Right and left ventricular dysfunction in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease: Assessment by first-pass radionuclide angiography

To evaluate the relationship between right and left ventricular function in patients with obstructive lung disease, we studied 10 normal subjects (group 1) and 37 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by first pass radionuclide angiography. These 37 patients were divided into three groups: nine with mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (group 2), 20 with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (group 3) and eight with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and primary left ventricular disease (group 4). In each subject right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and ejection fraction during first third of systole (first third LVEF) were calculated. LVEF RVEF First-Third LVEF Group 1 0.60 ± 0.05 0.52 ± 0.03 0.29 ± 0.04 Group 2 0.61 ± 0.08 0.52 ± 0.03 0.29 ± 0.02 Group 3 0.58 ± 0.09 0.46 ± 0.091 0.24 ± 0.061 Group 4 0.51 ± 0.061 0.44 ± 0.091 0.20 ± 0.031 1 p < 0.05 versus 1. All subjects in group 2 had normal left ventricular and right ventricular function. In group 3,11 of 10 (55 per cent) had a low RVEF and three of 20 (15 per cent) a low LVEF. However eight of 20 in this group (40 per cent) had a depressed first-third LVEF. The correlation between decline in RVEF and first-third LVEF was good r = 0.73. We conclude that (1) certain indices of early systolic left ventricular ejection are abnormal in many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and correlate with the decline in right ventricular function; (2) this is not seen in patients with mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and is worse in patients with underlying left-sided heart disease.     

Effect of beta-blockade on right ventricular performance in patients with and without right ventricular dysfunction due to coronary artery disease

To assess the effects of beta-blockade on right ventricular performance in patients with and without right ventricular dysfunction due to coronary artery disease, we performed radionuclide ventriculography on eight patients with normal right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF greater than or equal to 35%) and 14 patients with mild to moderate right ventricular dysfunction (RVEF less than 35%) at rest. All patients had chronic stable angina pectoris, and nine patients had prior myocardial infarction. Radionuclide ventriculography was performed on placebo and during clinical beta-blockade (heart rate, 50 to 60 beats per minute and less than or equal to 20% increase in heart rate over baseline during stage I treadmill exercise, Bruce protocol) with the oral, cardioselective beta-blocking agent, betaxolol. The resting RVEF (mean +/- 1 SD) was 33% +/- 7% on placebo and 34% +/- 7% during clinical beta-blockade. Mean exercise RVEF was 40% +/- 8% on placebo and 39% +/- 8% during clinical beta-blockade. These differences were not statistically significant. Resting left ventricular ejection fraction ranged from 22% to 60% (mean, 42% +/- 8%). On placebo, one of eight patients with a resting RVEF greater than or equal to 35% had a normal exercise RVEF response (greater than or equal to 5% increment) whereas nine of 14 patients with resting RVEF less than 35% had normal exercise response. The discordant relationship between baseline RVEF and exercise response on placebo became less marked during clinical beta-blockade. We conclude that beta-blockade does not produce significant deterioration of right ventricular systolic function or right ventricular reserve either in patients with normal or in those with mild to moderately impaired resting right ventricular systolic function.     

The effects of controlled oxygen therapy on ventricular function in patients with stable and decompensated cor pulmonale

We made simultaneous measurements of pulmonary hemodynamics, cardiac output, and right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) to assess the right ventricular function in 14 patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension as a result of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). From these measurements, the right ventricular end-systolic pressure/volume relationship could be calculated and used to assess right ventricular contractility. Eight of the patients were clinically stable, without edema, and 6 presented acutely with gross edema, indicating decompensated cor pulmonale. Measurements were made at rest, while breathing air and oxygen. Although mean pulmonary arterial pressure (Ppa) was similar in those with (Ppa = 33 +/- 6 mm Hg) and without edema (Ppa = 30 +/- 8 mm Hg, p greater than 0.05), RVEF was lower in edematous (RVEF = 0.23 +/- 0.11) compared with non-edematous patients (RVEF = 0.47 +/- 0.04, p less than 0.01). Cardiac output was normal in both groups. The mean right ventricular end-systolic pressure/volume ratio (P/V) was lower in those patients with edema (P/V = 0.41 +/- 0.27), as compared with those without edema (P/V = 1.69 +/- 0.35, p less than 0.05), as a result of an increase in right ventricular end-systolic volume index. Similarly, left ventricular end-systolic volumes were higher in edematous than in non-edematous patients. Breathing 1 to 3 L/min of oxygen for 30 min decreased total pulmonary vascular resistance (p less than 0.05) in those patients without edema, but not in patients with edema. Oxygen did not change RVEF, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), or the ventricular end-systolic P/V relationships.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

原发性高血压患者右心功能与肺功能的相关性研究

目的探讨原发性高血压（EH）患者右心功能与肺通气功能的相关性。方法①右心功能测定：对60例EH患者和对照组20例在二维超声心动图（2DE）上用改良Simpson法计算右室收缩功能。先测出整个心室的心腔容积（Vvl，含室间隔）及室间隔与左心室腔所占的容积（Vlvivs），两者相减即可得出右心室腔的容积（RVV，RVV=Vvl—Vlvivs）。测算右心功能指标：右心室射血分数（RVEF）、右室每搏输出量（RVSV）、右心室心输出量（RVCO）等。②所有受检者行肺通气功能检测，结果与RVEF进行相关分析。结果①右心功能测定结果：与对照组相比，各级EH患者右室收缩功能均有不同程度减低，而以3级高血压较显著（RVEF分别为68．16±6．26和48．94±6．09，P〈0．01）。②肺功能结果：EH各组肺功能指标较对照组均降低，但仅与2、3级组间的差异有统计学意义；与1级组相比，2级组用力肺活量（FVC）、第1秒用力呼气量（FEV1）降低；3级组中FVC、FEV1、最大呼气中段流量（MMEF）、肺总量（TLC）均降低（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）；EH3级组中FVC较2级组降低（2．04±0．27比2．39±0．45，P〈0．01）。③RVEF与FVC、FEV1、MMEF、MVV、TLC测值间的相关系数分别为0．93、0．91、0．59、0．51和0．77，提示RVEF主要与FVC、FEV1呈正相关（P〈0．01）。结论①EH患者右室收缩功能减低，以3级高血压较显著。②EH患者存在肺通气功能的损害，并随血压分级的加重而呈减低趋势。③EH患者RVEF与肺通气功能指标的变化可能存在一定的相关性。     

Revascularization of the right coronary artery: Influence thermodilution right ventricular ejection fraction

This study was designed in order to evaluate the influence of right coronary artery (RCA) disease and its revascularization on right heart performance monitored by measuring thermodilution right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF). Forty patients undergoing elective aortocoronary bypass surgery were divided into two groups: group 1, with RCA revascularization, n = 20; and group 2, without RCA disease or revascularization, n = 20. RVEF was measured using a pulmonary arterial catheter mounted with a fast-response thermistor and a bedside microprocessor ejection fraction computer. The major finding of the study was that myocardial revascularization with extracorporeal circulation was followed by a decrease in RVEF which was significantly more pronounced in group 1 (−13.1%) in comparison to group 2 (−5.0%). RVEF gradually increased after bypass, but did not reach baseline values. By the first postoperative day, RVEF had reached baseline values again in group 1 and had increased beyond baseline values in group 2. Traditionally measured hemodynamic parameters could not be correlated with the course of RVEF, except for cardiac index. The present study further suggests that right-sided events may have clinical effects on left-sided function. Inadequate protection of the right heart, especially in patients with RCA stenosis, may result in depression of right ventricular myocardial performance, which can be monitored serially by measuring RVEF.     

超声心动图对先天性心脏病右心室功能的评价

目的以右心室造影为对照,使用超声心动图常规的四腔心切面和全新的右心室全显示切面定量评价右心室射血分数（right ventricular ejection fraction,RVEF）,探讨右心室全显示切面在右心功能评价中的应用价值。方法2011年4月至2011年11月通过临床和超声心动图检查选择伴有右心室形态或血流动力学改变的先天性心脏病患者22例（男13例,女9例,年龄16～67岁）为研究对象。除对人选患者行常规的超声心动图检查外,还使用四腔心切面和右心室全显示切面测量RVEF。在心导管实验室使用右心室造影测量RVEF。将四腔心和右心室全显示切面RVEF与右心室造影RVEF行随机区组设计方差分析及Pearson相关性分析,右心室全显示切面RVEF与其余右心功能指标行Pearson相关分析,并采用Bland—Ahman法评价右心室全显示切面与右心室造影的一致性。结果3种方法测得的RVEF分别为右心室全显示切面48．O％±11．3％、四腔心切面49．5％±13．1％、右心室造影48．7％±12．1％。3种方法测量结果比较,差异无统计学意义（F=0．327,P=0．723）。右心室全显示切面RVEF与右心室造影RVEF呈高度相关（r=0．908,P〈0．001）,四腔心切面RVEF与右心室造影RVEF呈中度相关（r=0．659,P=0．001）。右心室全显示切面RVEF与肺动脉收缩压及主肺动脉宽度负相关（P〈0．05）,与右心室每搏输出量正相关（P〈0．05）,与其他右心功能评价指标则无明显相关性。结论与常规的四腔心测量方法相比。超声心动图右心室全显示切面测量的RVEF与右心室造影的相关性更好,可能是一种准确和可靠的评价右心室收缩功能的方法。     

Feasibility of a New Image Processing (4D Auto LVQ) to Assessing Right Ventricular Function in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

A new single-beat three-dimensional (3D) real time echocardiographic semi-automatic images processing (4D Auto LVQ) allows accurate assessment of left ventricular function, but whether it is suitable for the evaluation of right ventricular function remains unknown. To evaluate the feasibility of this procedure for assessing right ventricular volumes and function, right ventricular end-diastolic volumes (RVEDV), end-systolic volumes (RVESV) and ejection fraction (RVEF), stroke volumes (SV) and cardiac output (CO) were computed in 49 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using 4D Auto LVQ. The myocardial performance index (MPI) was obtained by Doppler tissue imaging. The RV function parameters were compared with MPI by linear correlation analysis. A comparison of the performance of these RV function parameters in discrimination between MPI at a value of >0.45 or not was done. Compared with normal subjects, patients with COPD had significantly greater RVEDV, RVESV, MPI and significantly lower RVEF. Significant correlations were found between RVEF and MPI (r = –0.67, p < 0.001). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for RVEF in discrimination between MPI at a value of >0.45 or not were 0.72, while they were 0.55 for SV and 0.57 for CO, respectively. The overall sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for RVEF analysis in predicting a >0.45 MPI in patients with COPD was 78.57%, 66.67% and 73.46%, respectively. These data suggest that 4D Auto LVQ is a feasible method for right ventricular volumes and function quantification in patients with COPD. Further studies are needed to improve the accuracy of the measurements.     

Pre- and post-operative right ventricular functions in valvular heart diseases: the significance of noninvasive assessment

This investigation was undertaken to evaluate right ventricular function in valvular heart diseases by calculating right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) from first-pass radionuclide angiography (RNA). One hundred cases of valvular heart disease were examined by RNA, 93 of whom underwent cardiac catheterization and contrast left ventriculography, preoperatively. Fifty of the 100 cases were examined by RNA; 18 by cardiac catheterization post-operatively. The results were as follows: 1. In 49 cases of mitral valve disease, there was a correlation (r = -0.75) between pulmonary artery mean pressure (PAm) and RVEF. This suggested that afterload of left atrial pressure elevation induced a decrease in RVEF. 2. Although PAm did not increase so much in aortic valve disease, RVEF decreased in some cases, especially in those having massive aortic stenosis or regurgitation. In 22 cases of aortic regurgitation which had normal PAm and a left ventricular-aortic systolic pressure gradient less than 50 mmHg, there was a correlation (r = -0.69) between the RVEF and the left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI). 3. Although post-operative RVEF did not improve significantly in mitral valve disease, it increased significantly in the early post-operative period in aortic valve disease. Also, the increase in RVEF and the decrease in LVEDVI seemed to correlate closely in aortic valve disease. It was speculated that pre-operative decrease of RVEF is derived from a deformity of the RV caused by pressure from the enlarged or thickened LV, and that post-operative increase of RVEF is dependent upon a decrease of LV size and volume.     

国产封堵器介入治疗房间隔缺损后心功能变化的研究

目的探讨国产封堵器介入治疗房间隔缺损(ASD)后心脏形态和功能的变化规律。方法全组60例,年龄5～35(16.10±10.71)岁,体重17～7(243.91±13.21)kg,经胸超声心动图(TTE)示ASD最大径7～3(618.3±7.2)mm,选用封堵器型号为10～4(026±3)mm。术后3d、3个月、6个月和12个月行TTE追踪测量。采用心尖四腔切面面积-长度法计算左右心室容积及射血分数。结果术后3d,右心房上下径、左右径,右心室舒张末期前后径、左右径均逐渐减小(与术前比较,P<0.05);右室舒张末期容积(RVEDV),右室收缩末期容积(RVESV),及右室射血分数(RVEF)均逐渐减小(与术前比较,P<0.05)。3～6个月随访,右心功能进一步改善。至12个月随访时,右心房、右心室大小及右心功能恢复正常(与术前比较,P<0.01)。术后3d,左室舒张末期前后径(LVEDD),左室舒张末期容积(LVEDV)均逐渐增大(与术前比较,P<0.05);左室收缩末期容积(LVESV),左室每搏量(LVSV)及左室射血分数(LVEF)均逐渐增大(与术前比较,P<0.05)。3～6个月随访,左心功能进一步改善。至12个月随访时,左心房、左心室大小及左心室功能恢复正常(与术前比较,P<0.01)。结论国产封堵器介入封堵ASD,既阻断了异常分流,又改善了左心室及右心系统功能及其几何构型。     

Cardiac function and central haemodynamics in severe chronic obstructive lung disease. Acute and long-term effects of felodipine

Eleven patients, with advanced chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD), received an infusion of the calcium antagonist felodipine at a rate of 0.9 mg/h. Pulmonary and systemic vascular resistances (PVR and SVR) at rest were reduced by 18% (p less than 0.05) and 33% (p less than 0.001), respectively. Cardiac output increased by 33%. The right ventricular and left ventricular ejection fractions (RVEF and LVEF), measured by equilibrium gated radionuclide ventriculography, increased by 32% (p less than 0.01) and 25% (p less than 0.01), respectively. During exercise both PVR and SVR fell by a mean of 30% (p less than 0.01). RVEF and LVEF both increased by about 14% (p less than 0.05 and p less than 0.01). After three months of oral felodipine treatment, a dose-related decrease in PVR was noted at rest (r = -0.83) compared with pretreatment values. There was an increase in RVEF which correlated to a reduction in PVR (r = -0.76). Three patients discontinued the trial due to side effects. It is concluded that the reduction of PVR induced by felodipine is accompanied by an improvement in right heart function as measured by ejection fraction measurements.     

Right ventricular performance during exercise in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The effects of oxygen

Radionuclide ventriculography allows non-invasive assessment of right ventricular performance. This study has confirmed that there is a modest reduction in right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as compared to normal subjects. However, occult right ventricular dysfunction also becomes apparent in these patients during exercise. The change in RVEF during exercise is related to the corresponding fall in arterial oxygen saturation in patients with COPD. Oxygen improves the response of the right ventricle to exercise, although the mechanism remains unclear. Long-term oxygen therapy, in patients with respiratory failure, does not appear to have any significant effect on RVEF.     

Influence of PEEP ventilation immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass on right ventricular function

Ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is often the appropriate therapy for treating patients with impaired pulmonary function after cardiac surgery procedures. Circulatory depression, however, sometimes limits the level of PEEP. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of PEEP ventilation (+15 cmH2O) immediately after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass 1) period of PEEP application and 45 min thereafter; 2) period of PEEP application on right ventricular hemodynamics using a new thermodilution technique for measuring right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF), right ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes (RVEDV, RVESV). Forty patients undergoing aortocoronary bypass grafting were retrospectively divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 24) in which RVEF was reduced significantly (40----28 percent), and group 2 (n = 16) in which RVEF remained almost unchanged. In patients in group 1, stenosis of the right coronary artery (RCA) was significantly more pronounced in comparison to the others and was detected to be responsible for the different reaction of RVEF (analysis of co-variance). Application of PEEP immediately after weaning from CPB was followed by an increase in RVESV (+4 percent; RVEDV -1 percent) in group 1, whereas patients of group 2 differed significantly (RVESV -14 percent; RVEDV -15 percent). Cardiac index was decreased only in group 1 (-32 percent). During the second period of PEEP application, no further difference could be observed between the groups. We conclude that hemodynamic changes related to PEEP ventilation are minimal in the intact right ventricle. Abnormalities in right ventricular function due to stenosis of the RCA, however, have had marked clinical influence on the circulatory response. Monitoring of right ventricular function seems to be of benefit for cardiac surgery patients in this situation.     

Influence of acute preoperative hemodilution on right ventricular function

In a randomized study, the effects of acute, preoperative hemodilution (HD) (12 mL/kg) on right ventricular function were investigated in coronary artery surgery patients with reduced left ventricular function (ejection fraction < 50%) and significant stenosis of the right coronary artery (RCA). Blood was replaced either by hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solution (ratio 1:1; HD-HES; n = 15) or by Ringer's lactate, (RL) (ratio 2.5:1; HD-RL; n = 15). Fifteen comparable patients without HD served as a control group. Besides commonly measured pressure parameters, right ventricular end-diastolic volume (RVEDV), right ventricular end-systolic volume (RVESV), and right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) were measured using a computerized thermodilution technique before and after HD, as well as after extracorporeal circulation (ECC). Right ventricular systolic function, expressed as RVEF, was not changed significantly by HD in any group. Furthermore, right ventricular function of the hemodiluted patients was not impaired by the subsequent ECC procedure. None of the traditionally measured parameters could be correlated significantly to the right ventricular thermodilution variables. It is concluded that moderate HD does not change right ventricular function even when the RCA is significantly stenosed.     

多平面经食管三维超声心动图对慢性阻塞性肺部疾病患者右心室射血分数的研究

目的：探讨多平面经食管三维超声心动图（３Ｄ－ＴＥＥ）评价右心室收缩功能的临床价值及其在慢性阻塞性肺部疾病（ＣＯＰＤ）中的意义。方法：选择１０例单纯急性支气管炎患者为对照组和２２例慢性阻塞性肺部疾病患者为慢性阻塞性肺部疾病组,同步进行３Ｄ－ＴＥＥ和平衡法放射性核素心室显像（ＧＥＲＮＶ）法右心室射血分数测定。结果：３２例受检者经３Ｄ－ＴＥＥ和ＧＥＲＮＶ测定的右心室射血分数分别为（４２．８７±１１．６７）％和（４１．３２±１１．４８）％,两者高度相关（ｒ＝０．９１,Ｐ＜０．０１）;用两种方法测定,在对照组和慢性阻塞性肺部疾病组的右心室射血分数分别为（５５．１２±６．９９）％、（５４．６１±５．０１）％和（３７．３０±８．７３）％、（３５．２７±７．８４）％,慢性阻塞性肺部疾病组右心室射血分数均显著低于对照组（Ｐ＜０．０１）。结论：３Ｄ－ＴＥＥ可用于临床右心室射血分数的测定,慢性阻塞性肺部疾病患者显示有右心室收缩功能低下。测值稍高于ＧＥＲＮＶ法。     

Changes in right ventricular function with unilateral pulmonary artery occlusion test for pre-operative evaluation prior to lung resection]

We measured the right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) before and during unilateral pulmonary artery occlusion test (UPAO) by thermodilution method. We also measured the right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVI), right ventricular end-systolic volume index (RVESVI), and right ventricular stroke volume index (RVSVI). RVEF and RVSVI were significantly decreased by UPAO (p less than 0.05), but there were no obvious changes in RVEDVI and RVESVI. Some cases showed only a small decrease in RVEF by UPAO, even though their total pulmonary vascular resistance indices were over 700 dyne.sec.cm-5/m2 during UPAO. On the other hand, some cases had a decreased in RVEF of more than 10% by UPAO, even though their total pulmonary vascular resistance indices were under 400 dyne.sec.cm-5/m2 during UPAO. We consider that it is important to measure right ventricular functions such as RVEF together with pulmonary vascular hemodynamics in the pre-operative evaluation of cases of lung resection.     

Right ventricular volume and mass determined by cine magnetic resonance imaging in HIV patients with possible right ventricular dysfunction

Impaired right ventricular (RV) function has been reported to occur in patients with HIV when studied by echocardiography. However, for accurate evaluation of RV function and morphology, first-pass radionuclide ventriculography (RNV) and cine magnetic resonance imaging (cine-MRI) are methods of choice. Studies of RV involvement in patients with HIV are of interest since pulmonary hypertension is a known serious complication of HIV recognized with increasing frequency. The aim of the present study was to characterize cardiac function and geometry in patients with HIV and reduced right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF). To do so, we screened patients with RNV and performed an additional cine-MRI in those with reduced RVEF determined by RNV. Ninety patients with HIV were included. To evaluate the MRI measures exactly we included 18 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers to establish reference values. RNV showed in 13 of the 90 patients a reduced RVEF with a standard cutoff value for RVEF of 0.50. Six of these agreed to have an additional MRI investigation performed. These 6 patients with HIV had an RVEF measured by RNV between 0.41-0.49. Measured by MRI the range of RVEF was 0.47-0.55 with 3 below the lower 95% reference limit according to the control group (lower reference limit: 0.49). None of the 6 patients with HIV had dilated right ventricle and only 1 had a marginally increased right ventricular mass index of 43 g/m(2) (reference: <41 g/m(2)). With use of MRI, a few patients with HIV may have a marginally reduced RVEF but normal RV dimensions and mass. Thus, RV dysfunction does not seem to constitute a major clinical problem in this antivirally treated HIV population.     

Right ventricular function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease measured by krypton-81m

Right ventricular function was assessed at rest and during exercise in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) was measured by first-pass radionuclide angiography using ultrashort-lived radionuclide krypton-81m. The half-life of this nuclide is only 13 sec, and it is completely expired from the lungs. These properties allow measurement of RVEF without correcting for background activity. In 30 patients with cardiac or pulmonary disease, RVEF was first measured by krypton-81 m scintigraphy (Kr-RVEF), then by technetium-99m (Tc-RVEF), without changing the patients' positions. In eight of the 30 cases, right ventricular cineangiography (RVG) was performed within 72 hrs after the radionuclide study, and RVEF was measured according to the Chapman's rule (RVG-RVEF). Kr-RVEF correlated significantly with Tc-RVEF (r = 0.87), and also with RVG-RVEF (r = 0.80). In 10 patients with stable COPD, who had severe hypoxemia (PaO2 less than or equal to 60 mmHg) and pulmonary hypertension [mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mean PAP) greater than or equal to 20 mmHg], and in seven normal control subjects, radionuclide angiographic and hemodynamic monitoring were performed at rest and during supine ergometer exercise. Kr-RVEF at rest was 47.6 +/- 5.4% (mean +/- SD) in patients with COPD and was 54.1 +/- 4.8% in normal subjects. Kr-RVEF during exercise was 51.8 +/- 7.3% in the patients, and 62.3 +/- 3.2% in the normal subjects. Hemodynamically, mean PAP and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) increased significantly during exercise, but the RV end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVI) did not change. There was inverse correlation between Kr-RVEF and mean PAP (r = -0.51) or PVR (r = -0.47) as an index of RV afterload. However, there was no correlation between Kr-RVEF and RVEDVI as an expression of RV preload. These findings suggest that a poor response by RVEF during exercise in patients with COPD is associated with elevation of afterload. Thus, right ventricular imaging techniques using the ultrashort-lived nuclide krypton-81 m allow noninvasive, serial and accurate assessments of right ventricular function in patients with COPD.     

实时三维超声测量右心室容积及收缩功能的可行性研究

目的分析实时三维超声心动图（RT-3DE）定量测量右心室容积和右心室射血分数（right ventricularejection fraction,RVEF）的可行性,及其与二维超声心动图（TDE）所测量的右心室容积、RVEF、右心室面积及右心室面积变化分数（right ventricular fractional area change,RVFAC）的相关性。方法通过实时三维超声心动图对85例行二尖瓣和（或）主动脉瓣置换术的风湿性心脏病患者采集其右心室全容积图像,同时用二维超声心动图测量右心室相关数值。将超声心动图图像导入Tomtec 4D Cardio View工作站,手动调节图像并描记心内膜边界后,软件分析自动得到右心室舒张末期容积（right ventricular end-diastolic volume,RVEDV）、右心室收缩末期容积（right ventricular end-systolic volume,RVESV）、RVEF;手动计算右心室搏出容量（right ventricular strokevolume,RVSV）。对实时三维超声心动图测值与二维超声测值进行相关分析。结果实时三维超声心动图测得的RVEDV、RVESV、RVSV较二维超声心动图测值大,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;两者测得的RVEF比较,差异无统计学意义（P=0.51）。两种方法所测RVEDV、RVESV、RVSV及RVEF相关性良好（r=0.79、0.82、0.68、0.64,P〈0.05）;实时三维超声心动图所测RVEDV、RVESV与二维超声心动图所测右心室舒张末期面积、右心室收缩末期面积相关性良好（r=0.76、0.79,P〈0.05）。实时三维超声心动图所测RVEF与二维超声心动图所测RVFAC也有较好的相关性（r=0.56,P〈0.05）。结论实时三维超声心动图测量右心室容积、RVEF是可行的,与二维超声心动图测值间有良好的相关性;实时三维超声心动图能够更好的评价右心室收缩功能。     

Right ventricular function evaluated by thermodilution method in patients with chronic pulmonary diseases

The right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) is an objective evaluation of the right ventricular systolic function. Recently a rapid-response thermister pulmonary artery catheter which measures RVEF and stroke volume (SV) was introduced. With this new method, RVEF and the right ventricular volumes (RVV) were measured in patients with chronic pulmonary diseases (CPD) and normal subjects. In addition, to evaluate the validity of this method, the data was compared with Kr81m perfusion method. The RVEF and the RVV of CPD patients were also compared with pulmonary hemodynamic data. There was a good correlation between the RVEFs obtained by the Kr81m perfusion method and the TD method. (r = 0.71, p less than 0.001). There was a tendency towards a low RVEF in patient with CPD with pulmonary hypertension (PAm greater than 20 mmHg) or high pulmonary vascular resistance (PAR greater than 160 dyne/sec/cm-5) and the RVV increased in the same group. These results suggested that the right ventricle was unable to respond to the increase of afterload in the CPD group and the evaluation of RVEF and RVV in patients with CPD using the new TD method was valuable for assessing the right ventricular function.     

急性ST段抬高性前壁心肌梗死患者的右心室功能分析

目的:评价急性前壁ST段抬高性心肌梗死直接经皮冠状动脉成形术(PCI)患者的右心室收缩和舒张功能变化。方法:分析46例急性前壁ST段抬高性心肌梗死患者[前降支近端完全闭塞者24例(前降支近端闭塞组),前降支远端急性闭塞者22例(前降支远端闭塞组)]直接PCI和35例冠状动脉造影"正常"患者(对照组)的临床、冠状动脉造影和心电图资料。采用二维心脏超声分别测定入选患者的右心室舒张末期容积(RVEDV),右心室收缩末期容积(RVESV),右心室射血分数(RVEF),平均肺动脉压(MPAP),左心室舒张末期容积(LVEDV),左心室收缩末期容积(LVESV),左心室射血分数(LVEF)和心脏指数(CI)。结果:与对照组相比,前降支远端闭塞组的平均肺动脉压无显著性差异(P>0.05),而右心室舒张末期容积和收缩末期容积增大,右心室射血分数降低;左心室舒张末期容积和收缩末期容积增加,左心室射血分数、心脏指数减低(P均<0.01)。与前降支远端闭塞组比较,前降支近端闭塞组的左心室舒张末期容积和收缩末期容积增加(P<0.01),心脏指数和左心室射血分数减少(P<0.01),右心室舒张末期容积收缩末期容积和平均肺动脉压增加(P<0.05～0.01),右心室射血分数降低(P<0.01)。多元线性回归分析表明前降支近端闭塞与右心室射血分数降低(R2=0.38,P<0.01)、右心室舒张末期容积增加(R2=0.410,P<0.01)有较好的相关性。2周后,前降支近端和远端闭塞组的右心室舒张末期容积、右心室收缩末期容积、平均肺动脉压和右心室射血分数无明显差异,而前降支近端闭塞患者的左心室舒张末期容积和收缩末期容积增大,左心室射血分数和心脏指数较低(P均<0.01)。结论:提示前降支近端闭塞可能伴右心室前壁部分心肌梗死导致右心室收缩和舒张功能障碍。