Echocardiographic findings in cardiogenic shock due to right ventricular myocardial infarction

The echocardiographic findings in a patient with cardiogenic shock secondary to acute right ventricular myocardial infarction based on typical clinical, electrocardiographic, and hemodynamic features are described. The echocardiogram demonstrated a large RV/LV minor axis ratio caused by a volume overload of the right ventricle and an underfilled left ventricle. The interventricular septum showed abnormal movement, presumably due to right ventricular overload or severe disease of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Diminished septal systolic thickening, as seen in our patient, may be explained by extension of the infarct from the right ventricle to the adjacent part of the septum. Predominant right ventricular involvement can be a cause for a correctable hypotension in patients with acute myocardial infarction and should therefore be recognized early. The echocardiographic picture demonstrated in our patient, when considered in conjunction with the clinical status, can be useful for early diagnosis.     

Echocardiographic findings in cardiogenic shock due to right ventricular myocardial infarction.

The echocardiographic findings in a patient with cardiogenic shock secondary to acute right ventricular myocardial infarction based on typical clinical, electrocardiographic, and hemodynamic features are described. The echocardiogram demonstrated a large RV/LV minor axis ratio caused by a volume overload of the right ventricle and an underfilled left ventricle. The interventricular septum showed abnormal movement, presumably due to right ventricular overload or severe disease of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Diminished septal systolic thickening, as seen in our patient, may be explained by extension of the infarct from the right ventricle to the adjacent part of the septum. Predominant right ventricular involvement can be a cause for a correctable hypotension in patients with acute myocardial infarction and should therefore be recognized early. The echocardiographic picture demonstrated in our patient, when considered in conjunction with the clinical status, can be useful for early diagnosis.     

Evaluation of response to dopamine in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy by echocardiography and thallium-201 myocardial scintigraphy

Twenty-six patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) underwent thallium-201 myocardial scintigraphy. Nine patients (group A) showed a perfusion defect in the interventricular septum (IVS) and 7 patients (group B) showed a defect in the left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW). Hemodynamic responses and catecholamine levels were compared between 16 patients (DCM group) and 6 control subjects (control group) following dopamine infusion (6 micrograms/Kg/min). The end-diastolic thickness of the IVS and LVPW, and the percentage wall thickening were assessed by echocardiography. Plasma dopamine and norepinephrine concentrations in the DCM group were not different from those of the control group at rest. During the dopamine infusion, however, norepinephrine increased only in the control group. There were significant differences in the thickness of the IVS among the 3 groups [7.3 +/- 1.4 mm for group A (p less than 0.001 vs control and p less than 0.05 vs group B), 8.9 +/- 1.5 mm for group B (p less than 0.01 vs control), 10.2 +/- 1.5 mm for the control group]. The percentage thickening of the IVS increased during the dopamine infusion in group B only and the thickening of the LVPW increased in group A only. Thus, in the myocardium of DCM patients with thallium perfusion defects, the degree of thickening did not change during dopamine infusion, but in the myocardium of DCM patients with normal thallium uptake the percentage thickening increased more than in the control group.     

原发性高血压患者左心室功能的临床研究

目的探讨原发性高血压患者左心室功能的临床研究。方法原发性高血压患者176例,按Ganau法分为4型:正常构型组(A组)46例、向心性重构组(B组)53例、向心性肥厚组(C组)40例、离心性肥厚组(D组)37例;正常对照组35例。超声心动图测量舒张末室间隔厚度(IVS)、左心室后壁厚度(LVPW)及左心室舒张末期内径,二尖瓣血流频谱左心室舒张早期血流峰速(E),舒张晚期血流峰速(A)值比,左心室射血分数(LVEF)及Tei指数。各组血浆脑钠肽(BNP)浓度对比分析。结果正常对照组与高血压各组比较,在年龄、性别均差异无显著性意义,C组、D组收缩压最高,左心房内径最大(P<0.05);B组、D组IVS、LVPW轻度增厚(P<0.05);高血压各组的E/A值均降低(P<0.05),LVEF值只有D组与正常对照组比较差异有显著性意义;各组Tei指数差异有显著性意义;BNP在B组、C组、D组差异有显著性意义。结论Tei指数,BNP共同评价原发性高血压患者不同左心室构型的心功能情况,对原发性高血压的治疗效果和预后有临床应用价值。     

Left ventricular behavior following acute right ventricular pressure overload: an experimental study]

Relationships between biventricular pressures, left ventricular shape and paradoxical septal motion in patients with right ventricular pressure overload (RVPO) are unknown. To clarify these relationships, we measured left and right ventricular short-axis dimensions and ventricular pressures using anesthetized open-chest dogs with pulmonary embolizations. With repeated microembolization, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) increased stepwise from a level of 27 mmHg to the maximum value of 72 mmHg. This elevation caused gradual leftward shift of the interventricular septum (IVS) both at end-diastole and end-systole. Further embolization caused collapse (shock: left ventricular systolic pressure: LVSP < 70 mmHg) with a fall in RVSP. In the state of shock, the rise in right ventricular end-diastolic pressure (RVEDP) and fall in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were prominent, and the degree of shift of the IVS became significantly greater at end-diastole than at end-systole, resulting in paradoxical motion of the IVS. There were significant linear relationships between the degree of end-diastolic IVS displacement and end-diastolic transseptal pressure (LVEDP-RVEDP), and between the degree of end-systolic IVS displacement and end-systolic transseptal pressure (LVESP-RVESP) throughout the course of repeated pulmonary microembolization even in the state of shock. In conclusion, abnormal movements of the IVS in RVPO patients indicate the presence of a marked decrease in end-diastolic transseptal pressure due to right ventricular failure.     

Echocardiographic characterization of the reversible cardiomyopathy of hypothyroidism

Nineteen patients with untreated hypothyroidism were evaluated by M-mode echocardiography. Asymmetric septal hypertrophy (ASH), defined as a ratio of interventricular septal thickness to left ventricular posterior wall thickness (IVS/LVPW) equal to or greater than 1.3, was identified in 17 cases. Additional abnormalities recognized by echocardiography included reduced amplitude of systolic septal excursion (SSex) [13 patients], reduced per cent of systolic septal thickening (%SST)[19 patients], reduced left ventricular outflow tract dimension (LVOT)[five patients] and systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve (SAM)[five patients]. These findings are similar to some of the echocardiographic features of idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS). In 10 patients who returned to euthyroid state with L-thyroxine therapy, these abnormalities resolved. We conclude that long-standing hypothyroidism leads to a reversible cardiomyopathy, manifested by asymmetric septal hypertrophy with or without other echocardiographic features of a hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. This previously unrecognized features of hypothyroidism has important diagnostic and therapeutic implications.     

Echocardiographic evaluation of changes in cardiac performance induced by hemodialysis

For the purpose of assessing the cardiovascular effects of hemodialysis (HD), M-mode echocardiography was performed 24 hours before and 2 hours after this procedure in 15 patients with chronic renal failure. The results, which include computer analysis of digitized interventricular septum (IVS) and left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW), show the following statistically significant changes after HD: reduction of end-diastolic and end-systolic internal diameters of the left ventricle (LVID), increase of mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening, of peak rate of systolic and diastolic LVID variation, of systolic and diastolic LVPW movement, and of IVS movement in systole. These results demonstrate that after HD the left ventricle not only decreases in size but also its performance improves in both contraction and relaxation. These changes did not correlate with the reduction in body weight and arterial pressure following HD; hence HD seems to act on left ventricular function by reducing mainly afterload and, possibly, by modifying some humoral parameters. In conclusion, M-mode echocardiography, especially when utilized in conjunction with the computerized analysis of the recordings, is useful and reliable in monitoring hemodynamic changes occurring during the dialytic session.     

Effects of isolated interventricular septal ischemia on global and segmental function of the canine right and left ventricle

The effects of isolated septal artery ligation were studied in 17 dogs. Contraction of the interventricular septum (IVS) and the free walls of both ventricles was measured by implanting ultrasonic crystals. Global ventricular function was assessed by Starling function curves. Following septal artery ligation, IVS shortening was immediately replaced by systolic lengthening. Thirty minutes after septal artery ligation, the right ventricular (RV) stroke work (SW) was significantly depressed at end-diastolic pressure (EDP) of 7 and 8.5 mm Hg from control values of 7.6 ± 0.4 and 8.6 ± 0.6 gmM to 6.7 ± 0.4 and 7.4 ± 0.5gmM respectively. However, LVSW after septal artery ligation was similar to control values for EDP from 5 to 19 mm Hg. These changes were associated with unchanged RV free wall movement of 21 ± 3% in the inflow region and 23 ± 5% in the outflow region. LV free wall systolic shortening following septal artery ligation increased by 16 ± 3%. It is concluded that canine septal artery ligation causes global dysfunction of the RV but not of the LV.     

M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiographic analysis of the septum in experimental right ventricular infarction: Correlation with hemodynamic alterations

We investigated the changes that occur in the shape and the motion of the ventricular septum in experimental right ventricular (RV) infarction with M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiography. The echocardiographic findings were correlated with the hemodynamic alterations. Right ventricular infarction was produced by mercury embolization of the right coronary artery in five anesthetized closed-chest dogs. After embolization, the transseptal end-diastolic left-right ventricular pressure gradient reversed (3 +/- 1) to -1 +/- 1 mm Hg, p less than 0.001). The septal shape was altered by the flattening of the septum at end-diastole and a return to the normal septal shape during systole. Systolic septal motion was reversed after embolization (1 mm toward the left ventricle before embolization to 3 mm toward the RV after embolization, p less than 0.01). Septal thickening was not altered. We concluded that isolated RV free wall infarction results in the reversal of the transseptal end-diastolic pressure gradient and is associated with the flattening of the septum at end-diastole. During systole, the septum returns to its normal shape and moves toward the RV. In addition, systolic septal thickening is preserved. The motion of the septum toward the RV, together with normal septal thickening, may provide mechanical assistance to RV ejection with RV free wall infarction.     

Reversibility of hypotension and shock by atrial or atrioventricular sequential pacing in patients with right ventricular infarction

Hypotension and shock associated with heart block and other forms of atrioventricular (AV) dissociation frequently accompany right ventricular infarction (RVI). Such patients do not invariably improve with ventricular pacing. We evaluated the relative effects of AV dissociated rhythms (ventricular pacing or nodal rhythm) and AV synchronous rhythms (atrial pacing, AV sequential pacing, or return to normal sinus rhythm) in seven patients with RVI complicated by AV dissociation, who had hypotension or shock. Hemodynamic monitoring demonstrated the characteristic features of RVI in all patients. Restoration of AV synchrony resulted in a highly significant (p ≤ 0.001) increase in systolic blood pressure (88.0 ± 16.5 mm Hg to 133.0 ± 21.8 mm Hg), cardiac output (3.8 ± 0.9 L/min to 5.7 ± 0.9 L/min), and stroke volume (40.5 ± 6.9 cc to 61.0 ± 10.0 cc). We conclude that restoration of normal AV synchrony has a marked effect on stroke volume in this setting and that atrial or AV pacing can reverse hypotension and shock in RVI complicated by AV dissociation.     

Tei指数评价左心室射血分数正常的尿毒症患者的左心室功能

目的利用Tei指数评价左心室射血分数（left ventricular ejection fraction, LVEF）正常的尿毒症患者的左心功能,以了解其临床应用价值。方法选取80例LVEF正常的尿毒症患者设为尿毒症组,50名健康人设为对照组,使用Vivid7pro对两组进行检测。检测左心房内径（LAD）、左心室舒张期末内径（LVDd）、左心室收缩期末末内径（LVDs）、室间隔（IVS）及左心室后壁厚度（LVPW）、LVEF、左心室短轴缩短率（LVFS）、二尖瓣血流频谱E峰及A峰、E／A比值、左心室等容收缩时间（ICT）及等容舒张时间（IRT）、主动脉射血时间（ET）,并计算左心室Tei指数。结果尿毒症组左心房内径、左心室舒张期末内径、左心室收缩期末内径、室间隔、左心室后壁厚度均较对照组增大,差异有统计学意义（P均〈O．01）。尿毒症组的二尖瓣血流频谱E峰及A峰较对照组明显增大（P均〈0．05）、左心室等容舒张时间比对照组延长（P〈0．01）、主动脉射血时间比对照组缩短（P〈0．01）、Tei指数比对照组明显延长（0．50±0．18眠0．33±0．12,P〈0．叭）,差异有统计学意义;尿毒症组E／A比值、左心室等容收缩时间、LVEF及左心室短轴缩短率与对照组比较,差异无统计学意义（P均〉0．05）。结论测量Tei指数能比单纯LVEF更好地评价尿毒症患者的左心功能,而且方便、快捷、有效。     

Diastolic heart function in RA patients

The results of some epidemiological studies point to the presence of an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly atherosclerosis and congestive heart failure (CHF) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). At least 50% of abnormalities remained asymptomatic. Pathological conditions contributing to myocardial dysfunction such as high serum levels of IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP) and TNF alpha are present both in RA and CHF patients. The most common pathological mechanism leading to the development of heart failure is left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction, which remains clinically asymptomatic for a long time. The aim of this study was to assess the systolic and diastolic functions of the LV in RA patients without clinically evident cardiovascular disease, using pulsed Doppler echocardiography. Our purpose was also to estimate whether there is a correlation between the duration and severity of RA and the degree of LV diastolic dysfunction. A comparison of the average values of echocardiographic measurements was made between the RA group and control group, which constituted healthy volunteers. Left ventricular mass index in RA group was significantly greater than in the control group (105.2 ± 32.6 vs. 87.9 ± 16.8; p < 0.05) so were the interventricular septum end-diastolic thickness (1.01 ± 0.33 vs. 0.86 ± 0.12; p < 0.05), the LV posterior wall end-diastolic thickness (0.94 ± 0.08 vs. 0.83 ± 0.11; p < 0.0001) and the aortic root diameter (3.18 ± 0.31 vs. 3.10 ± 0.63, p < 0.001). The ejection fraction in RA group was significantly lower than in the control group (64.4 ± 1.3 vs. 66.3 ± 1.3; p < 0.0001). The assessment of diastolic function parameters revealed significantly longer isovolumetrc relaxation time (IVRT) and shorter deceleration time (DT) in RA patients compared to the control group. Patients in stage II or III revealed significantly lower LV mass index (99 ± 17 vs. 131 ± 42; p < 0.05) and the interventricular septum end-diastolic thickness (0.94 ± 0.10 vs. 1.28 ± 0.5; p < 0.05) than those in stage IV. Mean aortic diameter was significantly greater in individuals in stages III and IV (3.73 ± 0.28) than in the stage II of the disease (2.77 ± 0.21), p < 0.05. No differences in echocardiographic parameters’ values were observed between seropositive, seronegative, nodule-present and nodule-absent persons. Echocardiographic examination revealed valvular heart disease in 24 (80%) RA and 6 (20%) control patients (p < 0.0001).     

Right ventricular dyssynchrony in heart failure: a tissue Doppler imaging study

BackgroundThe development of right ventricular dysfunction is a poor prognostic sign in patients with heart failure (HF). Although left ventricular dyssynchrony has been well described, it is not known whether right ventricular dyssynchrony coexists in HF. We used tissue Doppler imaging to determine whether right ventricular dyssynchrony is also present in HF patients.Methods and ResultsIn 34 HF patients (mean age 56 ± 13 years), we measured longitudinal strain at the right ventricular free wall, interventricular septum, and left ventricular lateral wall. Right ventricular and left ventricular dyssynchrony were defined as the difference in time to peak strain between the right ventricular free wall and the septum and between the left ventricular lateral wall and septum, respectively. Mean right ventricular dyssynchrony was 59 ± 45 ms and the mean left ventricular dyssynchrony was 80 ± 62 ms. We found a strong correlation between right ventricular dyssynchrony and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (r = 0.73; P < .001) and a negative correlation between right ventricular dyssynchrony and right ventricular fractional area change (r = −0.43; P < .02).ConclusionHF patients exhibit right ventricular dyssynchrony by strain imaging which correlates with pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular dysfunction.     

The effect of chronic pulmonary hypertension on left ventricular size, function, and interventricular septal motion

The effect of right ventricular pressure overload secondary to chronic pulmonary arterial hypertension on left ventricular size and function and on interventricular septal motion was studied in 13 patients in whom coronary artery disease, hypertension, and hypoxemia were excluded. Regional and global left ventricular function were assessed by computer-assisted analysis of two-dimensional directed M-mode echocardiograms obtained within 24 hours of a hemodynamic study. Septal position and motion were further analyzed by delineating seven points along the right and left sides of the septum during a single cardiac cycle. All echocardiographic data were compared to those of 10 normal subjects. Mean values for right ventricular systolic, mean pulmonary artery and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures were: 71 +/- 26 mm Hg, 46 +/- 16 mm Hg, and 7 +/- 1 mm Hg, respectively. Septal motion was interpreted from the M-mode echocardiograms as normal in seven patients (group I) and abnormal in the remaining six patients (group II). The only hemodynamic parameter which distinguished these two patterns was delta P, the transseptal systolic pressure gradient across the interventricular septum, which was significantly different (p less than 0.02) in group I (delta P = 65 +/- 16 mm Hg) from that of group II (delta P = 21 +/- 24 mm Hg). As a result of abnormal septal position, the septal-free wall dimensions of the left ventricle were reduced, but there was no evidence of depressed left ventricular performance in these patients. We conclude that resting left ventricular function is well preserved in patients with pulmonary hypertension, despite significant alterations in septal position and left ventricular size.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Anthracycline cardiotoxicity evaluated by digitized M-mode echocardiography]

Ten patients with malignant diseases whose mean age was 20.0 +/- 13.2 years received anthracycline derivatives therapy and were evaluated for their left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions by computer-assisted digitized M-mode echocardiography. Fractional shortening (%FS), a parameter of systolic function, was measured. The first derivative of left ventricular dimension change (peak LV dD/dt), posterior wall thinning (peak LVPW thinning rate) and interventricular septum thinning (peak IVS thinning rate) were used as indices of diastolic function. Blood pressure (BP) was measured noninvasively at the end of the echocardiographic examination and hemoglobin concentration (Hb) was measured on the same day. These examinations were performed immediately before administration of anthracycline and one week and one month after the last administration. Statistical analyses were performed using the Student's t-test. The mean BP, HR, LVDd, LVDs, LVPW and IVS remained unchanged following the drug administration. %FS did not change significantly; 36.8 +/- 6.3%, before the administration, 35.3 +/- 6.5%, one week after the administration, and 36.5 +/- 5.1%, one month after the administration. Peak LVdD/dt and the peak LVPW thinning rate decreased appreciably from 4.46 +/- 1.10 to 3.76 +/- 1.08, and from 7.99 +/- 1.55 to 6.41 +/- 1.04, respectively, one week after the administration. The peak IVS thinning rate decreased from 3.54 +/- 0.81 to 2.99 +/- 0.79 after one week (p < 0.01). All of these values returned to the control levels in one month after the drug administration. We concluded that the indices of left ventricular diastolic function were more sensitive for detecting cardiac impairment than those of systolic function during the course of anthracycline therapy.     

Echocardiographic spectrum of the hypoplastic left heart syndrome: A clinicopathologic correlation in 19 newborns

Ultrasonic studies were performed in 19 neonates with the hypoplastic left heart syndrome whose diagnosis was confirmed at angiography or autopsy, or both. The patients were classified in two echocardiographic groups: Group I, 10 infants whose ventricular septum could be recorded, and Group II, 9 infants whose septum could not be recorded. The findings in these groups were compared with those in 60 neonates without congenital heart disease also studied with ultrasound. Two additional neonates who presented with signs of shock were also studied.The diagnostic echocardiographic features of hypoplastic left heart syndrome were: (1) a left ventricular end-diastolic dimension of less than 9 mm; (2) an aortic root diameter of less than 6 mm; (3) a ratio of left ventricular end-diastolic to right ventricular end-diastolic dimension of less than 0.6; and (4) a mitral valve echo that is absent or greatly distorted and of small amplitude. These echocardiographic criteria differed significantly from findings in the normal group (P < 0.01). Echocardiography proved valuable in neonates with shock. It is a safe, reliable technique that can be used to delineate the intracardiac anatomy in sick neonates with the hypoplastic left heart syndrome.     

Changes of the degree of hypertrophy in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy under medical and surgical treatment

The aim of our study was to establish the extent to which therapy of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) can influence the degree of hypertrophy. By means of two-dimensionally guided M-mode echocardiography, 120 patients with HOCM (age range 4-72 years, mean age 41 years) were observed over an average period of 49 +/- 41 months. Depending on the respective therapy, we formed four patient groups: group 1: 13 patients without any therapy (follow-up period 31 +/- 30 months); group 2: 27 patients receiving propranolol (follow-up period 47 +/- 34 months); group 3: 50 patients receiving verapamil (follow-up period 39 +/- 27 months), and group 4: 30 patients with myectomy (follow-up period 34 +/- 32 months). In group 4, as expected, the thickness of the interventricular septum (IVS) decreased postoperatively (from 24.2 +/- 4.5 to 19.8 +/- 6.7 mm, p less than 0.05), and the left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW) thickness also decreased later postoperatively (from 13.0 +/- 2.6 to 11.9 +/- 2.3 mm, p less than 0.05). The left ventricular diameters increased. In groups 2 and 3 treated with pharmacotherapy as in the untreated patients of group 1, on average there was no change in IVS and LVPW thickness nor in the left ventricular diameters (with the exception of increasing left ventricular end-diastolic diameter in the propranolol-treated group). In contrast to group 1, in occasional cases there were substantial decreases of IVS thickness (11% of the patients in group 2, 13% in group 3) or LVPW thickness (13% of the patients in group 2, 12% in group 3).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of nitroprusside-induced reduction of elevated preload and afterload on global and regional ventricular function in acute myocardial infarction

To evaluate the effects of nitroprusside infusion on left and right ventricular ejection fractions and left ventricular regional wall motion, radionuclide ventriculography with simultaneous hemodynamic assessment was performed before and during nitroprusside infusion in 20 patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by left ventricular failure and/or systemic arterial hypertension. Nitroprusside produced significant reductions in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (21 ± 6 to 13 ± 5 mm Hg; ?38%; p < 0.001), mean arterial pressure (107 ± 19 to 90 ± 13 mm Hg; ?15.9%; p < 0.001), left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (84 ± 28 to 75 ± 23 ml/m²; ?10.7%; p < 0.001), and right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (77 ± 30 to 67 ± 27 ml/m²; ?13.0% p < 0.007), and significant increases in left ventricular ejection fraction (0.32 ± 0.12 to 0.37 ± 0.13; +15.6%; p < 0.0001), right ventricular ejection fraction (0.37 ± 0.11 to 0.45 ± 0.14; +21.6%; p < 0.001), and stroke volume index (25 ± 7 to 27 ± 7 ml/beat m²; +8.0%; p < 0.03). These beneficial changes in global ventricular performance were accompanied by no change in the regional contractile function of 90% of the abnormally contracting infarct-related left ventricular segments and improved regional wall motion of 34% of noninfarcted but abnormally contracting left ventricular segments. We conclude that nitroprusside-induced reduction of elevated preload and afterload in acute myocardial infarction results in salutary effects on global ventricular function and improved regional function of noninfarcted left ventricular segments but with less prominent effects on regional function of infarcted segments.     

Left ventricular function in patients under peritoneal dialysis treatment

M-Mode echocardiogram and systolic time intervals were obtained in 24 patients with end-stage chronic renal failure before and after peritoneal dialysis in order to evaluate their left ventricular function. Before dialysis 9 patients (group A) showed an echocardiographic pattern of dilated cardiomyopathy, i.e. increased left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (EDD) and volume (EDV), reduction of fractional shortening (FS%), of circumferential fiber shortening (Vcf) and of ejection fraction (EF). Seven patients (group B) had the morphological and functional features of asymmetric septal hypertrophy: ratio of interventricular septum to posterior wall thickness (IVS/PWT) greater than 1.3, reduced EDD and EDV. Eight uraemics (group C) had no specific feature of cardiac disease, but only aspecific echocardiography signs of myocardial derangement. Peritoneal dialysis appeared to be associated with gradual improvement of the contractile state in group A patients, with reduction in echocardiographic asymmetric septal hypertrophy in group B uraemics, and with an aspecific increase in cardiac performance in group C patients. It is concluded that: end-stage chronic renal failure may have echocardiographic pattern of dilated or asymmetric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; peritoneal dialysis significantly improves the morphological and functional derangements of both clinical conditions.     

Two-dimensional echocardiographic determinants of interventricular septal configurations in right or left ventricular overload

Configurations of interventricular septum (IVS) and left ventricle were evaluated in 60 normal subjects and in 68 patients with congenital heart disease using two-dimensional short axis cross-sectional echocardiography (2DE). Patients were divided into four groups; right ventricular (RV) pressure overload (n = 21), RV volume overload (n = 12), left ventricular (LV) pressure overload (n = 10), and LV volume overload (n = 25). The radii of curvature of the IVS (IVSr) and LV free wall (FWr) were calculated in end systole and end diastole. Measured IVSr was normalized by dividing IVSr by FWr (IVSr/FWr). End-systolic flattening of IVS was a specific finding in patients with RV pressure overload, since this pattern was not observed in other hemodynamic groups. Echocardiographic determinants of IVSr/FWr in end systole correlated well with RV peak systolic pressure/LV peak systolic pressure ratio (r = 0.878). There was also correlation between IVSr/FWr in end diastole and RV end-diastolic pressure/LV end-diastolic pressure ratio (r = 0.579). Thus, the evaluation of IVS configuration is a useful 2DE method of estimating relative RV systolic pressure in infants and children with congenital heart disease.