Evaluation of exercise capacity with cardiopulmonary exercise testing and type B natriuretic peptide concentrations in adult patients with patent atrial septal defect

Adults with patent atrial septal defect (ASD) usually find their exercise capacity satisfactory, and therefore hesitate to accept proposed surgical treatment of the heart disease. The aim of our study was to evaluate both the exercise capacity, using the cardio-pulmonary stress test, and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in asymptomatic adults with ASD. Thirty-six patients with patent secundum type ASD (aged mean 44.7 +/- 8.2 years) were studied. The control group consisted of 25 healthy subjects at the mean age of 45.6 +/- 6.1 years. Echocardiography and CPST were performed and BNP levels measured in all subjects. Oxygen uptake (VO2 max) was lower in ASD patients than in controls (22.1 +/- 5.6 vs. 30.0 +/- 6.8 ml/kg/min, p = 0.00001); the VE/VO2 slope was elevated in ASD patients compared with healthy subjects (31.3 +/- 6.6 vs. 26.9 +/- 3.3, p = 0.001), and exceeded 34 in 5 patients. VO2 max showed a negative correlation with the pulmonary to systemic flow ratio Qp:Qs (r = -0.46, p = 0.004), and a positive correlation was found between the VE/VO2 slope and Qp:Qs (r = 0.32, p = 0.05). BNP levels were higher in the ASD group than in the controls (60.6 +/- 49.9 vs. 32.6 +/- 24.5 pg/ml, p = 0.02). BNP correlated positively with RV diameter and Qp:Qs (r = 0.38 and 0.39 respectively, p = 0.03) and negatively with maximum VO2 (r = -0.5, p = 0.004) and VO2% (r = -0.32, p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Although most adult patients with ASD perceive their exercise capacity as satisfactory, objective assessment reveals that in fact it is significantly decreased. BNP levels are increased comparing to healthy individuals. Decreased exercise capacity and increased BNP levels seem to result from right ventricular volume overload.     

Transatrial septal velocity measurement by Doppler echocardiography in atrial septal defect: correlation with Qp:Qs ratio

Right atrial velocities measured perpendicular to the atrial septum by Doppler echocardiography in patients with atrial septal defects (ASD) have a discernible morphology that may bear a relation to shunt magnitude. The integral of the right atrial Doppler waveform was compared with shunt magnitude measured at cardiac catheterization or nuclear shunt scan in 17 ASD patients. For control subjects, the mean right atrial velocity was 15 +/- 4 cm/s (+/- standard deviation) and that for ASD patients was 41 +/- 11 cm/s (p less than 0.001). Doppler pulmonary-to-systemic flow ratio (Qp:Qs) correlated with catheterization Qp:Qs ratio (n = 9, r = 0.85, SEE = 0.27) and with nuclear Qp:Qs ratios (n = 8, r = 0.60, SEE = 0.51). Mean transatrial septal velocity in ASD patients correlated with catheterization Qp:Qs ratio (n = 9, r = 0.8, SEE = 6.0) and with simultaneous Doppler Qp:Qs ratio (n = 16, r = 0.89, SEE = 4.9, y = 16.2 +/- 8.3). Although Qp:Qs ratio can be approximated by measuring pulmonary and systemic flow by Doppler echocardiography in many ASD patients, this newly described method allows estimation of Qp:Qs ratio. It is useful when these more conventional measurements cannot be performed because of turbulence or when inadequate imaging prevents Doppler pulmonary to systemic flow measurement.     

Usefulness of echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular and pulmonary trunk size for estimating magnitude of left-to-right shunt in children with atrial septal defect

M-mode and 2-dimensional echocardiographic studies were performed in 42 patients, aged 1 to 16 years (mean 6), with a secundum or sinus venosus type atrial septal defect (ASD) and normal pulmonary artery pressure. Twenty normal children served as a control group. In patients with ASD the echocardiographic variables were correlated with the magnitude of the left-to-right shunt (Qp/Qs) calculated by the Fick principle. Although M-mode echocardiograms showed increased right ventricular (RV) dimension in 69% of the patients, the correlation between RV dimension index (RV dimension/body surface area) and Qp/Qs was weak (r = 0.49). When RV dimension was related to left ventricular (LV) dimension and expressed by the RV/LV ratio, 90% of the patients were found to have an abnormally large right ventricle. The correlation between the RV/LV ratio and Qp/Qs was fairly good (r = 0.64). In 33 patients (78%), the pulmonary trunk (PT) was adequately visualized and measured on 2-dimensional echocardiograms. The dimension of the PT was related to the aortic root dimension and expressed by the PT dimension/aortic dimension ratio. This ratio was 0.99 ± 0.06 in normal children and 1.35 ± 0.23 in patients with ASD (p <0.001). The PT/aortic ratio exceeded the upper limit of normal (the normal mean value + 2 standard deviations) in each of the 27 patients with a Qp/Qs of 1.5 or greater. In 5 of the 6 patients with a Qp/Qs of less than 1.5 the PT/aortic ratio was close to 1 and within the normal range. An excellent correlation (r = 0.89) was found between the PT/aortic ratio and Qp/Qs. The echocardlographic determination of the RV/LV ratio and particularly the PT/aortic ratio is therefore useful in the noninvasive estimation of the left-to-right shunt in ASD.     

B-type natriuretic peptide in paediatric patients with congenital heart disease.

AIMS: To examine the diagnostic value of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) plasma concentration in congenital heart disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: BNP was measured in 288 consecutive patients (mean age 6.0 +/- 6.4 years) with left-to-right shunt, left or right heart obstruction, tetralogy of Fallot, functionally univentricular heart, or impaired left ventricular function and compared with age- and gender-specific normal values, and to haemodynamic and echocardiographic data. BNP increased with decreasing left ventricular shortening fraction (r = -0.80; P < 0.001). In patients with left-to-right shunt, BNP was increased (mean SDS +1.64; P < 0.001) and positively correlated (P < 0.001) to shunt volume (r = 0.66), systolic right ventricular pressure (r = 0.69), mean pressure of the pulmonary artery (r = 0.66), and pulmonary resistance (r = 0.59). There was no correlation between BNP and invasive pressure gradient or extent of ventricular hypertrophy in patients with left or right heart obstruction. In patients with tetralogy of Fallot, BNP was not significantly increased. Patients with functionally univentricular heart had elevated BNP plasma levels (mean SDS +1.39; P < 0.001) without decrease after volume unloading by cavopulmonary connection. CONCLUSION: In children with congenital heart defects, plasma BNP correlates closely to ventricular function. BNP plasma levels do not reflect directly the extent of ventricular pressure or volume work, but mirror the impairment of the loaded ventricles. Normal BNP cannot exclude pathology, but reflects a compensated status of the heart.     

Quantitative, non-invasive assessment of ventricular septal defect shunt flow by measuring proximal isovelocity surface area on colour Doppler mapping.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) method could be applied to estimate the magnitude of ventricular septal defect (VSD) shunt flow. DESIGN: Prospective analysis of clinical, echocardiographic, and angiographic data. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: 14 children with VSD. METHODS: Colour Doppler images of VSD shunt flow were obtained in parasternal long axis view, four chamber view or both, adjusted to provide the best imaging of flow. The VSD shunt flow rate and shunt volume were calculated as follows: shunt flow rate (SFR) = 2 pi r2 V/BSA in ml/s/m2; shunt volume = SFR x shunt duration time. The shunt volume, shunt fraction, and pulmonary to systemic flow ratio (Qp:Qs) were confirmed by cardiac catheterisation. RESULTS: There was a correlation between shunt variables determined by PISA and those by catheterisation, including shunt volume (r = 0.78, P = 0.001) and shunt fraction (r = 0.74, P = 0.003). Qp:Qs was also significantly correlated with SFR (r = 0.79, P = 0.0007). The SFR was significantly different between the four patients with Qp:Qs < 2.0 (mean (SD) 54 (33) ml/s/m2) and the 10 patients with Qp:Qs > 2.0 (186 (69) ml/s/m2) (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the PISA method is a reliable non-invasive investigation for the quantitative assessment of VSD shunt flow and provides important information for decisions regarding surgical repair.     

Atrial septal defect in adults: the influence of age and haemodynamic parameters on the results of surgical repair

INTRODUCTION: Indications for closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) are well established in children but still unclear in adult patients. There is also a discrepancy regarding the natural history of the defect and benefits of ASD closure and long-term prognosis. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome of surgical closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) with respect to age and selected haemodynamic parameters. METHODS: The study involved 52 patients with ASD, aged 38.6+/-15 years. All patients had a clinical examination, echocardiography, Holter ECG monitoring and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX) prior to and at least one year after the surgery. The results were analysed for the entire group of patients and then for the following subgroups of pts.: aged <40 and ?40 years; with right ventricular systolic blood pressure (RVSP) < or =30 and >30 mmHg; and with shunt volume ratio (Qp/Qs) <2.5 and > or =2.5. RESULTS: After repair of ASD, a significant improvement of the clinical status, as defined by NYHA class, was observed. At the same time, a constant or even increased incidence of arrhythmias was found. Repair of the defect resulted in a significant reduction of the right ventricular diameters in all studied subgroups. Among all evaluated parameters, only age at time of the operation was significantly associated with right ventricular diameter after surgery (b=0.598; p <0.001). Exercise capacity was found to have significantly increased after surgery, regardless of age, RVSP and Qp/Qs, but it remained significantly reduced in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension compared to subjects with normal RVSP before ASD repair. A significant correlation was shown between peak oxygen consumption and RVSP both before (r=-0.68; p <0.001) and after (r=-0.38; p=0.01) surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Patients benefit from surgical closure of ASD regardless of age and previous RVSP and Qp/Qs. Age at the time of surgery and pulmonary arterial pressure determine long-term results and improvement of echocardiographic and ETT parameters.     

Evaluation of P wave duration and P wave dispersion in adult patients with secundum atrial septal defect during normal sinus rhythm

BACKGROUND: Paroxysmal atrial arrhythmias especially atrial fibrillation (AF) are frequently encountered in adult patients with atrial septal defect (ASD). Previously it was shown that maximum P wave duration and P wave dispersion in 12-lead surface electrocardiograms are significantly increased in individuals with a history of paroxysmal AF. The aim of this study was to determine whether P maximum and P dispersion in adult patients with ASD and without AF are increased as compared to healthy controls. In addition, the relationship of pulmonary to systemic flow ratio (Qp/Qs) and these P wave indices were investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty-two consecutive patients [39 women, 23 men; mean age 33+/-13 years (range 16 to 61 years)] with ostium secundum type ASD and 47 healthy subjects [25 women, 22 men; mean age 36.6+/-9.5 years (range 18 to 50 years)] were investigated. P maximum, P minimum and P dispersion (maximum minus minimum P wave duration) were measured from the 12-lead surface ECG. There were no significant differences with respect to age (P=0.08), gender (P=0.3), heart rate (P=0.3), left atrial diameter (P=0.5) and left ventricular ejection fraction (P=0.3) between patients and controls. Pulmonary artery peak systolic pressure was significantly higher in patients with ASD as compared to controls (P<0.0001). P maximum was significantly longer in patients with ASD as compared to controls (P<0.0001). In addition, P dispersion of the patients was significantly higher than controls (P=0.001). P minimum was not different between groups (P=0.12). Mean Qp/Qs of the patients with ASD was 2.5+/-0.7 (minimum 1.5; maximum 4.1) and found to be significantly correlated with P maximum (r=0.34; P=0.006) and P dispersion (r=0.61; P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Prolongation of P maximum and increased P dispersion could represent mechanical and electrical changes of atrial myocardium in patients with ASD. These changes of atrial myocardium may be more prominent with higher left to right shunt volumes.     

Clinical and echocardiographic correlates of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with aortic valve stenosis and normal left ventricular ejection fraction

Background: Several studies suggest that BNP testing may help define the timing of aortic valve surgery in patients with aortic valve stenosis (AVS) prior onset of overt LV systolic dysfunction. The aim of this study was to identify clinical and echocardiographic correlates of plasma BNP levels in a large cohort of patients with AVS and preserved LV ejection fraction. Method and results: One hundred thirty‐five consecutive patients were prospectively included in the present study (Mean age 73 ± 13 years old, 66 (49%) male). Eighty‐nine patients (66%) had severe AVS (aortic valve area <0.6 cm²/m² BSA). Plasma BNP levels, clinical and comprehensive Doppler echocardiography evaluation was performed in all patients. Independent clinical correlates of plasma BNP levels (R²= 0.19) were older age (P < 0.0001) and presence of AVS symptoms (P = 0.004). Independent echocardiographic correlates of plasma BNP levels (R²= 0.38) were E/Ea ratio (P = 0.01), LV mass index (P = 0.018), left atrial surface (P < 0.0001) and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP; P = 0.004). Overall, independent correlates of plasma BNP levels (R²= 0.47) were older age (P = 0.001), known coronary artery disease (P = 0.047), increased LV mass index (P = 0.001), left atrial enlargement (P = 0.002), and increased sPAP (P = 0.003). Conclusions: In patients with AVS and normal LV ejection fraction, plasma BNP predominantly reflects the clinical and echocardiographic consequences of afterload burden imposed on the left ventricle rather than the severity of valve stenosis, per se. (Echocardiography 2011;28:695‐702)     

Determinants of cardiopulmonary functional improvement after transcatheter atrial septal defect closure in asymptomatic adults

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the course of cardiopulmonary function after transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure and to identify the physiopathologic mechanisms leading to this change. BACKGROUND: Conflicting reports exist on cardiopulmonary functional improvement in asymptomatic adults after transcatheter closure of a secundum ASD. METHODS: Thirty-two consecutive adults (13 males; age 42.6 +/- 16.7 years) underwent maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing and transthoracic echocardiography both on the day before and six months after transcatheter ASD closure. Mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary to systemic flow ratio (Qp/Qs), and ASD diameter were measured before closure. RESULTS: Peak oxygen uptake (Vo(2)) (p < 0.001), peak oxygen pulse (p = 0.0027), and vital capacity (p = 0.0086) improved after ASD closure, although peak heart rate did not. A significant correlation was found between peak Vo(2) improvements and Qp/Qs (p = 0.0013). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p < 0.0001) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (p < 0.0001) significantly increased after six months, although left ventricular end-systolic diameter did not. Right ventricular long- and short-axis dimensions decreased (both p < 0.0001). Peak Vo(2) and of peak oxygen pulse improvements correlated to both LVEF (p = 0.0009 and 0.0019, respectively) and LVEDD (p < 0.0001 and 0.032, respectively) increments. The decrease of both long- and short-axis right ventricular dimensions positively correlated to both LVEF and LVEDD improvements. The improvement in LVEF correlated to Qp/Qs (p = 0.0026). CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter ASD closure leads to a significant improvement in cardiopulmonary function within six months, via an increase in peak oxygen pulse. An increase in both left ventricular stroke volume and cardiac output due to a positive ventricular interaction is the mechanism leading to improved peak Vo(2).     

NT-proBNP correlates with right heart haemodynamic parameters and volumes in patients with atrial septal defects

BACKGROUND: To investigate the role of N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) for the estimation of right heart failure and pulmonary pressure in patients with atrial septal defects (ASD) before and after percutaneous defect closure. METHODS: We performed correlation analysis for NT-proBNP and right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) as well as right ventricular enddiastolic and endsystolic volume (RVEDV, RVESV) determined by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and up to one year following ASD closure. Additionally NT-proBNP concentrations were correlated with right atrial (RA) and RV enddiastolic pressure (RVEDP), ASD size and interatrial left-to-right shunt. RESULTS: Baseline RVSP was 33+/-8 mmHg, which decreased significantly during follow-up. Initially, NT-proBNP levels were 240+/-93 pg/ml. After closure, a reduction to 116+/-62 pg/ml was obvious (p<0.01). Baseline MRI showed enlarged RV volumes in all individuals. At six and twelve months follow-up a significant reduction of RVEDV and RVESV was apparent. A positive correlation was noted between RV volumes and NT-proBNP (r=0.65, p<0.05). Furthermore RA pressure, RVEDP, RVSP and left-to-right shunt significantly correlated to peptide levels. No correlation was seen between ASD size and NT-proBNP. CONCLUSION: NT-proBNP correlates to right ventricular dilatation, pulmonary pressure and left-to-right shunt in volume load of the right heart caused by an underlying ASD.     

Right Ventricular Remodeling after Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defect

Background: Right ventricular (RV) volume overload is a well‐known cardiac consequence of atrial septal defect (ASD) shunt, accounting for most of its long‐term complications. Thus cardiac volumetric unloading is a major aim of transcatheter ASD closure. We set to study the right ventricular remodeling after transcatheter ASD closure in patients with secundum ASD. Methods: We enrolled 46 patients who underwent successful transcatheter closure of ASD. We performed routine transthoracic echocardiographic studies, including three‐dimensional echocardiography and right ventricular myocardial performance index (RVMPI), before transcatheter ASD closure, and 3 days, 1 month after transcatheter ASD closure. Results: We found that: (1) the right ventricular end‐diastolic volume (RVEDV) and right ventricular end‐systolic volume (RVESV) (respectively 106.54±25.97 vs 69.78±10.46 mL, P < 0.05; 59.73±17.59 vs 33.84±7.18 mL, P < 0.05) were enlarged in patients with ASD compared with those in control subjects, resulting in a marked decrease of the right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) (44.82%±4.51% vs 54.11%±5.89%, P < 0.05) from normal values; (2) the isovolumic relaxation and isovolumic contraction times (respectively [77.61±16.49] ms vs (64.09±11.82) ms, P < 0.05; [28.04±9.57] ms vs [20.45±6.53] ms, P < 0.05) were prolonged and ejection time ([250.02±24.21] ms vs [272.73±20.51] ms, P < 0.05) was shortened in patients with ASD compared with that in control subjects, resulting in a marked increase of the MPI (0.41±0.07 vs 0.31±0.05, P < 0.05) from normal values; and (3) after transcatheter closure, the RVEDV and RVESV decreased and the RVEF increased markedly and RVMPI decreased markedly. Conclusions: Transcatheter closure of ASD results in rapid normalization of RV volume overload and improvement of RV function. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 26, November 2009)     

Quantification of pulmonary and systemic blood flow by magnetic resonance velocity mapping in the assessment of atrial-level shunts

The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) velocity mapping to calculate pulmonary-to-systemic flow ratio (Qp : Qs) in patients with a suspected or diagnosed atrial-level shunt. During a one-year period, all patients referred to our department for further evaluation of an atrial-level shunt underwent the same imaging protocol. Multiphase-multisection gradient-echo MR image sets of the heart were acquired to measure left and right ventricular stroke volumes for validation. Ascending aorta and main pulmonary artery volume flow were measured with MR velocity mapping. Qp : Qs ratios were calculated from both stroke volume data and flow data. Twelve patients, including 6 children, were studied. Six patients had an established diagnosis of atrial septal defect, and the other 6 patients were suspected to have an atrial-level shunt. Measurements of left and right ventricular stroke corresponded closely with those of aortic (r=0.98) and pulmonary flow (r=0.99) respectively, and Qp : Qs flow ratios agreed with stroke volume ratios (r=0.92). In 5 patients with a suspected shunt, the diagnosis could be rejected. Shunts were demonstrated in the other 7 patients. MR velocity mapping offers an accurate method to measure aortic and pulmonary artery volume flow that can be useful in the evaluation of atrial-level shunts, in order to establish a definite diagnosis and/or to quantify the Qp : Qs ratio.     

Validation of the accuracy of both right and left ventricular outflow volume determinations and semiautomated calculation of shunt volumes through atrial septal defects by digital color Doppler flow mapping in a chronic animal model.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to quantitate shunt flow volumes through atrial septal defects (ASDs) in a chronic animal model with surgically created ASDs using a new semiautomated color Doppler flow calculation method (ACM). BACKGROUND: Because pulsed Doppler is cumbersome and often inappropriate for color flow computation, new methods such as ACM are of interest. METHODS: In this study, 13 to 25 weeks after ASDs were surgically created in eight sheep, a total of 24 hemodynamic states were studied at a separate open chest experimental session. Electromagnetic (EM) flow probes and meters were used to provide reference flow volumes as the pulmonary and aortic flow volumes (Qp and Qs) and shunt flow volumes (Qp minus Qs). Epicardial echocardiographic studies were performed to image the left and right ventricular outflow tract (LVOT and RVOT) forward flow signals. The ACM method digitally integrated spatial and temporal color flow velocity data to provide stroke volumes. RESULTS Left ventricular outflow tract and RVOT flow volumes obtained by the ACM method agreed well with those obtained by the EM method (r = 0.96, mean difference = 0.78 +/- 1.7 ml for LVOT and r = 0.97, mean difference = -0.35 +/- 3.6 ml for RVOT). As a result, shunt flow volumes and Qp/Qs by the ACM method agreed well with those obtained by the EM method (r = 0.96, mean difference = -1.1 +/- 3.6 ml/beat for shunt volumes and r = 0.95, mean difference = -0.11 +/- 0.22 for Qp/Qs). CONCLUSIONS: This animal study, using strictly quantified shunt flow volumes, demonstrated that the ACM method can provide Qp/Qs and shunt measurements semiautomatically and noninvasively.     

Quantification of left to right atrial shunts with velocity-encoded cine nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVES. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of velocity-encoded nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging to quantify left to right intracardiac shunts in patients with an atrial septal defect. BACKGROUND. Quantification of intracardiac shunts is clinically important in planning therapy. METHODS. Velocity-encoded NMR imaging was used to quantify stroke flow in the aorta and in the main pulmonary artery in a group of patients who were known to have an increased pulmonary to systemic flow ratio (Qp/Qs). The velocity-encoded NMR flow data were used to calculate Qp/Qs, and these values were compared with measurements of Qp/Qs obtained with oximetric data derived from cardiac catheterization and from stroke volume measurements of the two ventricles by using volumetric data from biphasic spin echo and cine NMR images obtained at end-diastole and end-systole. RESULTS. Two independent observers measured Qp/Qs by using velocity-encoded NMR imaging in 11 patients and found Qp/Qs ranging from 1.4:1 to 3.9:1. These measurements correlated well with both oximetric data (r = 0.91, SEE = 0.35) and ventricular volumetric data (r = 0.94, SEE = 0.30). Interobserver reproducibility for Qp/Qs by velocity-encoded NMR imaging was good (r = 0.97, SEE = 0.20). CONCLUSIONS. Velocity-encoded NMR imaging is an accurate and reproducible method for measuring Qp/Qs in left to right shunts. Because it is completely noninvasive, it can be used to monitor shunt volume over time.     

Echocardiographic Estimates of Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction Do Not Predict the Clinical Course in Elderly Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Atrial Septal Defect Closure: Impact of Early Diastolic Mitral Annular Velocity

Objective

This study evaluated the effect of echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction on acute congestive heart failure after transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure in elderly patients.

Background

Although there is concern that LV diastolic dysfunction develops acute congestive heart failure after ASD closure, limited information is available regarding the influence, especially in elderly patients with severe LV diastolic dysfunction.

Methods

Two hundred consecutive patients older than 60 years were divided into 3 groups according to echocardiographic LV diastolic dysfunction: severe (early diastolic mitral annular velocity [e’] <5.0 cm/s), mild (5.0≤ e’ <8.0 cm/s), and normal (e’ ≥ 8.0 cm/s). Changes in plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were evaluated.

Results

No patients with severe LV diastolic dysfunction developed acute congestive heart failure immediately after the procedure. BNP levels unchanged after the procedure in patients with severe LV diastolic dysfunction (126 ± 181 to 131 ± 148 pg/ml, P = 0.885), and this increase in BNP levels was not different from that between the diagnosis of ASD and the procedure. The change in BNP levels in patients with severe LV diastolic dysfunction, who were frequently treated with diuretics before the procedure, was equivalent to that in patients with mild LV diastolic dysfunction and normal LV diastolic function (5 ± 119 vs. 16 ± 101 vs. 9 ± 131 pg/ml, P = 0.724).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that transcatheter ASD closure under volume management is safe and valuable in elderly patients with echocardiographic severe LV diastolic dysfunction.

     

Diastolic ventricular septal motion in atrial septal defect: Analysis of M-mode echocardiograms in 31 patients

Previous echocardiographic studies suggest that diastolic motion of the ventricular septum reflects relative filling of the right and left ventricles. We studied 31 patients with atrial septal defect by M-mode echocardiography. Early diastolic posterior ventricular septal motion (DPSM) occurred in all patients. Measurement of DPSM correlated with pulmonary to systemic flow ratios (Qp:Qs) (r = 0.64, p < 0.001). All 15 patients with DPSM > 5 mm had a Qp:Qs > 2.5:1, whereas only 8 of 16 patients with DPSM < 5 mm had a shunt this large (p < 0.003). DPSM > 5 mm in patients with atrial septal defect is a specific but not sensitive echocardiographic sign of a large left-to-right shunt. Our findings substantiate the hypothesis that diastolic motion of the ventricular septum reflects relative filling of the ventricles.     

Echocardiographic evaluation of the significance of shunt in secondary communications and in partial abnormal pulmonary venous returns]

Although echocardiography has been useful in diagnosing significant left-to-right shunts at the atrial level, few studies using this technique to quantitate shunt size have been performed. Echocardiograms and hemodynamic data from 28 patients, ages 15 to 58 (mean : 30 years) were reviewed. Twenty patients had isolated atrial septal defects (ASD), 6 patients has associated partial pulmonary venous returns (PPVR) and 2 patients had isolated PPVR. Echocardiograms in the supine position were performed within 24 hours preceding cardiac catheterization. The presence or absence of paradoxical septal motion was noted and right ventricular diameter index (RVDE : right ventricular diameter/body surface area) was calculated. Hemodynamic parameters studied included pulmonary to systemic flow ratio (Qp/Qs) determined by oxymetry, right ventricular pressure (RVP) and pulmonary resistance (PR). One patient with a Qp/Qs of 1.3 had normal septal motion. Type A paradoxical septal motion was noted in 22 cases, type B in 5 cases. For these 27 patients, the average RVDI was 2.42 (range 1.45 to 3.7), Qp/Qs ranged from 1.5 to 5 (mean : 2.45), RVP from 23 to 71 mmHg (mean : 39) and PR from 0.6 to 4 units (mean : 1.79). A very strons correlation between RVDI and Qp/Qs was observed from equation Qp/Qs : 1.19 RVDI-0.43 with a standard error of 0.4. This relationship was not altered by either RVP or PR values, which also had no apparent correlation with RVDI. This study indicates that echocardiographic measurement of RVDI is a reliable and non-invasive method of evaluating the size of left to right shunts at the atrial level.     

Estimation of the right ventricular volume overload in children with atrial septal defect by body surface mapping

To investigate the possibility of estimating the right ventricular volume overload in atrial septal defect (ASD) by body surface mapping (BSM), 45 children with ASD were included in the present study. The breakthrough minimum (BTM) appeared later and more leftward in ASD subjects than in the normal controls. Neither the length of the delay in the appearance of the BTM nor the extent of its leftward deviation was significantly correlated with the pulmonary and systemic flow volume ratio (Qp/Qs), obtained by cardiac catheterization. Therefore neither could be used as the parameter of the right ventricular volume overload. sigma R, Rmax (D3 + D4) + magnitude of S max (H4 + H5) and "T dep", the sum of the absolute values of the departure indices (DIs) in the G4, G5, H4 and H5 leads, and the DIs in the J5, J6, K5, and K6 leads in T departure Map, correlated with the Qp/Qs significantly (r = 0.62, 0.68, 0.69, respectively). Accordingly, they might be useful for estimating the right ventricular volume overload. The subjects were divided into 3 groups according to their Qp/Qs. Discriminant analysis between these 3 groups was then performed, using Rmax (D3), magnitude of S max (H4), and T dep as the variables. The accuracy of this discrimination was 82.2%. The results suggest the possibility of estimating the severity of ASD by BSM.     

Noninvasive estimation of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure using tissue Doppler imaging combined with pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiography in patients with ventricular septal defects: a comparison with the plasma levels of the B-type natriuretic Peptide

BACKGROUND: There are limited data regarding whether the ratio of the peak transmitral flow velocity during early diastole (E) to the peak mitral annular velocity during early diastole (Ea) obtained by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and the plasma levels of the B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) are useful for evaluating the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) in children with ventricular septal defects (VSD). We investigated the validity of noninvasive estimation of the LVEDP in VSD infants. METHODS: We studied 48 patients (mean age, 9 +/- 6 months). Using pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiography and TDI, E and Ea were measured to calculate the E/Ea ratio. The LVEDP and the ratio of pulmonary to systemic blood flow (Qp/Qs) were determined invasively. RESULTS: There were significant positive correlations between E and both the LVEDP value and the Qp/Qs ratio. In contrast, Ea showed significant negative correlations with the LVEDP value and Qp/Qs ratio. The E/Ea ratio correlated significantly with the LVEDP value and Qp/Qs ratio. The plasma BNP levels correlated significantly with the Qp/Qs ratio, although they did not show a significant correlation with the LVEDP. An E/Ea ratio of >9.8 indicated patients with a LVEDP of >10 mmHg with a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 80%. CONCLUSION: TDI combined with pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiography predicted the LVEDP of VSD infants, whereas the plasma BNP value did not have a significant association with the LVEDP.     

Plasma norepinephrine levels in infants and children with congestive heart failure

To characterize the sympathetic nervous system response to congestive heart failure (CHF) in infants and children, plasma catecholamine levels were measured in 102 subjects undergoing routine cardiac catheterization (mean age 3.3 years, range 0.1 to 14.7), including 61 with left-to-right shunts. Plasma norepinephrine levels were significantly higher (p less than 0.0001) in children with CHF than in those without CHF. A highly significant association (p less than 0.0001) was found between the level of plasma norepinephrine and severity of CHF symptoms. This relation was found for CHF secondary to lesions producing a left-to-right shunt and CHF resulting from primary myocardial dysfunction. In congenital lesions with a left-to-right shunt, plasma norepinephrine levels correlated well with size of the shunt (Qp/Qs) (r = 0.75, p less than 0.001) and degree of pulmonary arterial hypertension (r = 0.70, p less than 0.001). Elevation of plasma norepinephrine concentrations in infants and children are seen with severe CHF regardless of its origin.