Comparison of Doppler echocardiography,color M-mode Doppler,and Doppler tissue imaging for the estimation of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure

To overcome the limitations of mitral inflow parameters for predicting pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), combined indices (with Doppler tissue imaging or color M-mode Doppler) have been developed. This study was aimed to compare the accuracy of these indices to predict PCWP. Sixty-one patients were studied. The best correlations with PCWP were found for indices that combined isovolumic relaxation time with flow propagation velocity (color M-mode) or early diastolic velocity of the lateral mitral annulus (Doppler tissue). Both closely tracked changes in PCWP. The color M-mode-derived index was the most accurate in patients with normal systolic function. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2002;15:1245-50.)     

Comparison of right atrial and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures

The right atrial pressure (Pra) was compared to the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (Pcw) in 54 patients. In patients with heart disease, the correlation of Pra with Pcw was poor. However, in patients without clinical heart disease, Pra approximated Pcw, in both absolute number and change. This finding was independent of disease process or the presence of controlled mechanical ventilation.     

经胸二维及三维超声心动图观察心房颤动患者左心房及肺静脉结构改变

目的 应用经胸二维及三维超声心动图观察心房颤动(房颤)患者左心房及肺静脉结构改变.方法 对126例患者进行检查,其中窦性心律(窦律)组64例,房颤组62例,房颤组依据病史进一步分为阵发房颤组及非阵发房颤组.首先进行二维超声检查,测量并计算左心房前后径(LAD)、左心房面积(LAA)、左心房容积(LAV).应用三维全容积显像测量肺静脉直径.结果 房颤组4支肺静脉直径较窦律组明显增宽,差异具有统计学意义(P＜0.05);在房颤患者中,非阵发房颤组4支肺静脉直径显著大于阵发房颤组(P＜0.05).窦律组、阵发房颤组、非阵发房颤组组内各支肺静脉比较,差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).房颤组与窦律组比较、非阵发房颤组与阵发房颤组比较,LAD、LAA、LAV明显增大(P＜0.05).结论 房颤患者心房增大,肺静脉增宽,非阵发房颤患者肺静脉增宽更明显.经胸二维及三维超声心动图町以无创观察房颤患者左心房及肺静脉结构改变.     

Doppler echocardiography flow-velocity image analysis for patients with atrial fibrillation

Currently, Doppler echocardiography analysis is performed manually. An automated method that analyzes the Doppler signal can potentially improve accuracy and result in a powerful tool for noninvasive evaluation of cardiac hemodynamics, especially for patients with atrial fibrillation, where multiple samples are needed to obtain an accurate averaged measurement. The aim of this study was to develop an automated method for Doppler analysis based on image processing and computer vision algorithms. Images were obtained from the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve Doppler tracings from 45 patients, 20 with normal sinus rhythm and 25 with atrial fibrillation. The proposed algorithm automatically detects the maximal velocity envelope of the spectral Doppler ultrasound tracings. Averaged values for the time velocity integral, peak mitral inflow velocity and peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity were calculated for multiple beats available in a single screen frame. Measurements extracted automatically from the maximal velocity envelope were compared to measurements obtained manually by two expert technicians. High linear correlation (r) was found between the automatically- and the manually-extracted parameters (0.95 < r < 0.99). A smaller variation was found in most cases between the manually-calculated average beat and the automated average beat (bias value between 3.8% and 5.2%) than between the manually-calculated average beat and the selection of a representative beat (bias value between 6.2% and -2.6%). The newly-developed automated method offers a new, accurate and reliable clinical tool, particularly for the assessment of patients with irregular heart rate.     

Lower patent foramen ovale detection with transthoracic echocardiography in atrial fibrillation

Background Patent foramina ovale (PFO) are small defects within the atrial septum that may play a role in paradoxical embolism, stroke and migraines. The relationship between PFO and atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been formally studied. We prospectively studied patients with a history of AF, versus those without (controls), in order to compare PFO prevalence among them. Methods Sixty-one patients with AF and forty-one controls completed the study, all undergoing transthoracic echocardiography using agitated saline microbubbles and a Valsalva maneuver. Results In the control group, 12/41 participants (29.2%) had PFOs compared to 5/61 (8.2%) in the AF group (P < 0.01). PFO positive patients within the entire study population demonstrated greater leftward inter-atrial septal shifting (82% vs 49%, P < 0.05). There was also reduced leftward inter-atrial septal shift observed within the AF group compared to controls (32/61 (52%) vs 31/41 (76%), P < 0.05). Conclusion This study is the first to demonstrate an apparent lower rate of PFO in patients with AF, using bubble contrast echocardiography.     

Comparison of left atrial dimensions by transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiography.

Left atrial (LA) size, as determined by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), predicts the risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke and the success of cardioversion. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is increasingly used in these clinical situations. However, unlike TTE, measurement of LA size by TEE has not been standardized. To validate TEE measurement, we determined LA dimensions in 4 standard views by TTE at the same time in 121 patients undergoing TEE. The mid-esophageal basal short-axis view at the level of the aortic valve (TEE 30-60) was the only view in which complete visualization of a LA axis of measurement could be obtained with an acceptably high yield (97.2%). The measurement from this view provided a value that had the highest correlation between TTE and TEE (r = 0.758, P <.0001, 95% confidence interval 0.68-0.86; bias 0.37 +/- 1 cm). Overall, TEE underestimated the LA dimension by 9% compared with TTE. These results suggest that the short-axis view at the level of the aortic valve is the preferred site for measuring the LA dimension by TEE.     

Management of atrial fibrillation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Atrial fibrillation is the cardiac arrhythmia encountered most often in clinical practice. It is triggered by many conditions such as thyroid dysfunction, cardiac disease, alcohol, and pulmonary disease. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are susceptible to many insults that can lead to an acute deterioration superimposed on chronic disease. Changes in blood gases, abnormalities in pulmonary functions, and hemodynamic changes resulting from pulmonary hypertension can lead to the development of atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation and COPD frequently coexist and complicate treatment of both conditions. The treatment of COPD exacerbation may include beta-adrenergic agonist and theophylline, which can precipitate atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. Pharmacologic and electrical cardioversion may be ineffective in the management of atrial fibrillation in patients with COPD until respiratory decompensation has been corrected. This article focuses on the management of atrial fibrillation in patients with COPD.     

慢性心房颤动患者血浆脑钠肽水平相关因素分析

目的 探讨影响慢性心房颤动(CAF)患者血浆B型脑钠肽(BNP)水平的相关因素。方法 采用免疫荧光定量测定法检测222例CAF患者[按左心室射血分数(LVEF)高低分为LVEF≥50％组147例,与LVEF＜50％组75例的血浆BNP含量;采用多普勒超声心动图判断LVEF;同时测定患者血糖、总胆固醇、甘油三酯、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇、肌酐、尿素氮、肌酸;并记录患者的高血压病史、糖尿病病史、吸烟史。结果 BNP含量在LVEF＜ 50％组较≥50％组明显升高(平均秩,158.00和87.78,Z=-7.705,P＜0.001);Logistic回归分析提示:男性(OR 13.115,95％ CI 3.382 ～50.860,P＜0.001)、高血压病史(OR 3.710,95％ CI 1.104 ～ 12.472,P=0.034)、低总胆固醇(OR 0.397,95％ CI 0.214～0.735,P=0.003)、LVEF(OR 0.791,95％ CI 0.723 ～0.867,P＜0.001)、吸烟史(OR4.660,95％ CI 1.256 ～ 17.281,P=0.021)是BNP升高的独立危险因子。结论 在CAF患者中低左心室射血分数、男性、高血压史、低总胆固醇及吸烟史是血浆BNP水平升高的独立预测因子。     

慢性心力衰竭患者血浆肾上腺升压素和心钠素的变化

目的 观察慢性充血性心力衰竭(CHF)患者血浆肾上腺升压素(ADT)和心钠素(ANP)的变化,以探讨CHF发生发展的病理生理机制.方法 采用特异性放射免疫法检测了45例CHF患者治疗前后和20例正常人ADT和ANP的血浆浓度.结果 治疗前,ADT血浆浓度在心功能Ⅱ级为(29.98±3.56)ng/L、Ⅲ级为(33.45±3.54)ng/L,Ⅳ级为(20.71±3.37)ng/L,心功能Ⅲ级时达到高峰,心功能Ⅳ级时明显下降,并且低于正常对照组(24.89±2.19)ng/L,心力衰竭各亚组与正常对照组比较,差异均有统计学意义(均P＜0.05);经1周药物治疗后,心力衰竭各亚组患者血浆ADT含量下降.治疗前ANP血浆含量在心力衰竭各亚组较对照组明显升高(P＜0.05),心力衰竭各亚组间比较差异亦有统计学意义(均P＜0.05);治疗后,心力衰竭各亚组均下降,Ⅳ级组与治疗前相比差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),余两组差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).治疗前ADT和ANP在Ⅱ级组和Ⅳ级组无相关关系,Ⅲ级组有负相关关系(r=-0.46,P=0.04).结论 ADT和ANP共同参与了心力衰竭的病理进程,表明缩血管和舒血管活性肽分子间平衡被打破,反映了心力衰竭的严重程度;短期药物治疗可降低其血浆水平.     

Elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in a patient with hypovolemia

Since its introduction in 1969, the balloon-tipped pulmonary artery catheter has become widely accepted. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressures have been used diagnostically to determine left ventricular preload and volume status. We report on a patient with noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, secondary to a heroin overdose, who was hypovolemic and had an elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. We discuss possible explanations and present evidence that the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure does not always accurately reflect volume status.     

多普勒超声联合M型超声评价心房颤动复律后心房顿抑和心房功能

目的　应用心肌组织多普勒成像 (TDI)结合M型超声、脉冲多普勒及心尖搏动图测定房室环运动速度及幅度、跨瓣血流速度及压力变化 ,评价心房颤动 (房颤 )复律后心房功能的恢复及心房顿抑的发生。方法　房颤患者 3 4例于复律后 1h、1d、1周及 1个月行超声检查 ,并与正常组对照。采用TDI技术测量房室环游离壁舒张晚期即心房收缩期心肌组织运动峰速 (Am )、舒张早期即心室主动舒张期心肌组织运动峰速 (Em ) ,并计算Am/Em值 ;M型超声测量房室环游离壁舒张晚期心肌最大运动幅度 (DAD)、舒张早期心肌最大运动幅度 (DED) ,并计算DAD/DED值 ;脉冲多普勒测量A峰血流速度、E峰血流速度并计算A/E值 ;心尖搏动图记录心房收缩压力波。结果　复律后左右心房功能均低于正常 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,并随时间逐渐恢复 ,至 1周右房功能基本恢复正常 ,1个月左房功能恢复正常。心房顿抑的发生率在左房复律 1h时为 2 0 .6% ,1d 11.76% ,1周 6.5 % ;右房则在 1h和 1d均为 14 .7% ,1周 3 .2 % ,1个月时左右心房均无心房顿抑。结论　房颤复律后左右心房功能均低于正常 ,且均有心房顿抑发生。左房功能 1个月恢复正常 ,右房功能 1周恢复正常     

Usefulness and limits of transthoracic echocardiography in the evaluation of patients with primary and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential usefulness of transthoracic echocardiography in differentiating patients with primary or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and to define the capability of echocardiography to assess right-heart performance in such patients. Right-heart catheterization and ultrasound examination were performed in 111 patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and in 31 patients with primary pulmonary hypertension. All echocardiographic and Doppler parameters were similar in primary and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. A significant correlation was found between the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and the right ventricular fractional area change and thermodilution-derived right ventricular ejection fraction (P <.001 for both). Furthermore, different patterns of the pulsed Doppler flow velocity curve into the superior vena cava were associated with different right-heart hemodynamic profiles. In conclusion, in patients with chronic pulmonary hypertension transthoracic echocardiography portends meaningful information on the capability of the right heart to confront the increased afterload but it does not permit etiologic differentiation.     

Evaluation of left atrial appendage function and thrombi in patients with atrial fibrillation: from transthoracic to real time 3D transesophageal echocardiography

The detection of embolic sources in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is important to guide anticoagulant therapy. Two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the gold standard to study left atrial appendage (LAA) anatomy and morphology, despite some false-positive diagnosis. We hypothesized that real time 3D TEE (RT3DTEE) is superior to 2DTEE in detecting and/or excluding LAA thrombi. We studied 93 patients with non-valvular AF (60 males, age?=?67.1?±?14.2 years) referred for electric cardioversion with transthoracic, 2DTEE and RT3DTEE. Before cardioversion, TTE allowed a confident measurement of emptying velocity of LAA (LAAeV) only in 59/93 patients (63%). On the contrary a good quality TEE LAAeV was obtained in all patients with 49/93 (53%) dysfunctional LAA (LAAeV?<?40 cm/s). A subgroup of 5 patients (7.2% of the 69 effective cardioversion) presented a persistent dysfunction after cardioversion (with LAAeV values of <40 cm/s on the TEE post-CV). TEE allowed to observe a bilobed shape in 45 patients (48.4%) and three lobes in 22 patients (23.7%). In addition, besides to several additional findings, 2DTEE managed to detect thrombi with certainty in 8/93 patients (8.6%). In other 5 cases with diagnostic doubts for thrombi with 2DTEE (5/93 patients: 5.4%), the addition of the RT3DTEE mode allowed to discriminate with certainty the presence of just pectinate muscles in 4 patients RT3DTEE in patients with AF at risk of embolism is feasible, accurate and showed an additional diagnostic capability in the differential diagnosis of selected cases with suspected LAA thrombi.     

特发性心房颤动患者的血浆心钠素水平的变化

目的：探讨特发性阵发性与持续性心房颤动患者的血浆心钠素（ANP）水平的变化及其原因。方法：采用放射免疫分析法检测21例特发性阵发性房颤患者房颤发作时（A1组）和房颤终止后7天（A2组）及28例特发性持续性房颤患者（B组）的血浆ANP水平，同时测定各组红细胞压积及血小板数，并与健康对照组（C组）进行比较。结果：特发性阵发性房颤患者房颤发作时及特发性持续性房颤患者的血浆心钠素水平及红细胞压积均显著高于正常对照组（P＜0．01），而A1组的血浆心钠素水平和红细胞压积显著高于A2组（P＜0．01），但血小板各组间差异无显著性（P＞0．05）。结论：特发性阵发性及特发性持续性心房颤动患者均存在血液浓缩，且与心钠素释放增加有关。     

经食管超声与心导管同步定量冠状动脉旁路移植术前后肺动脉楔压的研究

目的应用经食管超声(TEE)和心导管技术同步检测微创冠状动脉旁路移植术(OPCABG)前、后肺动脉楔嵌压(PCWP)的变化。方法应用TEE检测46例患者OPCABG术前后二尖瓣血流频谱(MVF)和肺静脉血流频谱(PVF),同步应用心导管技术检测PCWP。对术前、术后所测量指标进行对比分析,并将PCWP与TEE所测指标进行相关分析。结果OPCABG术后TEE测量的反映左室收缩舒张功能的指标和PCWP较术前有明显改善(P<0.01～0.05);MVF与PVF的多数指标与PCWP有相关性(r=0.30～0.76,P<0.01～0.05),其中反向A波峰值血流速度(PVa)、反向A波速度时间积分(VTIpva)及MVF与PVF相结合的指标Tpvadt mvadt、Tpvat mvat与PCWP相关性最好(r=0.75～0.89,P<0.001)。结论OPCAB术后即刻左室功能改善,TEE检测PVF和MVF可用来准确估算PCWP,对OPCAB疗效进行评价。     

Value of echocardiography in atrial fibrillation.

In patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation one must differentiate between those without a clinically suspected embolic event and those who have sustained embolism or stroke of uncertain origin. All of the latter should undergo echocardiography as part of a comprehensive search for a possible source of embolism. A positive finding will enhance the probability that the ischaemic event was indeed caused by a cardiac embolus. It must be kept in mind, especially in stroke patients, that long-term anticoagulation will expose many of them to a far higher risk of haemorrhage [26] due to multimorbidity, propensity to repeated falls and difficulties in compliance than it did to the carefully selected cohorts of the recent warfarin studies. Whenever transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) fails to disclose an unequivocal cardiac source of embolism, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) should be performed. In persons with atrial fibrillation but no history of systemic embolisation the only rationale for performing echocardiography is to rule out heart disease in clinically suspected lone atrial fibrillation. For the rest of this group TEE remains an investigative tool.     

环肺静脉隔离术对阵发性心房颤动患者血浆心房钠尿肽水平的影响

目的 探讨环肺静脉隔离术(PVI)对阵发性心房颤动(简称房颤)患者心房钠尿肽(ANP)水平的影响.方法 连续19例接受PVI治疗的阵发性房颤患者,分别在术前、术后第1天及术后3个月时于稳定的窦性心律下取血测定血浆ANP浓度.结果 共16例患者完成了全部3次ANP测定.PVI术后第1天的血浆ANP浓度(14±8 pg/mL)显著低于PVI术前(26±12 pg/mL,P<0.01)和PVI术后3个月时(24±17 pg/mL,P<0.01),而后两者之间差异无显著性(P>0.05).结论 对于阵发性房颤,PVI仅在术后早期显著降低患者的血浆ANP水平,提示该术对心房内分泌功能的影响是一过性的.     

Pulmonary artery pressure versus pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and central venous pressure in shock

Evidence is presented from 43 dogs and 30 patients that under conditions of severe hemorrhagic, traumatic or septic shock, there may be partial obstruction of the pulmonary microcirculation due to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) particularly in the pulmonary venules. This may cause the left atrial pressure to fall and the pulmonary artery pressure to rise, in some cases drastically. Pulmonary edema may result. This dangerous rise in pulmonary artery pressure is not reflected by the wedged pulmonary artery catheter which will monitor only the status of the left heart. Central venous pressure (CVP) may remain within normal limits even after pulmonary artery pressure has risen to dangerous levels with the development of pulmonary edema. It is only with right ventricle failure against the high pulmonary pressure that CVP rises. It is concluded that pulmonary artery pressure measurements are very important in monitoring intravenous fluid administration in severe shock. Wedged pulmonary artery pressures monitor the left heart but may be misleading if taken alone. Central venous pressure gives a delayed response to fluid overload.