Spontaneous echocardiographic contrast in the descending aorta

The visualization of echocardiographic spontaneous contrast is a common phenomenon in patients undergoing transesophageal echocardiographic studies. Its pathophysiology is not well understood, but it has been related to the presence of a low flow state in the cardiac chambers. We report the presence of spontaneous contrast in the descending aorta of four patients, a location not previously described in the absence of aortic dissection. In two patients, spontaneous contrast was noted in both the left atrium and the descending aorta. In one patient with moderate left ventricular dysfunction, spontaneous contrast was noted in the descending aorta and in the left ventricle. In the remaining case, no cardiac or aortic abnormalities were observed and this represents the first time that spontaneous contrast has been identified in a patient with an echocardiographically normal heart. The occurrence of spontaneous contrast has been considered an abnormal echocardiographic finding, since it has always been described in patients with clinical symptoms and cardiac abnormalities. The fact that spontaneous contrast can be visualized in patients with very mild structural cardiac abnormalities or none at all, warrants further investigation, especially when therapeutic or prognostic implications are considered.     

Spontaneous echo contrast in the descending aorta in patients without aortic dissection: associated clinical and echocardiographic characteristics

The objective of the study was to evaluate the frequency, clinical and echocardiographic correlates of spontaneous echo contrast in the descending aorta in the absence of dissection. Prevalence of spontaneous echo contrast in the descending aorta in the absence of dissection, and its clinical and echocardiographic correlates were investigated in 1199 consecutive patients who underwent transesophageal echocardiography. Spontaneous echo contrast in the descending aorta was detected in 54 (4.5%) patients. Patients with spontaneous echo contrast in the descending aorta had an older age (60.6±8 vs. 40.6±14.2 years, P=0.0001), an increased prevalence of male gender (66.7 vs. 43.9%, P=0.001), an increased diameter of ascending aorta (4.2±1.0 vs. 3.3±1.1 cm, P=0.0001), an increased diameter of descending aorta (3.1±0.9 vs. 2.1±0.4 cm, P=0.0001), a higher prevalence of aortic wall calcification (9.3 vs. 0.5%, P=0.00001), complex plaque in the descending aorta (13 vs. 0.7%, P=0.0001), left ventricular dysfunction (7.4 vs. 2.1%, P<0.05), a lower incidence of severe aortic regurgitation (0 vs. 3.5%, P<0.05), a lower peak flow velocity in the descending aorta (28±9 vs. 51±21 cm/s, P<0.00001), and a lower maximal shear rate in the descending aorta (51±29 vs. 105±47 s⁻¹, P<0.00001) compared with patients without spontaneous echo contrast in the descending aorta. However, prevalence of atrial fibrillation, mitral valve disease, intracardiac spontaneous echo contrast and/or thrombus and embolic event were not different between patients with and without spontaneous echo contrast in the descending aorta (P>0.05). Shear rate, diameter of the descending aorta, aortic wall calcification, complex plaque in the descending aorta, absence of severe aortic regurgitation and male gender were independent variables of spontaneous echo contrast in the descending aorta. Spontaneous echo contrast in the descending aorta is a local and flow-dependent phenomenon related to aortic dilation, atherosclerosis, and decreased shear rates in the descending aorta. However, in this study, spontaneous echo contrast in the descending aorta was not found to be associated with embolic events.     

Spontaneous echo contrast in the descending aorta in patients without aortic dissection: associated clinical and echocardiographic characteristics

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency, clinical and echocardiographic correlates of spontaneous echo contrast in the descending aorta in the absence of dissection. METHODS: Prevalence of spontaneous echo contrast in the descending aorta in the absence of dissection, and its clinical and echocardiographic correlates were investigated in 1,199 consecutive patients who underwent transesophageal echocardiography. RESULTS: Spontaneous echo contrast in the descending aorta was detected in 54 (4.5%) patients. Patients with spontaneous echo contrast in the descending aorta had an older age (60.6+/-8 vs. 40.6+/-14.2 years, p=0.0001), an increased prevalence of male gender (66.7 vs. 43.9%, p=0.001), an increased diameter of ascending aorta (4.2+/-1.0 vs. 3.3+/-1.1 cm, p=0.0001), an increased diameter of descending aorta (3.1+/-0.9 vs. 2.1+/-0.4 cm, p=0.0001), a higher prevalence of aortic wall calcification (9.3 vs. 0.5%, p=0.00001), complex plaque in the descending aorta (13 vs. 0.7%, p=0.0001), left ventricular dysfunction (7.4 vs. 2.1%, p<0.05), a lower incidence of severe aortic regurgitation (0 vs. 3.5%, p<0.05), a lower peak flow velocity in the descending aorta (28+/-9 vs. 51+/-21 cm/s, p<0.00001), and a lower maximal shear rate in the descending aorta (51+/-29 vs. 105+/-47 s(-1), p<0.00001) compared with patients without spontaneous echo contrast in the descending aorta. However, prevalence of atrial fibrillation, mitral valve disease, intracardiac spontaneous echo contrast and/or thrombus and embolic event were not different between patients with and without spontaneous echo contrast in the descending aorta (p>0.05). Shear rate, diameter of the descending aorta, aortic wall calcification, complex plaque in the descending aorta, absence of severe aortic regurgitation and male gender were independent variables of spontaneous echo contrast in the descending aorta. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous echo contrast in the descending aorta is a local and flow dependent phenomenon relates to aortic dilation, atherosclerosis, and decreased shear rates in the descending aorta. However, in this study, spontaneous echo contrast in the descending aorta was not found to be associated with embolic events.     

Improved detection of spontaneous echo contrast in the aorta with tissue Doppler imaging

AIMS: Spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) within the cardiac chambers has been associated with increased risk of thromboembolism. We investigated the presence and severity of SEC in the aorta with tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and compared these to the aortic flow velocity and to the clinical profile of the patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy patients (35 males, 35 females, mean age 64, 22-86 years) underwent TEE for standard indications. Spontaneous echo contrast was studied with conventional and TDI imaging. Aortic flow velocity was measured in the center and lateral part of the descending aorta. SEC of any grade was detected in 24 patients with conventional imaging and in 53 using TDI (P < 0.0001). The presence of swirling was associated with aortic atherosclerosis, older age, history of hypertension and coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and previous embolic events. There was correlation between intraaortic swirling, larger descending aortic diameter (23.6 vs 17 mm, P < 0.00001) and lower peak aortic flow velocity (55 vs 68 cm/s, P = 0.038). CONCLUSION: Spontaneous echo contrast in the aorta is common in high-risk patients and is associated with increased clinical profile, larger aortic diameter, and lower peak aortic flow velocity. Tissue Doppler imaging is more sensitive in the detection of SEC than conventional imaging.     

慢性心房颤动患者心房自发声学显影与血流动力学和凝血标记物关系的研究

目的研究瓣膜性心房颤动(房颤)和非瓣膜性房颤患者左心房自发声学显影(SEC)的形成机制.方法患者61例分为3组,其中健康对照组17例,非瓣膜性房颤组23例和瓣膜性房颤组21例.测定血浆纤维蛋白原(Fg)、血管性血友病因子(vWF)、D-二聚体(DD)、血小板颗粒膜糖蛋白-140(GMP-140)、凝血酶抗凝血酶Ⅲ复合物(TAT)和纤溶酶原激活物抑制物-1(PAI-1);应用经食管超声心动图技术测量房颤患者左心耳和肺静脉血流速度;应用背向散射积分(IBS)技术定量测定左心耳SEC.结果与对照组比较,房颤患者血浆Fg、vWF、DD、TAT和PAI-1显著升高(P＜0.05),GMP-140差异无显著性(P＞0.05);房颤两组间差异无显著性.相关分析结果,瓣膜性房颤组左心房SEC与TAT正相关(r=0.64,P=0.0026),与肺静脉血流D波平均流速负相关(r=-0.49,P=0.044),其余无相关性;非瓣膜性房颤组左心房SEC与左心耳排空血流流速积分负相关(r=0.43,P=0.045),与肺静脉血流D波平均流速负相关(r=-0.43,P=0.048),其余无相关性.结论血液高凝状态和局部血流淤滞可能是瓣膜性房颤左心房SEC形成的主要机制;局部血流动力学紊乱可能是非瓣膜性房颤左心房SEC形成的主要机制,血浆凝血标记物对非瓣膜性房颤左心房SEC的预测价值尚待进一步研究.     

Spontaneous recanalization of internal carotid artery occlusion evaluated with color flow imaging and contrast arteriography.

AIM: In strokes of embolic origin a partial recanalization of the intracranial occluded vessel occurs with a high incidence (as high as 80%). In the literature, we find few cases of revascularization, detected with color flow imaging (CFI) or with arteriography (AGF), at carotid siphon or at the origin of an occluded internal carotid artery (ICA). Up to now there have been no reliable data on the incidence and clinical consequences of SR of an extracranial ICA occlusion. In this case-report we document 8 cases of SR of occluded ICA observed in the last 10 years in our Care Unit. METHODS: We observed 8 complete ICA occlusion at the origin, detected with CFI (8 of 8) and with AGF (7 of 8). All symptomatic patients and 2 of 5 asymptomatic patients underwent CT scan in the acute phase of stroke. All patients underwent CFI follow-up (every 6-12 monhts) to evaluate contralateral CCA and ICA and the presence of new focal neurological symptoms. All patients assumed BMT (antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy). RESULTS: SR occurred in 6 patients between 24 and 96 months, in 1 patient within 8 months and 1 patient within 6 months from the diagnosis of ICA occlusion. Diagnosis of SR was based in all patients with CFI and in 4 patients confirmed with AGF. Five patients underwent CT scan that excluded haemorrhagic transformation of previous ischemic areas or new ischemic events (2 patients did CT scan only after SR). All patients underwent CFI follow-up in a 3-88 months period. There were no new focal neurological symptoms in 7 of 8 patients, 1 patient presented aspecific neurological symptoms. CONCLUSION: Diagnosing SR of occluded extracranical ICA seems to be more frequent than expected. SR is an event that has to be researched in follow-up of these patients; besides, it seems to have a relatively benign outcome with respect to the onset of new neurological symptoms.     

Spontaneous echo contrast mimicking aortic root thrombus in a patient supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Aortic root spontaneous echo contrast is a rare but significant finding. We report a 31‐year‐old female who was placed on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation emergently for acute mitral regurgitation secondary to papillary muscle rupture. Following stabilization, subsequent transesophageal echocardiography suggested aortic root thrombus and prompted emergent surgery. However, further inspection with intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography revealed a spontaneous echo contrast which aided us in the intraoperative decision making.     

Non invasive study of carotid arteries by echo-doppler and metabolic abnormalities in patients with dementia

In order to evaluate the prevalence of common and/or internal carotid stenoses together with metabolic abnormalities in dementia nineteen patients were investigated. Dementia and differential diagnosis between Alzheimer type (DAT) and multi-infarctual (MID) dementia were performed on the basis of Computerized Tomography scan, behavioural anamnesis, neurological and neuropsychological examinations. Eight patients were diagnosed as MID and 11 as DAT. Noninvasive study of neck arteries was performed in supine position by a Duplex Scanner, able of detecting a wide range of stenosis, even when very mild. Arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and high hematocrit level were present in both groups, although to a higher extent in MID (p 0.05). Results from Duplex Scanner demonstrate 12 vascular stenoses 16-49% and one between 50-99% (13/76), being vascular abnormalities equally distributed among DAT and MID patients. These data suggest that patients with metabolic abnormalities and arteriosclerosis can develop dementia not necessarily of vascular type. On the other hand, MID patients do not present higher number of stenosis as compared to DAT, indicating that vascular disease of carotid arteries is not prominent in the clinical context of dementia.     

Mobile mural thrombus and spontaneous echo contrast in ascending aorta after postoperative adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy

A 70-year-old asymptomatic male who had undergone a right nephrectomy for renal pelvic cancer was referred to us with a thrombus in the ascending aorta detected by contrast-enhanced computed tomography after chemotherapy with gemcitabine/cisplatin. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed a 4-cm mobile mural thrombus in the ascending aorta. An emergency thoracotomy for planned aortic root replacement was performed, but the intraoperative epi-aortic ultrasound indicated that the thrombus had disappeared, and it showed prominent spontaneous-echo contrast (SEC) in the ascending aorta. We speculate that vascular endothelium damage due to the cisplatin-based chemotherapy induced the thrombus and SEC in the ascending aorta.     

Red blood cell velocity changes with age and sex in the common carotid and supra-orbital arteries

Doppler-shifted ultrasound and spectral analysis were used to assess signals from the resting supra-orbital artery and the common carotid artery at the base of the neck of 658 (270 male, 388 female) asymptomatic subjects aged 5 to 90 years. The sonagrams obtained showed two peaks (A and B) during cardiac systole. The ratio of these peaks (A/B) decreased from 20 to 50 years and then levelled out. The male A/B ratios from both arteries were higher than those for the females between 20 and 50 years, and for the common carotid these differences were highly significant (P less than 0.001).     

Prevalence and extent of calcification over aorta,coronary and carotid arteries in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective. To evaluate the prevalence and pattern of arterial calcification in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Background. Patients with RA are prone to premature atherosclerosis; nonetheless the prevalence and extent of atherosclerosis in different vascular beds and their relationship to each other remain unknown. Methods. We studied the distribution and extent of arterial calcification in 85 RA patients and 85 age‐and sex‐matched controls. Arterial calcification as determined by calcium score (CS) were measured using multi‐detector computed tomography in thoracic aorta, coronary and carotid arteries. Results. Compared with controls, RA patients had a significantly higher average CS and prevalence of CS > 0 in aorta, coronary and carotid arteries and overall arteries (all P < 0.05). After adjusting for age and sex, RA patients had a significantly higher relative risk of developing calcification in the aorta [Odds Ratio (OR) = 19.5, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 8.0–47.6], followed by the carotid arteries (OR = 5.7, 95% CI:1.7–18.7) and coronary arteries (OR = 5.0, 95% CI:2.2–11.1) compared with controls (all P < 0.01). Amongst RA patients aged >60, 90% had diffuse arterial calcification, especially over the thoracic aorta, compared with 55% of controls who had arterial calcification clustered in the coronary arteries (P < 0.05). RA patients with total CS > 0 were older with a higher urea level and C‐reactive protein than those without arterial calcification, no factor was found to be independently predictive for arterial calcification (all P > 0.05). Conclusions. Our results demonstrated that RA patients had earlier onset, more diffuse arterial calcification over multiple vascular beds and more preferential involvement of thoracic aorta, rather than coronary artery when compared with control.     

Atherosclerosis of abdominal aorta and carotid arteries and its correlation with blood serum lipid levels in cholelithiasis

AIM: To elucidate relationship between cholelithiasis and presence and severity of atherosclerosis in abdominal aorta and carotid arteries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ultrasound investigation of vessels and abdominal organs, determination of blood serum total, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were carried out in 147 patients with and 167 without (controls) cholelithiasis (mean age 44.2+/-3.1 and 45+/-2.8 years, respectively). RESULTS: Among patients with cholelithiasis 73.2 and 67.6% had atherosclerosis of abdominal aorta and carotid arteries, respectively. This was significantly more than in controls. Compared with controls atherosclerosis of these vessels in all age groups was significantly more pronounced in patients with cholelithiasis. Moreover severity of atherosclerosis was directly related to duration and activity of cholelithiasis. Atherosclerosis of abdominal aorta and carotids was most pronounced in patients with cholelithiasis and concomitant hypertension, ischemic heart disease and obesity. Significant direct correlations were found between blood serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein cholesterol and thickness of abdominal aortic wall and carotid artery intima media complex. CONCLUSION: The results evidence for the existence of association between cholelithiasis and presence and severity of atherosclerosis of abdominal aorta and carotid arteries.     

Spontaneous resolution of a dissection of the descending aorta after medical treatment with a beta blocker and a calcium antagonist.

A 58 year old man experienced an attack of squeezing chest pain. A contrast enhanced computed tomographic scan showed acute dissection of the descending aorta. Treatment with metoprolol and nicardipine kept his blood pressure below 130/90 mm Hg while he was supine at rest and after walking. Serial contrast enhanced computed tomographic scans showed opacification of the false lumen (which was not opacified initially) on the 42nd day; moderate regression of the false lumen on the 67th day, and resolution of the false lumen on the 266th day. This is the first in vivo demonstration of spontaneous resolution of aortic dissection detected by serial contrast enhanced computed tomographic scans.     

Rheological abnormalities and thromboembolic complications in heart disease: spontaneous echo contrast and red cell aggregation

The role of abnormal rheological changes in the pathogenesis of thromboembolism has received much attention in recent years, especially in the field of cardiology. Such changes are sometimes seen in an echocardiogram as a smokelike haze known as spontaneous echo contrast (SEC). The presence and severity of SEC correlate with dilated cardiac chambers and the incidence of thromboembolic complications. It is caused by increased red cell aggregation and increased fibrinogen levels, both of which are known risk factors for thrombosis. Although not used clinically, measurements of red cell aggregation can be made in research settings. This can provide findings that give insight into factors causing increased red cell aggregation. A small series of patients with angina pectoris was studied with the Myrenne aggregometer for red cell aggregation. The results, which show correlation between the plasma fibrinogen and triglyceride levels, are presented. As yet, there are only a few therapeutic guidelines for the correction of abnormally high fibrinogen levels in patients at risk.