An echocardiographic and magnetic resonance imaging comparative study of right ventricular volume determination

Assessment of right ventricular volume and function is important in many clinical settings involving heart or lung disease. However, the complexity of the right ventricular anatomy has prevented accurate volume determination by two-dimensional echocardiography. In the present study, 5 models incorporating standard echocardiographic views, were used to determine right ventricular volume in 10 human subjects. Two models were contingent on the true crescentic appearance of the right ventricle, whereas the remaining 3 calculated the right ventricular volume as a pyramid, an ellipsoid or other tapering geometrical figures, respectively. Subsequently, echocardiographic right ventricular volumes were compared to magnetic resonance imaging derived volumes. Correlation analysis and agreement measurement between the echocardiographic and magnetic resonance end-diastolic volume were performed in 10 out of 10 subjects and in 9 out of 10 subjects for the end-systolic volume. The 2 crescentic models resulted in the most reliable estimation of right ventricular volume. Those findings suggest that models based on right ventricular anatomical landmarks are feasible and should be preferred in echocradiographic studies.     

超声二维应变成像技术在评价甲状腺功能亢进患者右室纵向收缩功能中的运用

目的:应用超声二维应变成像技术评价甲状腺功能亢进(甲亢)患者右室纵向收缩功能。方法:根据甲亢的临床症状和相关辅助检查分为单纯性甲亢组(43例)和甲亢性心脏病组(20例),正常对照组33例。经胸采集并存贮3个心动周期标准心尖四腔二维图像,运用EchoPAC超声工作站进行脱机分析,在二维应变的模式下,测量右室游离壁和室间隔右室面基底段、中间段及心尖段6个节段的纵向收缩期峰值应变和右室整体收缩峰值应变值,并比较各收缩期峰值应变在3组间的差异。同时测量并分析右室舒张末横径(RVED)、右室射血分数(RVEF)、右室面积变化率(RVPCA)及三尖瓣环收缩期峰值速度(TVSPV)等指标与右室整体收缩峰值应变的相关性。结果:甲亢性心脏病组右室游离壁及室间隔基底段、中间段、心尖段及右室整体的收缩期峰值应变较正常对照组和单纯性甲亢组均显著减低,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.001);单纯性甲亢组右室游离壁及室间隔基底段、中间段、心尖段及右室整体的收缩期峰值应变较正常对照组稍减低,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);RVED、RVEF、RVPCA及TVSPV与右室整体收缩期峰值应变均具有良好的相关性(r分别为=-0.355、0.3...     

Right ventricular outflow-tract fractional shortening: an applicable measure of right ventricular systolic function.

AIMS: Assessment of right ventricular function is important. However, this is not easy to achieve due to the complex anatomy and geometry of the right ventricle, making the evaluation of its function limited. Therefore, a simple reliable and easy method is needed. This study was performed (1) to evaluate the use of right ventricular outflow tract fractional shortening obtained by M-mode echocardiography as a measure of right ventricular systolic function and (2) to determine the relationship between this parameter and other established measurements of right ventricular function such as long axis excursion. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ninety-two consecutive patients referred for echocardiographic assessment of left and right ventricular function, age mean+/-SD was 68+/-14 years, were investigated. Twenty healthy controls, age 46+/-12 years were also studied. M-mode echocardiography was used to measure right ventricular outflow tract fractional shortening and right ventricular long axis excursion. Doppler echocardiography was used for the estimation of right ventricular-right atrial pressure drop and pulmonary artery acceleration time. Right ventricular outflow tract fractional shortening (P<0.0001), right ventricular long axis excursion (P<0.0001) and pulmonary acceleration time (P<0.0001) were reduced in patients compared to controls. Right ventricular outflow tract fractional shortening correlated with long axis excursion (r=0.66 P<0.0001), pulmonary artery acceleration time (r=0.80 P<0.0001) and right ventricular-right atrial pressure drop (r=-0.53 P<0.0001). Right ventricular long axis excursion correlated with right ventricular-right atrial pressure drop though to a lesser significance (r=-0.27 P <0.001). Furthermore, right ventricular outflow tract fractional shortening was reduced in patients with pulmonary hypertension compared to patients without, this difference was not observed in the right ventricular systolic long axis excursion. CONCLUSION: Right ventricular outflow tract fractional shortening provides a simple and non-invasive measure of right ventricular systolic function. In combination with long axis excursion and Doppler velocities they should provide comprehensive assessment of right ventricular function.     

Prognostic value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in patients with suspected arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

Background

Early recognition and accurate risk stratification are important in the management of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). Identification of predictors of outcome by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients undergoing evaluation for ARVC is limited. We investigated the predictive value of morphological abnormalities detected by CMR for major clinical events in patients with suspected ARVC.

Methods

We performed a longitudinal study on 369 consecutive patients with at least one criterion for ARVC. Abnormal CMR was defined by the presence of one of the following: increased right ventricular (RV) volumes, reduced RV ejection fraction, RV regional wall motion abnormalities, myocardial fatty infiltration, and myocardial fibrosis. The end-point was a composite of cardiac death, sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and appropriate ICD discharge.

Results

Twenty patients met the composite end-point over a mean follow-up of 4.3 ± 1.5 years. An abnormal CMR was an independent predictor of outcomes (p < 0.001). The presence of multiple abnormalities heralded a particular high risk of events (HR 23.0, 95% CI 5.7–93.2, p < 0.001 for 2 abnormalities; HR 35.8, 95% CI 9.7–132.6, p < 0.001 for 3 or more abnormalities). The positive predictive value of an abnormal CMR study was 21.0% for an adverse event, whilst the negative predictive value of a normal CMR study was 98.8% over the follow-up period.

Conclusions

CMR provides important prognostic information in patients under evaluation for ARVC. A normal study portends a good prognosis. Conversely, the presence of multiple abnormalities identifies a high risk group of patients who may benefit from ICD implantation.     

评价致心律失常性右室心肌病右室功能超声指标与磁共振的相关性

目的用目前公认的5个超声指标评价致心律失常性右室心肌病（ARVC）患者的右室功能,研究其与磁共振（MRI）结果的相关性。方法对11例ARVC患者行超声及MRI检查,测量右室功能指标并行相关分析。本研究除了运用传统的心尖四腔心法测量右室面积改变分数（RVFAC 4C）外,增加了胸骨旁右室三腔心切面法测量右室面积改变分数（RVFAC RV 3C）。结果 5个指标中胸骨旁短轴RVFAC RV 3C、三尖瓣环收缩峰值速度、三尖瓣环收缩位移与MRI结果相关,r值分别为0.72、0.65、0.67。结论胸骨旁短轴RVFAC RV3C是评价ARVC患者右室功能的重要指标并且其与MRI测量的结果具有高度的相关性。     

Left ventricular diastolic and systolic function during isometric exercise: an echocardiographic study

Normal subjects of both sexes between 20 and 63 years were examined with M-mode echocardiography. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and left ventricular (LV) diastolic and systolic function were measured at rest and at the end of a standardized maximal isometric handgrip test. BP and HR increased about 25%. This increase in cardiac work had no significant influence on LV systolic function. Diastolic function (myocardial relaxation and maximum rate of LV filling), however, improved significantly. Isometric handgrip test is a suitable exercise test in combination with M-mode echocardiography. Studies on LV function during exercise may improve the sensitivity for detection of mild LV dysfunction.     

右心室不同部位起搏对左心室收缩功能的影响

目的:比较右心室心尖(RVA)及流出道间隔部(RVOT-S)起搏对左心室收缩功能的影响,探讨合理的右心室起搏部位。方法:自2007年8月~2009年12月,36例左室收缩功能正常的完全性房室传导阻滞患者,随机纳入RVA和RVOT-S起搏组,起搏器植入12月后分别测定左室射血分数(LVEF),左室收缩末容量(LVESV),主动脉瓣口速度时间积分(VTI),主动脉与肺动脉瓣开放时间差(QAO-QP),房颤负荷(AFb),自动模式转换(AMS),血浆脑钠尿肽原(NT-proBNP)变化,QRS波宽度,比较两组的差别。结果:起搏12月后RVOT-S组LVEF及VTI明显高于RVA组(均P<0.05);LVESV,QAO-QP,NT-BNP,AFb,AMS及QRS波宽度明显低于RVA组(均P<0.05)。结论:与RVOT-S组相比,RVA长期起搏可导致明显左右心室间以及左室内收缩不同步及左室重构,减低左心室收缩功能,对心室依赖起搏患者应首选RVOT-S为心室电极植入部位。     

Assessment of right ventricular systolic function using tricuspid annular-plane systolic excursion in Nigerians with systemic hypertension

Aim

Right ventricular (RV) systolic function in patients with hypertensive heart disease (HHD) is not well characterised. The primary aim of this study was to assess the systolic function of the right ventricle in patients with HHD using tricuspid annular-plane systolic excursion (TAPSE).

Methods

The study was cross-sectional in design and carried out in Kano, Nigeria. Patients were recruited if they had HHD on echocardiography and were at least 15 years of age. Patients with other cardiac pathologies such as ischaemic and valvular heart diseases were excluded. Patients were considered to have abnormal RV systolic function if they had reduced values of TAPSE (< 15 mm). A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 186 patients were serially recruited over seven months. Of these, 131 (70.4%) had normal RV systolic function (group 1) and 55 patients (29.6%) had abnormal function (group 2). Group 2 patients were older (p = 0.002) and had a higher prevalence of peripheral oedema (p = 0.002), moderate to severe dyspnoea, higher heart rate and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (p < 0.001). Atrial arrhythmias were also more prevalent among group 2 patients (p < 0.05). The best correlate to TAPSE was the septal mitral annularplane systolic excursion (r = +0.541, p < 0.001). Several variables such as age predicted the presence of reduced TAPSE.

Conclusion

The study found that almost one-third of patients with HHD in Kano had RV systolic dysfunction as defined by reduced TAPSE, and these patients had a greater prevalence of factors associated with morbidity and mortality.     

Symptomatic right coronary anomaly with dynamic systolic intramural obliteration and isolated right ventricular ischemia

A 52‐year‐old man was referred for an anomalous right coronary artery (RCA) originating from the left sinus of Valsalva with an intramural course (R‐ACAOS‐IM), accompanied by progressive angina and dyspnea. He had been initially advised to have surgical treatment. Computerized axial tomographic angiography showed he had an ectopic origin from the left sinus of a small RCA, with a course between the aorta and pulmonary artery. His negative treadmill nuclear stress test was prematurely terminated because of angina and dyspnea. At our institution, intravascular ultrasound imaging indicated an intramural course and critically severe phasically changing proximal stenosis (80%–100%). The stenosis was resolved with stent‐angioplasty of the intramural segment. He had no complications and returned quickly to an asymptomatic state with unrestricted physical activity.     

Assessment of right ventricular function using echocardiographic speckle tracking of the tricuspid annular motion: comparison with cardiac magnetic resonance

Background: Assessment of right ventricular (RV) function is difficult due to the complex shape of this chamber. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) measured with M-mode echocardiography is frequently used as an index of RV function. However, its accuracy may be limited by ultrasound beam misalignment. We hypothesized that two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) could provide more accurate estimates of RV function. Accordingly, STE was used to quantify tricuspid annular displacement (TAD), from which RV longitudinal shortening fraction (LSF) was calculated. These STE derived indices were compared side-by-side with M-mode TAPSE measurements against cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) derived RV ejection fraction (EF). Methods: Echocardiography (Philips iE33, four-chamber view) and CMR (Siemens, 1.5 T) were performed on the same day in 63 patients with a wide range of RV EF (23–70% by CMR). TAPSE was measured using M-mode echocardiography. TAD and RV LSF were obtained using STE analysis (QLAB CMQ, Philips). TAPSE, TAD and RV LSF values were compared with RV EF obtained from CMR short axis stacks. Results: STE analysis required <15 seconds and was able to track tricuspid annular motion in all patients as verified visually. Correlation between RV EF and TAD (0.61 free-wall, 0.65 septal) was similar to that with M-mode TAPSE (0.63). However, STE-derived RV LSF showed a higher correlation with CMR EF (r = 0.78). Conclusion: RV LSF measurement by STE is fast and easy to obtain and provides more accurate evaluation of RV EF than the traditional M-mode TAPSE technique, when compared to CMR reference. (Echocardiography 2012;29:19-24)     

左室舒张性心功能障碍超声左心形态、功能及运动耐量的改变50例分析

对核素心血池扫描证实的５０例左室舒张性心功能障碍（ＬＶＤＤ）病例、２６例左室收缩性心功能障碍（ＬＶＳＨＦ）病例进行Ｍ型、二维、多普勒超声心动图及活动平板运动试验检测，并以２０例正常人为对照组（ＣＧ）。结果表明：（１）左心形态学改变：与ＬＶＳＨＦ组比较，ＬＶＤＤ组左房内径（ＬＡＤ）、左室内径（ＬＶＤ）无明显增加，室间隔厚度（ＩＶＳＴ）、左室后壁厚度（ＰＷＴ）增加。与ＣＧ组比较，ＬＶＤＤ组ＬＡＤ、ＩＶＳＴ、ＰＷＴ增加，但ＬＶＤ差异无显著性。（２）ＬＶＤＤ组收缩功能指标：左室射血分数（ＬＶＥＦ）、心脏指数（ＣＩ）与ＣＧ组比较差异无显著性，ＬＶＳＨＦ组与ＣＧ组比较，ＬＶＳＨＦ组ＬＶＥＦ、ＣＩ减低。与ＣＧ组比较，ＬＶＤＤ组左室舒张功能指标：二尖瓣舒张早期流速峰值（ＥＰＦＶ）、二尖瓣舒张早、晚期流速峰值比（Ｅ／Ａ）、舒张早期减速度（ＤＣ）比ＣＧ组减低，二尖瓣舒张晚期流速峰值（ＡＰＦＶ）、等容舒张时间（ＩＲＴ）较ＣＧ组增高。ＬＶＤＤ组各左室舒张功能指标与ＬＶＳＨＦ组差异无显著性。（３）ＬＶＤＤ组运动时间、运动当量显著低于ＣＧ组，但高于ＬＶＳＨＦ组。