磁共振弥散张量成像对胶质瘤分级及瘤周浸润的应用研究

目的 研究弥散张量成像各向异性分数(FA值)和表观弥散系数(ADC值)对胶质瘤分级及瘤周浸润的应用价值.方法 选取病理证实胶质瘤患者28例,其中9例为低级别胶质瘤(WHO分级的Ⅰ或Ⅱ级),19例为高级别胶质瘤(WHO分级的Ⅲ或Ⅳ级),分别测量不同级别肿瘤实质区、瘤周水肿区、瘤周正常白质区及对应对侧正常脑组织FA值和ADC值,比较有无差异性.结果 低级别胶质瘤实质区FA值（0.14±0.03）低于高级别胶质瘤实质区FA值(0.27±0.01)(P＜0.001);低级别胶质瘤实质区ADC值[(1.628±0.347)×10-9mm2/s］高于高级别胶质瘤实质区ADC值[(1.327±0.587)×10-9mm2/s](P.＜0.05);低级别胶质瘤瘤周水肿区FA值(0.23±0.04）和ADC值[(1.784±0.129)×10-9mm2/s]均高于高级别胶质瘤瘤周水肿区FA值(0.17±0.02)和ADC值[(1.329±0.038)×10-9mm2/s](P.＜0.001);12例胶质母细胞瘤瘤周正常白质区FA值(0.32±0.08)低于对应对侧正常白质(P＜0.001).结论 弥散张量成像FA值和ADC值两个参数对于胶质瘤的分级及瘤周浸润的评价具有一定价值. C值[(1.327±0.587)×10-9mm2/s](P.＜0.05);低级别胶质瘤瘤周水肿区FA值(0.23±0.04）和ADC值[(1.784±0.129)×10-9mm2/s]均高于高级别胶质瘤瘤周水肿区FA值(0.17±0.02)和ADC值[(1.329±0.038)×10-9mm2/s](P.＜0.001);12例胶质母细胞瘤瘤周正常白质区FA值(0.32±0.08)低于对应对侧正常白质(P＜0.001).结论 弥散张量成像FA值和ADC值两 参数对于胶质瘤的分级及瘤周浸润的评价具有一定价值. C值[(1.327±0.587)×10-9mm2/s](P.＜0.05);低级     

磁共振扩散加权成像在脑胶质瘤边缘带中的应用

目的应用扩散加权成像(DWI)探讨脑胶质瘤边缘带的ADC值变化特点,评价其对不同级别脑胶质瘤边缘带的应用价值。方法收集经手术病理切片确诊的脑胶质瘤患者40例,其中高级别(WHOⅢ-Ⅳ级)胶质瘤25例,低级别胶质瘤(WHOⅠ-Ⅱ级)15例,分别进行常规MR平扫、DWI检查及钆对比剂增强扫描。DWI梯度敏感因子b值分别取0 s/mm21、000 s/mm2,测量肿瘤实质、瘤周水肿区及水肿区周围正常脑白质区的ADC值及对侧相应正常脑白质的ADC值,并进行统计学分析。结果高级别胶质瘤实质区、瘤周水肿区及水肿周围正常脑白质区ADC值间差异无统计学意义;低级别胶质瘤肿瘤实质及水肿区ADC值差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),肿瘤实质区明显高于瘤周水肿区;高级别胶质瘤水肿周围正常脑白质区的ADC值明显高于对侧相应正常脑白质区,二者差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);低级别胶质瘤水肿周围正常脑白质区与对侧相应正常脑白质区的ADC值间差异无统计学意义。结论 MR扩散加权成像技术有助于推测胶质瘤肿瘤细胞的浸润范围,有助于手术方案的合理制定。     

IVIM扩散加权成像在肝硬化背景下小肝癌诊断中的应用价值

目的：探讨MRI对比增强联合体素内不相干运动扩散加权成像(IVIM-DWI)技术对肝硬化背景下小肝癌的诊断价值。方法选择2014年11月至2016年1月在本院收治的肝硬化合并小肝癌患者27例(共32个病灶),均行常规MRI (包括T1WI、T2WI及LAVA多期增强扫描)和IVIM-DWI序列扫描,分析比较常规MRI、两者联合（常规MRI+IVIM-DWI序列扫描）对肝硬化背景下小肝癌的诊断价值;根据IVIM-DWI参数图测量小肝癌及瘤周肝硬化实质平均ADC值(Stand ADC值)、慢速表观扩散系数(D值)、快速表观扩散系数(D*值)和快速扩散成分所占比例(f值)并进行统计学分析。结果联合应用IVIM-DWI技术得出的检出率和诊断符合率分别为100%、96.88%,优于常规MRI的97%、87.50%,但两种方法比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);IVIM-DWI参数图上所测的小肝癌Stand ADC值[(1.09±0.15)×10-3 mm2/s]、D值[(0.91±0.11)×10-3 mm2/s]、D*值[(31.29±8.14)×10-3 mm2/s]和f值[(23.23±7.17)%]均低于瘤周肝硬化实质[Stand ADC值：(1.27±0.14)×10-3 mm2/s、D值(1.05±0.16)×10-3 mm2/s、D*值(61.27±12.59)×10-3 mm2/s和f值(32.83±5.71)%],两者比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论常规MRI联合应用IVIM-DWI技术有助于提高对肝硬化背景下小肝癌的诊断能力。     

磁共振扩散加权成像在胶质瘤术前分级中的应用研究

目的通过磁共振扩散加权成像研究肿瘤实性区域的组织扩散情况，探讨扩散加权成像在胶质瘤术前分级中的应用价值。方法回顾性分析手术病理证实的脑胶质瘤患者常规MRI、DWI检查资料，按照2000年WHO脑肿瘤分级标准，低级别胶质瘤（Ⅰ-Ⅱ级）22例，高级别胶质瘤（Ⅲ-Ⅳ级）17例。所有病例均术前行DWI扫描，在工作站构建ADC图，分别测量肿瘤实性区域和相应部位正常参照区域的ADC值，观察高级别胶质瘤组和低级别组肿瘤实性区域ADC值与正常对照的相互关系，并着重观察两组肿瘤各自与正常参照区域的相对（肿瘤／参照）ADC值之间的关系。低级别和高级别胶质瘤之间肿瘤实性区域各项比值的比较均采用两样本￡检验。结果高级别胶质瘤组肿瘤实性区域ADC值（1．27±0．20）×10^-3 mm^2／s较正常对照区（1．10±0．15）×10^-3mm^2/s稍高，两者之间具有统计学差异（P〈0．05）；而低级别胶质瘤组肿瘤实性区域ADC值（1．84±0．29）×10^-3 mm^2／s明显高于正常对照区（1．00±0．08）×10^-3 mm^2／s，具有显著性差异（P〈0．01）。结论高级别胶质瘤与低级别胶质瘤瘤体实性区域rADC值有显著性差异，这提示MRDWI有助于提高胶质瘤术前分级评价准确性。     

3.0T MR扩散张量成像在胶质瘤分级中的临床诊断价值

目的探讨MR扩散张量成像在胶质瘤分级中的研究价值。方法 31例胶质瘤患者行3.0T MR常规及扩散张量成像(DTI)检查,定量测量各向异性系数FA及表观弥散系数值(ADC),对低级别、高级别胶质瘤组间定量参数的比较采用Mann-Whitney U检验。以肿瘤ROI中ADC与FA值作为临界点绘制出ROC曲线,计算曲线下面积,确定诊断阈值,评价其诊断效能。结果 14例低级别胶质瘤的FA值为(139.4±81.3);ADC值为(1.36±0.21)×10-3mm2/s;17例高级别胶质瘤FA值为(103.1±41.5),ADC值为(1.09±0.28)×10-3mm2/s.;2两组间参数差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。以ADC值作为临界点判断肿瘤低高级并绘制ROC曲线,曲线下面积为0.79。以ADC值等于1.11×10-3mm2/s作为诊断阈值,区分低高级肿瘤的敏感度为58.8%,特异度为92.9%。以FA值作为临界点判断肿瘤低高级并绘制ROC曲线,曲线下面积为0.62。以FA值等于178.9作为诊断阈值,区分低高级肿瘤的敏感度为94.1%,特异度为35.7%。结论 DTI中FA值及ADC值对胶质瘤病理分级有重要的评估价值。     

胶质瘤最小表观扩散系数值与Ki-67表达的相关性

目的 探讨胶质瘤最小表观扩散系数(minADC)值与Ki-67标记指数的相关性.方法 回顾性分析2009-2012年上海交通大学附属胸科医院和复旦大学附属华山医院78例经病理证实的胶质瘤患者常规MRI及DWI资料,ADC图上测量肿瘤组织minADC值.术后应用免疫组化检查测定Ki-67标记指数.结果进行统计学分析.结果 78例胶质瘤患者中,Ⅱ级28例、Ⅲ级21例、Ⅳ级29例.Ⅱ级胶质瘤组肿瘤平均minADC值[(1.23±0.23)×10-3 mm2/s]高于Ⅲ级组肿瘤平均minADC值[(0.92±0.20)×10-3 mm2/s] (P＜0.01)、也高于Ⅳ级组肿瘤平均minADC值[(0.80±0.16)×10-3 mm2/s] (P ＜0.01),但Ⅲ级与Ⅳ级组肿瘤平均minADC值差异无统计学意义(P =0.069).肿瘤minADC值与胶质瘤级别呈负相关(r=-0.678,P＜0.01).Ki-67标记指数在Ⅱ级(3.6％±2.3％)、Ⅲ级(14.8％±7.3％)、Ⅳ级胶质瘤(29.9％±l3.1％)之间差异均有统计学意义(均P＜0.01),且与级别呈正相关(r =0.835,P＜0.01).肿瘤minADC值与Ki-67指数呈负相关(r=-0.556,P＜0.01).结论 肿瘤minADC值有助于胶质瘤分级诊断.     

MR脑血流灌注成像在胶质瘤中的应用

目的:探讨胶质瘤磁共振灌注成像参数与肿瘤病理分级及肿瘤侵袭性之间的关系.方法:收集本院神经外科经手术及病理证实的胶质瘤共36例,行常规MR及MR灌注成像检查,构建局部脑血容量(rCBV)图,并计算肿瘤实质及肿瘤周围水肿区平均相对局部脑血容量值(rrCBV),分析上述参数与胶质瘤分级的关系.结果:高级别胶质瘤及低级别胶质瘤肿瘤实质区的平均rrCBV值分别为2.20±0.75、1.31±0.35,高级别胶质瘤及低级别胶质瘤瘤周水肿区域的平均rrCBV值分别为1.98±0.66、0.99±0.24.高级别胶质瘤肿瘤实质区及瘤周水肿区的平均rrCBV值分别大于低级别胶质瘤的肿瘤实质区和瘤周水肿区的平均rrCBV值(P＜0.05).结论:MR脑血流灌注成像能够对胶质瘤分级提供依据并评价肿瘤对周围组织的侵袭性.     

IVIM-DWI定量参数对胰腺癌的诊断价值

目的探讨IVIM-DWI定量参数对胰腺癌的诊断价值。方法回顾性分析40例胰腺癌IVIM影像学资料,并与20例慢性胰腺炎进行对照。患者均行常规MRI平扫及IVIM多b值(0、20、40、70、100、200、400、700及1 000 s/mm2)扫描,测量D值、D*值、f值进行统计学分析,采用受试者工作特征曲线(ROC曲线)下面积(AUC)评估胰腺癌上述各参数的诊断效能。结果胰腺癌的f值低于与慢性胰腺炎的f值(0.26±0.054vs 0.36±0.022),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。胰腺癌的D*值和D值低于慢性胰腺炎的D*值和D值[(1.29±0.27)×10-3mm2/s vs (1.31±0.21)×10-3mm2/s,(21.34±9.34)×10-3mm2/s vs (24.97±8.09)×10-3mm2/s],差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 IVIM-DWI在胰腺癌的应用是可行的,f值是胰腺癌诊断的最佳参数。     

磁共振成像弥散张量成像在胶质瘤分级诊断中的应用

目的探讨磁共振成像(MRI)弥散张量成像(DTI)在脑胶质瘤分级诊断中的应用效果。方法回顾收集该院78例脑胶质瘤患者为研究对象,患者均进行MRI常规、DTI扫描,分析患者的肿瘤实质区、瘤周水肿区、水肿旁白质区的各项异性分数(FA值)、rFA值,并计算正常白质区的表观弥散系数(ADC值);同时分别测量灌注最明显区域脑血容量(CBV)、脑血流量(CBF)值,计算出病变区与正常脑白质区的比值rCBV、rCBF。结果 78例胶质瘤患者中,26例低级胶质瘤,52例高级胶质瘤,低级别胶质瘤的肿瘤实质、瘤周水肿区、水肿旁白质区的FA值、rFA值均显著高于高级别胶质瘤的FA值、rFA值(P 0.05);低级别胶质瘤的肿瘤实质区、瘤周水肿区、正常白质区的ADC值依次为(1.012±0.085)、(1.198±0.127)、(0.781±0.231),均显著低于高级别胶质瘤的(1.195±0.129)、(1.014±0.153)、(0.847±0.178)(P 0.05)。结论 MRI弥散张量成像技术与常规MRI比较,其FA值、rFA值、ADC值能有效判断胶质瘤分级,为医师的治疗提供信息。     

磁共振弥散张量成像在胶质瘤分级中的应用价值

目的 通过应用弥散张量成像中部分各向异性(FA)和平均弥散率(MD)两个参数对脑神经胶质瘤良恶性进行分级.方法 28例经手术、病理证实为脑胶质瘤患者行弥散张量MRO检查,弥散敏感系数(b值,b=0s/mm2及b=800s/mm2).在FA图和MD图上分别测量肿瘤实质与对侧正常组织感兴趣区的数值,并在各级别胶质瘤之间和胶质瘤与对侧正常组织之间进行比较.结果 Ⅰ～Ⅱ级胶质瘤实质的MD值(1.561±0.363)×10-3 mm2/s,明显高于Ⅲ级MD值(1.148±0.215)×10-3 mm2/s(P＜0.01)和Ⅳ级MD值(1.172±0.263)×10-3 mm2/s(P＜0.01),但Ⅲ、Ⅳ之间差异无统计学意义.Ⅰ～Ⅱ级胶质瘤实质的FA值(0.157±0.016)(P＜0.01)明显低于Ⅲ级FA值(0.233±0.031)(P＜0.01)和Ⅳ级FA值(0.237±0.033)(P＜0.01).但Ⅲ、Ⅳ之间差异无统计学意义.病灶侧MD值和FA值与对侧正常组织感兴趣区MD值与FA值间有显著性差异.FA图像可清楚显示肿瘤与白质纤维的关系.结论 弥散张量成像MD和FA两个参数对于胶质瘤的分级诊断具有临床应用价值.     

Value of D-Dimers in patients with acute aortic dissection

Objective: To evaluatel the value of D-dimers in patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD). Methods: This study consisted of 16 patients with AAD and 27 non-AAD patients. Serum D-dimets were measured by Sta-Liatest D-DI immunoturbidimetric assay. Results: D-dimer level was higher (P ＜ 0.001) in patients with AAD(7.91 ± 5.52 μg/ml) than that in non- AAD group(1.57±1.24 μg/ml). D-dimer was positive (＞0.4 μg/ml) in all patients with AAD and in 10 control group patients (37%). Among patients with acute AAD, D-dimers tended to be higher in Stanford A than in Stanford B (8.67 ± 4.31 μg/ml vs. 3.24±1.27 μg/ml, P ＜0.01). D-dimer values tended to be higher in more extended disease(3.84 ± 1.65 μg/ml, 8.57 ± 3.58 μg/ml and 11.87 ± 5.69 μg/ml in thoracic aorta, thoracic and abdominal aorta, thoracic and abdominal aorta and iliacal arteries, respectively, P ＜ 0.05 for both 8.57 ± 3.58 and 11.87 ± 5.69 vs. 3.84 ± 1.65 ). Including the control group into the analysis, we found a sensitivity of 100%, a negative predictive value of 100%, and a specificity of 66% and a positive predictive value of 64% for D-dimer in diagnosis of AAD in our patients with suspected AAD. Conclusion: D-dimer was elevated in patients with AAD. A negative D-dimer test result could be useful in excluding AAD.     

Research of combined liver-kidney transplantation model in rats

Objective： To set up a simple and reliable rat model of combined liver-kidney transplantation. Methods： SD rats served as both donors and recipients. 4℃ sodium lactate Ringer＇s was infused from portal veins to donated livers,and from abdominal aorta to donated kidneys, respectively. Anastomosis of the portal vein and the inferior vena cava （IVC） inferior to the right kidney between the graft and the recipient was performed by a double cuff method, then the superior hepatic vena cava with suture. A patch of donated renal artery was anastomosed to the recipient abdominal aorta. The urethra and bile duct were reconstructed with a simple inside bracket. Results： Among 65 cases of combined liver-kidney transplantation, the success rate in the late 40 cases was 77.5%. The function of the grafted liver and kidney remained normal. Conclusion： This rat model of combined liver-kidney transplantation can be established in common laboratory conditions with high success rate and meet the needs of renal transplantation experiment.     

BLOOD PRESSURE CHANGE WITH AGE IN SALT-SENSITIVE TEENAGERS

Objective To observe blood pressure change with age in salt-sensitive teenagers whose salt sensitivity were determined by repeated testing.Methods Salt sensitivity was determined through intravenous infusion of normal saline combined with volume-depletion by oral diuretic furosemide in 55 teenagers. After five years, salt sensitivity was re-examined and subject blood pressure was followed up. Blood pressure changes in salt-sensitive teenagers were compared to that of non-salt sensitive teenagers over five years.Results After 5 years, the repetition rate of salt sensitivity determined by intravenous saline loading is 92.7%. In teenagers with salt sensitivity on the baseline, both the systolic blood pressure increments and increment rates were much higher than non-salt sensitive teenagers (12.7±12.1 mmHg vs. 2.8±5.2 mmHg, P＜ 0.01; 12.2%± 12.0% vs. 2.5% ±4.4%, P＜ 0.001,respectively). There was a similar trend for diastolic blood pressure (8.4 ± 6.4 mmHg vs. 3.7 ± 6.4 mmHg, P = 0.052; 13.2% ±10.6 % vs. 6.8%± 10.1%, P = 0.053, respectively).Conclusions Salt sensitivity determined by intravenous saline loading showed good reproducibility. Blood pressure increments with age were much higher in salt-sensitive teenagers than non-salt sensitive teenagers, especially in terms of systolic blood pressure.     

安心颗粒对急诊经皮冠状动脉介入术后生活质量影响的研究

目的：评价使用安心颗粒对急诊经皮冠状动脉介入术（PPCI）术后生活质量的影响.方法：将160例接受PPCI的急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者随机分为安心颗粒组（术前顿服安心颗粒8.8g,术后安心颗粒4.4 g/次,每日2次）和对照组（仅接受基础药物治疗）.所有患者均服用阿司匹林、氯吡格雷和阿托伐他汀.分别在入院时、出院前1d、出院后180 d时,应用心肌梗死多维度量表（MIDAS）、中文版SF-36评价量表对患者生活质量评分.并观察术后30 d以内的出血并发症、血小板减少症发生情况.结果：入院时和出院前1d,两组患者的心肌梗死MIDAS、SF-36量表评分比较无差异（P＞0.05）;出院后180 d时,与对照组比较,安心颗粒组MIDAS、SF-36评分明显减低（P＜0.05）;组内与入院时比较,两组出院前1d、出院后180 d时,MIDAS、SF-36评分均降低（P＜0.05）.两组患者在随访期间均无大量出血、少量出血、重度和极重度血小板减少症发生,安心颗粒组有4例、对照组有7例发生不明显出血（P＞0.05）.两组发生轻度血小板减少症的患者数比较无差异（P＞0.05）.结论：PPCI使用安心颗粒,能改善急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者的生活质量,且不增加出血风险.     

The comparative studies of the influences of Urapidil and Nicardipine on sino-atrial node function, atrio-ventricular node function and hemodynamics

Objective:To investigate the influences of urapidil and nicardipine on rabbit sinus function,atrio-ventricular node function and hemodynamics.Methods:Thirty-two Angora's rabbits were selected and randomly divided into four groups.U1 group:urapidil 0.25 mg/kg;U2 group:urapidil 0.5 mg/kg;N1 group:nicardipine 10 μg/kg;N2 group:nicardipine 20 μg/kg.All these medicine were administrated within 30 seconds.Measurements were taken before and after the administration of urapidil or nicardipine for the following data:mean blood pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR),sino-atrial conduction time(SACT),maximal sinoatrial recovery time(SNRTmax)corrected sinus node recovery time(CSNRT),index of sinus node recovery time(SNRTI),Wenckebach A-V conduction frequency (WB),and P-R interval.Results:Significant MAP and HR changes were identified in all of the four groups before and after administration of both urapidil and nicardipine.No significant changes could be found in the rest of the parameters.Intergroup analysis showed that SACT and CSNRT of N1 and N2 groups were shorter than those of the U2 group(P＜0.01);the MAP decreased(P＜0.01)and the HR increased drastically(P＜0.01).Conclusions:Neither urapidil(0.25 mg/kg,0.5 mg/kg)nor nicardipine(10μg/kg,20μg/kg)has any significant influence on rabbit sinus function or rabbit atrio-ventricular node function.Nicardipine could be a better choice than urapidil for parafunctional sinus node patients.     

Expression of OPGmRNA and ODFmRNA in the patients of hip fracture due to osteoporosis

Objective：To investigate the gene expression of osteoprotegerin（OPG） and osteoclast differentiation factor（ODF） in the bone tissue of patients with hip fracture due to osteoporosis. Methods：OPGmRNA and ODFmRNA in the bone tissue in 50 cases of osteoporosis sufferers（over 50 years old） with hip fracture（Observer Group） and 30 cases of hip facture sufferers with no osteoporosis（Control group） were analyzed with the Semi-Quantitative RT-PCR method. Results：The mRNA expressed of ODF, OPG were both high in the patients with hip fracture. In the control group, the expression of OPG mRNA was observed, while the expression of ODF mRNA was very slight. Conclusion：Aged patients contained all signals including OPG, ODF that are essential for inducing osteoclastogenesis and promoting bone resorption.     

The clinicopathological and immuohistochemical analysis of solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas： report of 9 cases

Objective：To investigate the clinical features, pathological characteristics and immunophenotype of solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas（SPTP）. Methods：Nine surgically treated cases of SPTP were retrospectively reviewed. Hematoxylin and Eosin（HE） staining and immunohistochemical staining were used to analyze all cases, and the general clinical data was collected. Results：Six patients were asymptomatic except for a palpable mass. Two patients complained of vague-epigastric pain. One patient appeared jaundice. The tumor was encapsulated and solid tissues alternately with cystic tissues. Histologically, the histological structure of solid portion was pseudopapillary with a fibrovascular core. Tumor cells were uniform and medium-sized which were arranged in sheets ets or nests or pseudopapillary patterns. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that SPTP proved positive in vimentin（9/9 cases）, AAT（9/9 cases）, NSE（9/9 cases）, ACT（7/9 cases）, CK20（2/9 cases）, CgA（1/9 cases）, S-100（3/gcases）, PR（4/gcases）, Syn（3/9 cases） and CD56（5/9cases）, negative in CEA and ER. Conclusion：SPTP is a tumor predominantly occurring in young women frequently without special symptoms. This tumor has various characteristical histological patterns with different immunophenotype.     

Dynamic Changes in Serum Estradiol and Progesterone levels in Patients of Premenstrual Syndrome with Adverse Flow of Liver-qi

Objective:To probe into the influence of changes of ovarian hormones on the pathogenesis of the specific sub-type premenstrual syndrome(PMS)and reveal partial microcosmic mechanisms of adverse flow of liver-qi.Methods:Estradiol(E2)and progesterone(P)levels in serum were determined at different phases of menstrual cycle by radioimmunoassay.Results:In the group of PMS with adverse flow of liver-qi.the secretive peak value Of E2 and P at the follicular phase significantly decreased,and the secretive peak value at the luteal phase did not come into being.Conclusions:Low E2 and P secretive peak at the follicular phase and absence of secretive peak at the luteal phase is one of the microcosmic mechanisms of PMS with adverse flow of liver-qi.One of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of specific sub-type PMS is probably the continuous low level of E2and P.     

Real-time Three-dimensional Echocardiography in Assessment of Left Ventricular and Right Ventricular Volumes

Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE)is a new ultrasound technique that enables dynamic threedimensional visualization and quantification of the heart in real time. Investigation of feasibility and methodology of RT3DE in determining left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) volumes, RT3DE was performed in 35 normal adults using Philips SONOS 7500 system with a 2-4 MHz matrix array transducer. The 60°×60° "pyramid" volume database was obtained and analyzed on a TomTec echo workstation. Both LV and RV volumes were calculated with four 3DE methods (i.e. apical 2, 4, 8, and 16-plane) through manually tracing ventricular endocardial borders in end diastole and end systole. Stroke volumes were then calculated. LV volume was also measured by 2DE Simpson's rule using GE VIVID 7 ultrasound machine.     

SCREENING FOR A 21-CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITY IN PREIMPLANTED EMBRYOS OF ELDERLY WOMEN

Increasing maternal age is the only etiological factor unequivocally linked to Down's syndrome in humans. The occurrence rate of newborns with Down's syndrome is about 1/220 in women over 35 years old. However, the occurrence rate in embryos fertilized in vitro, of the elder woman is unclear. Using FISH we screened the number of chromosome 21 in preimplanted embryos of 5 elderly women (average age, 38.4 years) to study the feasibility and necessity of screening trisomy 21 in embryos in patients over 35 years old at the in vitro fertilization (IVF) center.