDd);三尖瓣反流法估测肺动脉收缩压(PASP);脉冲组织多普勒成像技术(PW-TDI)测量三尖瓣环心肌运动收缩期峰值速度(Sm)、舒张早期峰值速度(Em)、舒张晚期峰值速度(Am)和S峰速度时间积分(Sm-VTI),分别采用PW-TDI与脉冲多普勒测量右室Tei指数.结果 与对照组比较,A、B组Em和Em/Am下降,Am和Tei指数升高(均P＜0.01);与A组比较, B组Em、Em/Am、Sm下降,Am、Tei指数、RVAWTd及PASP升高(P＜0.05,P＜0.0 1).两种方法所测Tei指数存在相关性:对照组(r＝0.78,P＜0.01),高血压组(r＝0.72,P＜0.01).结论 高血压患者右室功能减低,在左室肥厚同时可发生右室重构并进一步影响右室功能,TDI测定右室Tei指数能简便有效评价高血压右室功能.     

二维斑点追踪技术评估超重及肥胖女性妊娠期胎儿心室收缩功能的研究

目的应用二维斑点追踪技术评价超重及肥胖女性妊娠期胎儿心室收缩功能。 方法选取空军军医大学唐都医院2019年6月至2020年3月单胎妊娠的孕妇80例,所有孕妇均于孕24周行常规胎儿超声心动图及二维斑点追踪成像检查。依据孕前体质量指数（BMI）将研究对象分为正常对照组30例、超重组27例和肥胖组23例。采用常规超声心动图及二维斑点追踪技术,对各组胎儿心脏结构、常规心室舒张及收缩功能指标、全心整体球形指数（GSI）以及左、右心室心内膜整体纵向应变（GLS）和右心室游离壁应变（FWSt）进行评价及比较分析。 结果肥胖组、超重组与正常对照组的胎儿左、右房室横径,心脏面积,心胸面积比及四腔心横径、长径,GSI比较,差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）。各组胎儿二、三尖瓣口血流E/A值及瓣环运动速度e/a值差异均无统计学意义,肥胖组二、三尖瓣瓣环收缩期运动速度s较正常对照组及超重组均降低,差异均有统计学意义（P均＜0.05）。各组胎儿左心室射血分数,左、右心室面积变化率,二尖瓣环收缩期位移及三尖瓣环收缩期位移比较,差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）。左、右心室GLS,及右心室FWSt在正常对照组、超重组、肥胖组均依次逐渐减低,组间差异均有统计学意义（P均＜0.05）。 结论超重女性妊娠可能会使胎儿心肌功能发生改变,左、右心室纵向应变各参数指标可以较好地反映超重及肥胖女性妊娠所引起的胎儿心肌收缩功能改变,有利于孕期随访观察及指导孕妇体重管理。     

Tei指数对成人房间隔缺损封堵术后右室功能变化的评价

目的探讨右室Tei指数评价成人房间隔缺损封堵术后右室功能变化的应用价值。方法24例成人房间隔缺损（ASD）患者,常规超声心动图检查,并计算右室Tei指数;根据三尖瓣反流估测肺动脉收缩压;并于术后1d、1个月、3个月、6个月复查上述检查。结果24例患者术后右心变小,肺动脉压降低,主肺动脉血流速度降低,左室长轴切面右室径／左室径之比变小。术后1d Tei指数轻度升高,1个月左右上升到最大值,与术前比较,P〈0．05;术后6个月Tei指数降低,与术前比较,P〈0．05。结论Tei指数可用以评价成人ASD封堵术后右室功能的改善状况。     

Circulatory failure in acute pulmonary embolism

Circulatory failure occurs in about 10% of patients with pulmonary embolism, resulting from a massive obstruction of the pulmonary arterial bed. Hemodynamic and respiratory features are well established; they involve precapillary pulmonary hypertension, low cardiac output state, elevated filling pressure for the right ventricle, and venous admixture. More recently, two-dimensional echocardiography permitted the visualization of pulmonary artery and right heart enlargement, reduced right ventricular ejection fraction, and tricuspid regurgitation. Evaluated by this latter means, left ventricular systolic function appeared unchanged, but diastolic function might be reduced by septal bulging.     

二维及多普勒超声心动图诊断原发性肺动脉高压

应用二维及多普勒超声心动图首诊８例原发性肺动脉高压（ＰＰＨ）患者，并经心导管等检查证实，ＰＰＨ超声表现为右房、右室扩大，右室壁肥厚，肺动脉扩张，室间隔形态异常，心内间隔连续性好，肺动脉血流频谱形态及收缩时间间期变化、肺动脉瓣返流及高速三尖瓣返流等征象。认为室间隔形态异常和通过三尖瓣返流压差法来间接估计肺动脉压是一种简便可行的方法。虽然ＰＰＨ缺乏特异性超声表现，但结合临床分析，超声检查可以提出ＰＰＨ     

Association between myocardial right ventricular relaxation time and pulmonary arterial pressure in chronic obstructive lung disease: analysis by pulsed Doppler tissue imaging.

This study assessed right ventricular function in chronic obstructive lung disease and pulmonary hypertension by Doppler tissue imaging. Doppler echocardiography of the right ventricle and Doppler tissue imaging of the tricuspid annulus were performed in 63 subjects: 20 healthy controls, 20 with lung disease, and 23 with both lung disease and pulmonary hypertension. Two-dimensional tricuspid systolic plane excursion was lower in patients with pulmonary hypertension than in the other 2 groups. Doppler tricuspid inflow measurements distinguished patients in both of the diseased groups from the control subjects, but they did not differentiate patients with pulmonary hypertension from those without it. The ratio of peak E-wave to peak A-wave velocities derived by Doppler tissue imaging was significantly lower and the myocardial acceleration time longer in both groups of lung disease than in the control group. Only myocardial relaxation time distinguished the 3 groups (all P <.01); a gradual increase in time occurred, with the shortest time seen in controls, a longer time in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease without pulmonary hypertension, and the longest time in patients with lung disease and pulmonary hypertension. In the overall population including subjects with at least minimal tricuspid regurgitation, myocardial relaxation time was positively related to pulmonary systolic pressure. In conclusion, Doppler tissue imaging distinguishes subsets of patients affected by lung disease with or without pulmonary hypertension and identifies patients with different levels of pulmonary artery systolic pressure.     

Right ventricular infarction: recognition and assessment of its hemodynamic significance by two-dimensional echocardiography

To evaluate the ability of two-dimensional echocardiographic indexes to determine the hemodynamic significance of the right ventricular infarction, 24 patients with electrocardiographic evidence of right ventricular infarction were studied. Hemodynamic significance was defined as a jugular venous pressure greater than 17 cm H2O or a right atrial pressure greater than 13 mm Hg. Patients with hemodynamically significant right ventricular infarctions (group I, n = 9) had a 56% incidence of hypotension (blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg) with a mean systolic blood pressure of 93 +/- 23 mm Hg, whereas patients with nonhemodynamically significant right ventricular infarctions (group II, n = 15) had no hypotension and a mean systolic blood pressure of 121 +/- 18 mm Hg (p less than 0.01). The ratio of right atrial to pulmonary capillary wedge pressure was 1.1 +/- 0.6 in group I and 0.6 +/- 0.2 in group II (p less than 0.05). Echocardiography demonstrated right ventricular free wall motion abnormalities in seven patients in group I and in 10 patients in group II. The descent of the right ventricular base was 0.7 +/- 0.2 cm in group I, 1.3 +/- 0.4 cm in group II, and 2.0 +/- 0.2 cm in a group of 20 normal control patients (p less than 0.001 for all comparisons). The respiratory caval index (percentage of collapse of the inferior vena cava with inspiration) was 22% +/- 11% in group I, 45% +/- 15% in group II, and 64% +/- 17% in the control subjects (p less than 0.05 for all comparisons).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)