Long-term nicorandil therapy improves cardiac sympathetic nerve activity after reperfusion therapy in patients with first acute myocardial infarction.

Nicorandil, an adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel opener, reduces plasma norepinephrine concentration in patients with ischemic heart disease. However, long-term effects on cardiac sympathetic nerve activity (CSNA) as evaluated by (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy have not been determined for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: We studied 40 patients with their first AMI who were treated with intravenous nicorandil before and after primary coronary angioplasty. After suspension of the initial intravenous nicorandil treatment, 20 patients were randomized to receive oral nicorandil (15 mg/d) (group A) and the other 20 patients received a placebo (group B). All patients were also treated with an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or beta-blockers. The delayed heart-to-mediastinum count ratio (H/M ratio), delayed total defect score (TDS), and washout rate (WR) were determined from (123)I-MIBG scintigraphy 3 wk and 6 mo after angioplasty. The left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic volume (EDV), LV end-systolic volume (ESV), and LV ejection fraction (EF) were determined by contrast left ventriculography, whereas plasma procollagen type III amino-terminal peptide (PIIINP) concentrations were also measured at the same time points. RESULTS: Three weeks after angioplasty, TDS, H/M ratios, WR, LVEDV, LVESV, and LVEF were similar in both groups. After 6 mo, all of these parameters had improved in both groups. However, the extent of change in TDS was -9 +/- 6 in group A and -5 +/- 6 in group B (P < 0.05), whereas that in the H/M ratio was 0.15 +/- 0.13 and 0.07 +/- 0.11 (P < 0.05) and that in the WR was -12% +/- 8% and -5% +/- 11% (P < 0.05). The extent of change in LVEDV, LVESV, and LVEF in group A tended to exceed that in group B, but these changes were not statistically significant. We found significant correlations between the percent change in PIIINP and that of TDS from baseline to 6 mo in group A (r = 0.456, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Long-term nicorandil therapy can be more beneficial for CSNA and LV remodeling than short-term therapy in patients with AMI.     

Spironolactone improves cardiac sympathetic nerve activity and symptoms in patients with congestive heart failure.

We evaluated whether spironolactone would improve cardiac sympathetic nerve activity and symptoms in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). METHODS: Thirty patients with CHF (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] < 40%; mean, 30% +/- 9%) were treated with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, a loop diuretic, and, in most cases, digoxin. Fifteen patients (group A) were assigned to additionally receive spironolactone (12.5-50 mg/day), and the remaining 15 patients (group B) continued their current regimen. Patients were studied before and 6 mo after treatment. The delayed heart-to-mediastinum count ratio (H/M ratio), delayed total defect score (TDS), and washout rate (WR) were determined from (123)I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) images. LVEF was determined by echocardiography, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class was estimated. RESULTS: Before treatment, LVEF, TDS, H/M ratio, WR, and NYHA functional class were similar in both groups. With treatment, LVEF did not significantly improve in either group. However, after treatment in group A, TDS decreased from 37 +/- 9 to 25 +/- 13 (P = 0.0001), H/M ratio increased from 1.62 +/- 0.20 to 1.83 +/- 0.27 (P < 0.0001), and WR decreased from 51 +/- 9 to 40 +/- 15 (P < 0.001). In group B, these parameters did not significantly change. NYHA functional class improved in both groups (in group A, from 3.3 +/- 0.5 to 1.7 +/- 0.5 [P < 0.0001]; in group B, from 3.3 +/- 0.5 to 2.4 +/- 0.6 [P = 0.01]); this was a significantly greater improvement in group A than in group B (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Spironolactone improves cardiac sympathetic nerve activity and symptoms in patients with CHF.     

Prognostic value of serial cardiac 123I-MIBG imaging in patients with stabilized chronic heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.

Many studies have shown that a one-time 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) scintigraphic study during a stable period is useful for determining the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). However, the findings from this imaging modality are well known to be improved by medical treatment for heart failure. Accordingly, this study was performed to determine whether serial 123I-MIBG scintigraphic studies represent a reliable prognostic marker for patients with CHF. METHODS: A total of 208 patients with CHF (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] < 45%) and with no cardiac events for at least 5 mo were identified on the basis of a history of decompensated acute heart failure requiring hospitalization. The delayed percentage of denervation (% denervation), delayed heart-to-mediastinum count (H/M) ratio, and washout rate (WR) were determined from the patients' 123I-MIBG images just before they left the hospital and after they had received 6 mo of treatment. The left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), and LVEF were also determined by echocardiography at the same time points. RESULTS: Of the 208 patients, 56 experienced fatal cardiac events during the study. The mean follow-up period was 4.45 +/- 1.82 y. The baseline H/M ratio and WR; follow-up % denervation, H/M ratio, and WR; Delta-% denervation, H/M ratio, and WR; baseline LVEF; follow-up LVEDV, LVESV, and LVEF; and Delta-LVEDV, Delta-LVESV, and Delta-LVEF were significantly worse in the cardiac death group. A Cox regression analysis showed that the Delta-WR was an independent predictor of cardiac death. Moreover, sudden death occurred in 13 of the 56 patients with cardiac death. A Cox regression analysis also showed that the Delta-WR was an incremental predictor of sudden death. The cardiac death-free rate and sudden death-free rate were significantly higher in patients with Delta-WR less than -5% and Delta-WR less than -2% than in patients with Delta-WR greater than or equal to -5% and Delta-WR greater than or equal to -2%. CONCLUSION: Delta-WR obtained from serial 123I-MIBG scintigraphic studies can be useful for predicting cardiac death and sudden death in stabilized patients with CHF.     

Addition of valsartan to an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor improves cardiac sympathetic nerve activity and left ventricular function in patients with congestive heart failure.

We determined whether the addition of the angiotensin-receptor blocker valsartan to an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor improves cardiac sympathetic nerve activity and left ventricular function in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). METHODS: Thirty-two patients with CHF (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] < 40%; mean, 33% +/- 6%) were treated with an ACE inhibitor and a loop diuretic. Sixteen patients (group A) were randomized to additionally receive valsartan (40-80 mg/d), and the remaining 16 patients (group B) continued their current regimen. Patients were studied before and 6 mo after treatment. The delayed heart-to-mediastinum count ratio (H/M ratio), delayed total defect score (TDS), and washout rate (WR) were determined from (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine images. The left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and LVEF were determined by echocardiography, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class was estimated. RESULTS: Before treatment, TDS, H/M ratio, WR, LVEDV, LVEF, and NYHA functional class were similar in both groups. After treatment in group A, TDS decreased from 37 +/- 8 to 31 +/- 9 (P < 0.001), H/M ratio increased from 1.66 +/- 0.23 to 1.81 +/- 0.23 (P < 0.001), and WR decreased from 47% +/- 9% to 39% +/- 10% (P < 0.01). In addition, the LVEDV decreased from 193 +/- 36 mL to 169 +/- 51 mL (P < 0.005), and LVEF increased from 32% +/- 7% to 41% +/- 13% (P = 0.0005). In group B, these parameters did not change significantly. NYHA functional class improved in both groups (in group A, from 3.3 +/- 0.5 to 1.7 +/- 0.6 [P < 0.0005]; in group B, from 3.3 +/- 0.5 to 2.4 +/- 0.6; [P < 0.005]). The improvement was significantly greater in group A than in group B (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The addition of valsartan to an ACE inhibitor improves cardiac sympathetic nerve activity, left ventricular function, and symptoms in patients with CHF.     

Evaluation of global left ventricular myocardial function with electrocardiogram-gated multidetector computed tomography: comparison with magnetic resonance imaging

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Electrocardiogram-gated 3D volume data from multidetector computed tomography coronary angiography (MDCT-CA) enable image reconstruction in any phase of the cardiac cycle. The objective was to determine left ventricular (LV) function parameters by MDCT in comparison to cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHOD: Thirty patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) underwent MDCT-CA. From multiplanar reformations in short axis orientation end-diastolic and end-systolic LV volumes (LVEDV, LVESV) were determined to calculate LV stroke volume and ejection fraction (LVSV, LVEF) and compared with MRI measurements. RESULTS: LVEDV (147 +/- 27 mL) and LVESV (65 +/- 22 mL) determined by MDCT correlated well to the respective MRI measurements (LVEDV 133 +/- 27 mL, r = 0.80, P < 0.001; LVESV 48 +/- 19 mL, r = 0.89, P < 0.001). LVSV (MDCT 82 +/- 15 mL; MRI 85 +/- 17 mL; r = 0.77, P < 0.001) and LVEF (MDCT 56 +/- 9%; MRI 65 +/- 8%; r = 0.85, P < 0.001) showed a good correlation as well. LVEF was significantly underestimated by MDCT (-8.5 +/- 4.7%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Initial experience in patients evaluated for CAD shows that spiral MDCT studies may provide LV functional data in good correlation to Cine MRI.     

Assessment of myocardial washout of Tc-99m-sestamibi in patients with chronic heart failure: comparison with normal control

BACKGROUND: In contrast to 201TlCl, 99mTc-sestamibi shows very slow myocardial clearance after its initial myocardial uptake. In the present study, myocardial washout of 99mTc-sestamibi was calculated in patients with non-ischemic chronic heart failure (CHF) and compared with biventricular parameters obtained from first-pass and ECG-gated myocardial perfusion SPECT data. METHODS AND RESULTS: After administration of 99mTc-sestamibi, 25 patients with CHF and 8 normal controls (NC) were examined by ECG-gated myocardial perfusion SPECT and planar data acquisition in the early and delayed (interval of 3 hours) phase. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, %), peak filling rate (PFR, sec(-1)), end-diastolic volume (LVEDV, ml) and end-systolic volume (LVESV, ml) were automatically calculated from the ECG-gated SPECT data. Myocardial washout rates over 3 hours were calculated from the early and delayed planar images. Myocardial washout rates in the CHF group (39.6+/-5.2%) were significantly higher than those in the NC group (31.2+/-5.5%, p < 0.01). The myocardial washout rates for the 33 subjects showed significant correlations with LVEF (r = -0.61, p < 0.001), PFR (r = -0.47, p < 0.01), LVEDV (r = 0.45, p < 0.01) and LVESV (r = 0.48, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The myocardial washout rate of 99Tc-sestamibi is considered to be a novel marker for the diagnosis of myocardial damage in patients with chronic heart failure.     

Measurement of left ventricular volumes and function with O-15-labeled carbon monoxide gated positron emission tomography: Comparison with magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND: Positron emission tomography (PET) with inhaled oxygen 15-labeled carbon monoxide (CO) is used as a marker of myocardial blood pool. Only a limited number of studies with small numbers of patients have reported on the assessment of left ventricular (LV) volumes by use of O-15-labeled CO. The aim of this study was to compare LV volumes and function as measured by routinely acquired blood pool images by use of gated O-15-labeled CO PET with the reference technique, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-four subjects with a varying degree of LV function were studied. LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), LV end-systolic volume (LVESV), and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) were determined by both MRI and gated PET by use of O-15-labeled CO. Volumes were comparable with respect to LVEDV (196 +/- 83 and 192 +/- 91 mL, respectively; P = not significant). LVESV, however, was slightly overestimated by PET (119 +/- 85 and 136 +/- 94 mL, respectively; P < .05), resulting in a significant underestimation of LVEF (44% +/- 19% and 35% +/- 18%, respectively; P < .05). Observed correlations for LVEDV, LVESV, and LVEF were 0.90, 0.96, and 0.86, respectively (all P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Gated O-15-labeled CO PET measurements of LVEDV, LVESV, and LVEF show good correlation with MRI over a wide range of LV volumes during routinely acquired blood pool images. LVEF, however, may be underestimated compared with MRI.     

Development and application of normal limits for left ventricular ejection fraction and volume measurements from 99mTc-sestamibi myocardial perfusion gates SPECT.

Gated SPECT is a reproducible method for assessing left ventricular volume (LVV) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from 99mTc-sestamibi myocardial perfusion imaging studies. LVV and LVEF measurements by this approach correlate well with those obtained from other cardiovascular imaging techniques. Nevertheless, the lack of criteria for abnormal test findings has limited the potential clinical application of this new imaging technique. METHODS: Gated SPECT measurements were evaluated for 214 patients with a low Bayesian likelihood (< 10%) of coronary artery disease (CAD) before performance of 99mTc-sestamibi stress-rest myocardial perfusion SPECT. The patients were grouped into normotensive patients (n = 98), hypertensive patients without left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (n = 80), and hypertensive patients with LVH on resting electrocardiography (n = 36). Gated SPECT measurements for left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) index, left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) index, and LVEF were obtained according to a published method, using a modified Simpson's rule technique. RESULTS: Similar results were obtained for mean LVV and LVEF measurements between normotensive patients and hypertensive patients without LVH. Hence, these groups were combined (as group 1). By contrast, hypertensive patients with LVH (group 2), had significantly lower LVEF values (P = 0.01) and higher mean LVESV index values than normotensive patients (P = 0.03). Sex differences were marked: women had significantly higher mean resting LVEF values than men (P < 0.0001) and significantly lower mean resting LVEDV index values (P < 0.0001). A significant relationship was seen between LVEDV index and LVEF (r = -0.60; P < 0.0001) and between LVEDV index and heart rate (r = -0.26; P < 0.001). The normal limits were LVEF > or = 41% in men and > or = 49% in women, LVEDV index < or = 76 mL/m2 in men and < or = 57 mL/m2 in women, and LVESV index < or 38 mL/m2 in men and < or =26 mL/m2 in women. Among hypertensive patients, 22% with LVH had an abnormally low LVEF and 19% had an increased LVEDV index according to these test criteria. By contrast, no hypertensive patients without LVH had an abnormally low LVEF, and only 6% had volume abnormalities. CONCLUSION: Using a cohort of low-likelihood patients, we generated sex-specific normal limits for LVV and LVEF for myocardial perfusion gated SPECT. Application of these findings resulted in the detection of occult left ventricular dysfunction in approximately one fifth of hypertensive patients for whom concomitant LVH was found through resting electrocardiography. These normal limits can now be evaluated prospectively for their potential clinical value.     

门控心肌灌注显像评估慢性心力衰竭患者左心室机械同步性的应用及其与纽约心功能分级的关系

目的 探讨门控心肌灌注显像（GMPI）在评估慢性心力衰竭患者左心室机械同步性中的应用价值及其与纽约心功能分级的关系,分析慢性心力衰竭患者发生左心室机械同步性失调的影响因素。 方法 回顾性分析2020年1月至2021年12月在昆明医科大学附属延安医院行GMPI检查的81例慢性心力衰竭患者的临床资料,其中男性56例、女性25例,年龄（56.1±15.6）岁,同时纳入同期就诊的23名健康受检者为健康对照组,采集所有研究对象的GMPI指标[包括左心室射血分数（LVEF）、高峰充盈率（PFR）、左心室收缩末期容积（LVESV）、左心室舒张末期容积（LVEDV）、相位分布标准差（PSD）、相位直方图带宽（PHB）、静息总积分（SRS）]和实验室检查结果[包括超敏C反应蛋白（Hs-CRP）、N末端B型利钠肽原（NTpro-BNP）],GMPI检查和实验室检查的时间间隔不超过7 d。通过Kruskal Wallis检验与Spearman相关性分析法分析GMPI各指标、Hs-CRP、NTpro-BNP与慢性心力衰竭患者纽约心功能分级的关系。2组间独立样本的比较采用 t 检验或Mann-Whitney U 检验,计数资料的组间比较采用卡方检验或Fisher确切概率法。通过Logistic回归分析探讨不同因素对慢性心力衰竭患者左心室机械同步性的影响。 结果 LVEF、LVEDV、LVESV、PFR、PHB、PSD、Hs-CRP、NTpro-BNP在心功能Ⅰ级组、心功能Ⅱ级组、心功能Ⅲ~Ⅳ级组间的差异均有统计学意义（H=23.846、14.791、21.089、6.251、18.892、20.347、19.171、35.654,均P<0.05）;心功能Ⅰ级组慢性心力衰竭患者与健康对照组相比,LVEF、LVEDV、LVESV、PFR、PSD、NTpro-BNP间的差异均有统计学意义（t=4.084,Z=3.462、3.038、3.519、3.489、2.203,均P<0.05）。SRS、LVESV、LVEDV、PHB、PSD、NTpro-BNP、Hs-CRP水平与纽约心功能分级呈正相关（r=0.235、0.547、0.474、0.481、0.458、0.671、0.439,均P<0.05）;LVEF、PFR与纽约心功能分级呈负相关（r=?0.563、?0.304,均P<0.05）。单因素分析结果显示,左心室机械同步与不同步的慢性心力衰竭患者的年龄、LVEF、PFR、心率、LVEDV、LVESV、SRS、Hs-CRP、NTpro-BNP比较,差异均有统计学差异（t=2.550、χ2=6.146、t=4.042、Z=3.149、χ2=5.335、χ2=5.993、Z=4.978、χ2=6.154、Z=4.381,均P<0.05）;多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,LVEF、SRS是慢性心力衰竭患者发生左心室机械同步性失调的独立影响因素（B=?0.166、0.278,B值标准误为0.068、0.130,Wald χ2=5.927、4.584,P=0.015、0.032,OR=0.847、1.320,95%CI:0.741~0.968、1.024~1.702）。 结论 LVEF、LVEDV、LVESV、PFR、PSD、NTpro-BNP可能具有早期诊断慢性心力衰竭的潜在价值;LVEF、LVESV、PFR、LVEDV、PHB、PSD、NTpro-BNP、Hs-CRP对慢性心力衰竭患者的心功能受损严重程度有提示作用,以NTpro-BNP、LVEF、LVESV的提示作用较优;SRS水平升高、LVEF水平降低是慢性心力衰竭患者发生左心室机械同步性失调的独立预测因子。     

Left ventricular function: correlation of quantitative gated SPECT and MR imaging over a wide range of values

In 21 patients, the authors compared results with quantitative gated single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to results with magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), end-systolic volume (LVESV), and ejection fraction (LVEF). Between the two methods, correlations were good for LVEF (r = 0.85), LVEDV (r = 0.94), and LVESV (r = 0.95). Quantitative gated SPECT can help determine LVEF, LVEDV, and LVESV.     

Sympathetic denervation and reinnervation after the maze procedure.

We evaluated serial changes in cardiac sympathetic nerve distribution using 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) after the Maze procedure. The Maze procedure, in which multiple incisions are made in the atrium, has been concomitantly performed with mitral valve (MV) surgery in an attempt to eliminate atrial fibrillation (AF). Although attenuation of the sinoatrial node response to exercise and a reduction of left ventricular function (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]) in early stages after the Maze procedure have been suggested, factors leading to these changes have not been clarified. METHODS: Thirteen patients with MV disease were enrolled in this study. Six of them had undergone MV surgery and the Maze procedure (Maze+), and 7 had undergone MV surgery without the Maze procedure (Maze-). All patients underwent cardiac 123I-MIBG imaging preoperatively and 10 d and 1 y after surgery to assess 123I-MIBG uptake (heart-to-mediastinum count ratio of early planar images [H/M]) and the washout rate (WR). Radionuclide ventriculography was also performed to calculate LVEF 3 d after each 123I-MIBG imaging. RESULTS: The LVEF of the Maze+ group significantly decreased 10 d after surgery (44.2 +/- 4.8; mean +/- SD) compared with that before surgery (60.3 +/- 6.9; P < 0.05) and significantly increased at 1 y (65.2 +/- 2.9) compared with that at 10 d (P < 0.05). In the Maze- group, there was no significant change 10 d (53.0 +/- 12.3) and 1 y (58.6 +/- 4.8) after surgery compared with that before surgery (60.4 +/- 4.6) (P = not significant, each). In the Maze+ group, the H/M (1.51 +/- 0.18) was significantly lower at 10 d after than that at the preoperative stage (1.90 +/- 0.25; P < 0.05) but significantly recovered at 1 y (2.23 +/- 0.18; P < 0.05) with a similar transient increase in the WR (36.7% +/- 6.1% at preoperative stage; 46.9% +/- 3.4% at 10 d; 39.9% +/- 6.5% at 1 y; P < 0.05, each). On the other hand, the Maze- group did not show a significant change in the H/M (1.94 +/- 0.32, 2.06 +/- 0.18, and 2.13 +/- 0.17, respectively; P = not significant, each) but did exhibit a significant decrease in the WR (40.4% +/- 5.1%, 37.0% +/- 5.1%, and 32.9% +/- 2.5%, respectively; P < 0.05, each). Changes in the H/M of both groups significantly correlated with the change in LVEF (r = 0.82; P < 0.05), and the WR showed a significant inverse correlation with changes in the LVEF (r = -0.81; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Cardiac sympathetic nerves were denervated at early stage and reinnervated at late stage after the Maze procedure. Such adrenergic nerve changes may be correlated, at least in part, with changes in left ventricular function after this procedure.     

多层螺旋CT与M型超声心动图评估左室功能的对照研究

目的：用多层螺旋CT（multi-detector row computed tomography,MRCT）测量并评估左室功能的各项参数,并与M型超声心动图测量得到的结果进行比较。方法：62位冠心病或可疑患有冠心病的患者（男性40人、女性22人,平均年龄64.2±11.1岁）在24h内接受回顾性心电门控16通道MRCT心脏增强扫描及心脏M型超声心动图检查。在GEAW4.1CT工作站上测量出每位患者的左室舒张末期容积（LVEDV）、左室收缩末期容积（LVESV）并根据公式（LVEDV-LVESV）/LVEDV×100%计算出左室射血分数（LVEF）,并用简单直线回归分别分析MRCT测量所得参数与M型超声心动图测得结果的相关性。结果：16层CT测得的LVEDV为125.4±62.1ml、LVESV为52.8±59.3ml、LVEF为62.9±13.4%,与M型超声心动图测量结果（Teichholz校正公式法）有很好的相关性〔LVEDV为112.8±49.7ml（r=0.826,P〈0.001）、LVESV为45.9±47.0ml（r=0.960,P〈0.001）、LVEF为64.8±13.9%（r=0.916,P〈O．001）]。结论：回顾性心电门控MRCT心脏增强扫描可以应用于临床心功能的评估诊断。     

Automatic computation of left ventricular ejection fraction from spatiotemporal information in cine-SSFP cardiac MR images

PURPOSE: To clinically validate an algorithm that automatically computes left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) using a priori geometric and intrinsic spatiotemporal information from cine steady-state free precession (SSFP) MR images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The algorithm was evaluated in 64 subjects (21 healthy volunteers and 43 patients, LVEF 19-71%). Bland-Altman analyses were performed on short-axis slices subdivided into three sections (basal, midcavity, and apical) to assess the impact of morphologic variations on LVEF computation. RESULTS: The automated algorithm delineated the clinically applicable endocardial boundary in 1011 of 1078 short-axis slices (94%). The bias (mean difference) values computed with clinically unusable contours replaced with hand-drawn equivalents were small for the LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV, <11 mL/7%), end-systolic volume (LVESV, <7 mL/11%), and LVEF (<1.2%). Moreover, these values were within the limits of interobserver and intraobserver variability of experienced observers (LVEDV, <13 mL/8%; LVESV, <12 mL/17%; and LVEF, <5%). In the end-diastolic phase, the limits of agreement (bias +/- 1.96 SD of difference) were small (<5% LVEDV) in all sections. However, in the end-systolic phase, the limits of agreement were larger for the midcavity (<21% LVESV) and apical (<11% LVESV) slices. CONCLUSION: This data-driven algorithm can estimate LVEDV, LVESV, and LVEF with a bias that is comparable to the interobserver and intraobserver variability of experienced observers.     

急性心肌梗死后延迟PTCA及支架植入对慢性期左室重构和心脏事件的影响

目的　探讨急性心肌梗死 (AMI)后延迟PTCA及支架术对慢性期左室重构和心脏事件的影响。方法　 5 2例初次AMI患者分为PTCA组 (n =2 7)和非PTCA组 (n =2 5 ) ,PTCA组于发病后平均 12d对梗死相关动脉行PTCA及支架术。随访两组患者的左室收缩末期容积 (LVESV)、左室舒张末期容积 (LVEDV)、左室射血分数 (LVEF)及心脏事件。结果　PTCA组患者术后LVEDV及LVESV与术前比较无显著差异 ,而非PTCA组患者随访后LVEDV及LVESV与随访前比较显著增加 (P <0 .0 5 )。LVEF在两组间无显著差异。PTCA组在心力衰竭 (4 %和 44 % ,P <0 .0 1)和复合终点事件 (33%和 72 % ,P <0 .0 5 )方面较非PTCA组明显下降 ,在死亡、不稳定性心绞痛及再次心肌梗死的发生率方面两组无显著差异。结论　AMI后延迟PTCA及支架术可抑制左室扩大 ,延缓慢性期左室重构 ,并显著减少心脏事件的发生     

三平面组织同步成像定量评价冠心病患者左心室节段非同步运动

目的 探讨三平面组织同步成像技术定量评价冠心病患者左心室节段收缩非同步性运动及其与左心室收缩功能的关系.资料与方法 34例冠心病患者和35例正常对照者,应用三平面组织同步成像技术获得心尖四腔切面组织速度图,获取左心室6个壁共12个节段的收缩期达峰时间(Tp)、达峰速度(Vp),并计算Tp、Vp的标准差(Tp-SD、Vp-SD)及12个节段中任意2个节段Tp、Vp的最大差值( Tp-maxD、Vp-maxD).同时采用Simpson双平面法测量左室射血分数(LVEF)、左室舒张末期容积(LVESV)、左室收缩末期容积(LVEDV).结果 冠心病组LVEDV、LVESV较正常对照组增加,LVEF较正常对照组减小,差异均有统计学意义(P＜ 0.001).与正常对照组相比,冠心病组Tp、Tp-SD、Tp-maxD均明显延迟,Vp、Vp-SD、Vp-maxD均明显降低(P＜0.001);Tp与LVEF呈负相关(r=-0.559,P＜0.001);Vp与LVEF呈正相关(r=0.801,P＜ 0.001).结论 三平面组织同步成像可用于定量评价冠心病患者左心室非同步运动,Tp、Tp-SD、Tp-maxD、Vp、Vp-SD、Vp-maxD 可作为定量评价左室收缩运动同步性的有效指标,且左室运动同步性异常加重左室收缩功能异常.     

Comparison of gated PET with MRI for evaluation of left ventricular function in patients with coronary artery disease.

The aim of this study was to compare left ventricular (LV) volumes and regional wall motion determined by PET with those determined by the reference technique, cardiovascular MRI. METHODS: LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), LV end-systolic volume (LVESV), and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) were measured and regional wall motion was scored in 38 patients with chronic coronary artery disease by both gated (18)F-FDG PET and MRI. A 9-segment model was used for PET and MRI to assess regional wall motion. RESULTS: Good correlations were observed between MRI and gated PET for all parameters (r values ranging from 0.91 to 0.96). With PET, there was a significant but small underestimation of LVEDV and LVEF. Mean +/- SD LVEDV, LVESV, and LVEF for MRI were 131 +/- 57 mL, 91 +/- 12 mL, and 33% +/- 12%, respectively, and those for gated PET were 117 +/- 56 mL, 85 +/- 51 mL, and 30% +/- 11%, respectively. For regional wall motion, an agreement of 85% was found, with a kappa-statistic of 0.79 (95% confidence interval, 0.70-0.89; SE, 0.049). CONCLUSION: LV volumes, LVEF, and regional wall motion can be assessed with gated (18)F-FDG PET and correlate well with these parameters assessed by MRI.     

Effects of nicorandil on cardiac sympathetic nerve activity after reperfusion therapy in patients with first anterior acute myocardial infarction

Purpose Ischaemic preconditioning (PC) is a cardioprotective phenomenon in which short periods of myocardial ischaemia result in resistance to decreased contractile dysfunction during a subsequent period of sustained ischaemia. Nicorandil, an ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener, can induce PC effects on sympathetic nerves during myocardial ischaemia. However, its effects on cardiac sympathetic nerve activity (CSNA) and left ventricular remodelling have not been determined. In this study, we sought to determine whether nicorandil administration improves CSNA in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).Methods We studied 58 patients with first anterior AMI, who were randomly assigned to receive nicorandil (group A) or isosorbide dinitrate (group B) after primary coronary angioplasty. The nicorandil or isosorbide dinitrate was continuously infused for >48 h. The extent score (ES) was determined from ^99mTc-pyrophosphate scintigraphy, and the total defect score (TDS) was determined from ²⁰¹Tl scintigraphy 3–5 days after primary angioplasty. The left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were determined by left ventriculography 2 weeks later. The delayed heart/mediastinum count (H/M) ratio, delayed TDS and washout rate (WR) were determined from ¹²³I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) images 3 weeks later. The left ventriculography results were re-examined 6 months after treatment.Results Fifty patients originally enrolled in the trial completed the entire protocol. After treatment, no significant differences were observed in ES or left ventricular parameters between the two groups. However, in group A (n=25), the TDSs determined from ²⁰¹Tl and ¹²³I-MIBG were significantly lower (26±6 vs 30±5, P<0.01, and 32±8 vs 40±6, P<0.0001, respectively), the H/M ratio significantly higher (1.99±0.16 vs 1.77±0.30, P<0.005) and the WR significantly lower (36%±8% vs 44%±12%, P<0.005) than in group B (n=25). Moreover, 6 months after treatment, LVEDV and LVEF were better in group A than in group B.Conclusion These findings indicate that nicorandil can have beneficial effects on CSNA and left ventricular remodelling in patients with first anterior AMI.     

Effects of perindopril on cardiac sympathetic nerve activity in patients with congestive heart failure: comparison with enalapril

Purpose The production of aldosterone in the heart is suppressed by the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor perindopril in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Moreover, perindopril has been reported to have more cardioprotective effects than enalapril.Materials and methods Forty patients with CHF [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <45%; mean 33±7%] were randomly assigned to perindopril (2 mg/day; n=20) or enalapril (5 mg/day; n=20). All patients were also treated with diuretics. The delayed heart/mediastinum count (H/M) ratio, delayed total defect score (TDS) and washout rate (WR) were determined from ¹²³I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) images, and plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations were measured before and 6 months after treatment. The left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) and LVEF were also determined by echocardiography.Results After treatment, in patients receiving perindopril, TDS decreased from 39±10 to 34±9 (P<0.01), H/M ratios increased from 1.62±0.27 to 1.76±0.29 (P<0.01), WR decreased from 50±14% to 42±14% (P<0.05) and plasma BNP concentrations decreased from 226±155 to 141±90 pg/ml (P<0.0005). In addition, the LVEDV decreased from 180±30 to 161±30 ml (P<0.05) and the LVESV decreased from 122±35 to 105±36 ml (P<0.05). Although the LVEF tended to increase, the change was not statistically significant (from 33±8% to 36±12%; P=NS). On the other hand, there were no significant changes in these parameters in patients receiving enalapril.Conclusion Plasma BNP concentrations, ¹²³I-MIBG scintigraphic and echocardiographic parameters improved after 6 months of perindopril treatment. These findings indicate that perindopril treatment can ameliorate the cardiac sympathetic nerve activity and the left ventricular performance in patients with CHF.     

Relationship between late ventricular potentials and myocardial 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy with mild to moderate heart failure: results of a prospective study of sudden death events

Purpose

Late ventricular potentials (LPs) are considered to be useful for identifying patients with heart failure at risk of developing ventricular arrhythmias. ¹²³I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy, which is used to evaluate cardiac sympathetic activity, has demonstrated cardiac sympathetic denervation in patients with malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmias. This study was undertaken to clarify the relationship between LPs and ¹²³I-MIBG scintigraphy findings in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Methods

A total of 56 patients with DCM were divided into an LP-positive group (n?=?24) and an LP-negative group (n?=?32). During the compensated period, the delayed heart/mediastinum count (H/M) ratio, delayed total defect score (TDS), and washout rate (WR) were determined from ¹²³I-MIBG images and plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations were measured. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were simultaneously determined by echocardiography.

Results

LVEDV, LVESV, LVEF and plasma BNP concentrations were similar in the two groups. However, TDS was significantly higher (35?±?8 vs. 28?±?6, p?p?p?p?p?p?Conclusion The present study demonstrated that the values of cardiac ¹²³I-MIBG scintigraphic parameters were worse in LP-positive DCM patients than in LP-negative DCM patients. Furthermore, in LP-positive DCM patients with a high WR, the incidence of sudden death events was higher than that in other subgroups of DCM patients.     

Evaluation of left ventricular function using electrocardiographically gated myocardial SPECT with (123)I-labeled fatty acid analog.

Electrocardiographically (ECG) gated myocardial SPECT with (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin has been used widely to assess left ventricular (LV) function. However, the accuracy of variables using ECG gated myocardial SPECT with beta-methyl-p-(123)I-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) has not been well defined. METHODS: Thirty-six patients (29 men, 7 women; mean age, 61.6 +/- 15.6 y) with ischemic heart disease underwent ECG gated myocardial SPECT with (123)I-BMIPP and with (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin and left ventriculography (LVG) within 1 wk. LV ejection fraction (LVEF), LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), and LV end-systolic volume (LVESV) were determined on gated SPECT using commercially available software for automatic data analysis. These volume-related items on LVG were calculated with an area-length method and were estimated by 2 independent observers to evaluate interobserver validity. The regional wall motion with these methods was assessed visually. RESULTS: LVEF was 41.1% +/- 12.5% on gated SPECT with (123)I-BMIPP, 44.5% +/- 13.1% on gated SPECT with (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin, and 46.0% +/- 12.7% on LVG. Global LV function and regional wall motion between both gated SPECT procedures had excellent correlation (LVEF, r = 0.943; LVEDV, r = 0.934; LVESV, r = 0.952; regional wall motion, kappa = 0.92). However, the correlations of global LV function and regional wall motion between each gated SPECT and LVG were significantly lower. Gated SPECT with (123)I-BMIPP showed the same interobserver validity as gated SPECT with (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin. CONCLUSION: Gated SPECT with (123)I-BMIPP provides high accuracy with regard to LV function and is sufficiently applicable for use in clinical SPECT. This technique can simultaneously reveal myocardial fatty acid metabolism and LV function, which may be useful to evaluate various cardiac diseases.