Continuous-wave Doppler determination of the pressure gradient across pulmonary artery bands: hemodynamic correlation in 20 patients

The feasibility and accuracy of continuous-wave Doppler echocardiography in measuring pressure gradients across the pulmonary artery band were assessed. Simultaneous continuous-wave Doppler and catheter pressure measurements were prospectively performed in 20 patients with complex congenital heart disease and prior pulmonary artery banding. In two other patients, adequate Doppler signals could not be obtained. Doppler velocity was converted to pressure gradient by using the modified Bernoulli equation. Simultaneous continuous-wave Doppler spectral envelopes and catheter pressure wave forms were digitized at 10-ms intervals to obtain maximal instantaneous, mean, and peak-to-peak pressure gradients. The maximal Doppler gradient ranged from 23 to 154 mm Hg, and the simultaneous maximal catheter pressure gradient ranged from 34 to 168 mm Hg. The correlation (r) between these two measurements had a coefficient of 0.98 and a standard error of the estimate (SEE) of 7 mm Hg. The peak-to-peak systolic gradient ranged from 17 to 156 mm Hg and correlated with the maximal Doppler gradient (r = 0.95; SEE = 11 mm Hg). The mean Doppler and mean catheter pressure gradients also were correlated (r = 0.93; SEE = 9 mm Hg). As Doppler echocardiography measures instantaneous velocity and therefore instantaneous pressure gradient, the more precise correlation was between Doppler gradient and maximal instantaneous catheter gradient rather than peak-to-peak systolic gradient. Continuous-wave Doppler echocardiography is an accurate noninvasive technique for measurement of pressure gradients across pulmonary artery bands. In combination with clinical evaluation and two-dimensional echocardiography, it should substantially aid clinical decision making.     

Propagation velocity of mitral late flow toward the apex in healthy participants.

The transit time of mitral late flow (A wave) to the outflow tract (A-Ar interval) has been demonstrated to be shorter in the presence of increased ventricular stiffness. However, the A-Ar interval is just a measure of time duration and the data of intraventricular A-wave propagation velocity are still unavailable. In this study we presented the aging trend in various intracardiac Doppler signals, including the mitral A-wave propagation velocity toward the apex (APV(apex)). It was measured as the slope of the first aliasing velocity line segment of the mitral A wavefront at color M-mode Doppler analysis. Age correlated significantly with peak velocity of mitral early flow (E wave), peak A velocity, velocity ratio of E to A wave, deceleration time of E wave, and mitral E-wave propagation velocity toward the apex, but not with the A-Ar interval (r = -0.262, P =.066) or the APV(apex) (r = -0.047, P =.748). Neither the A-Ar interval nor the APV(apex) was different between the young and the elderly groups. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between the APV(apex) and the A-Ar interval (r = -0.135, P =.348). In conclusion, aging has a major adverse impact on myocardial relaxation associated with a minor one on the noninvasive indices of ventricular compliance. The APV(apex) is age-independent and, moreover, there is no significant correlation between the APV(apex) and the A-Ar interval.     

Internal consistency of echocardiographic estimates of the severity of left ventricular outflow obstruction

To determine their internal consistency, M-mode and Doppler echocardiography were used to estimate the gradient across the left ventricular outflow tract during 74 evaluations of 50 infants, children, and young adults with congenital valvular (n = 43), subvalvular (n = 6), and supravalvular (n = 1) aortic stenosis. By M-mode the gradient was estimated from the wall-stress formula (left ventricular pressure = 225 x wall thickness/end-systolic diameter) minus systolic blood pressure determined by sphygmomanometry. Doppler (pulsed or continuous wave) methods utilized the Bernoulli formula (gradient = 4 x V2). There was good agreement between the M-mode and Doppler estimates of outflow gradient in most patients (r = 0.69, standard error of the estimate = 26.9). In 46 of 74 comparisons (62%) the two estimates differed by less than 20 mm Hg, and the estimates placed the patient in the same clinical class (mild, moderate, or severe). In 22 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization, there was only a fair correlation between the M-mode (r = 0.50) and Doppler (r = 0.58) gradients and those obtained at catheterization. Each noninvasive technique yielded major overestimates or underestimates of the gradient in several instances. The M-mode and Doppler techniques for estimating the severity of congenital aortic stenosis are complementary. Their combined use minimizes but does not totally eliminate errors of overestimation or underestimation of outflow gradient.     

计算机辅助彩色M型超声心动图无创估测肺血管阻力的研究

目的 评价自行设计的计算机软件辅助彩色M型超声心动图无创估测肺血管阻力(PVR)的可行性及准确性.方法 20例先天性心脏病患者和20例正常儿童为研究对象,应用彩色M型超声心动图检测肺动脉血流传播速度(VPE)并进行比较;应用自行设计的计算机软件测量先心病患者的肺动脉血流传播速度(VPC),并与右心导管技术所测的PVR对比.结果 先天性心脏病患者彩色M型超声测得的VPE明显低于正常儿童[(38.38±18.89)cm/s对(80.34±15.65)cm/s,P＜0.01],且与心导管所测的PVR值显著相关(r=-0.69,P＜0.01).计算机软件测得VPC与PVR高度相关(r=-0.78,P＜001),且重复性较好.VPC＜35.910预测PVR＞16 kPa·S·L-1的灵敏性为92.9%,特异性为100%.结论 应用计算机辅助彩色M型超声心动图技术测量肺动脉血流传播速度可以比较准确地无创估测肺血管阻力.     

Long-term reproducibility of conventional Doppler analysis in patients with prosthetic valves.

Long-term reproducibility of Doppler recordings made by the same investigator using the same ultrasound equipment was determined in 50 clinically stable patients. The mean interval between the first and second examination was 16 +/- 7 months. In 90% of the 33 patients with aortic prostheses, the relative difference between the first and second examination was less than 16% (mean value 9.1%) for the maximum instantaneous gradient and less than 17% (mean value 7.4%) for the mean gradient; the relative difference was less than 20% (mean value 8.5%) for the maximum flow velocity in the left ventricular outflow tract and less than 24% (mean value 10.8) for the maximum flow velocity ratio. In 90% of the 25 patients with mitral prostheses, the absolute difference between the first and second examination was less than 3 mmHg for the maximum instantaneous gradient, less than 2.5 mmHg for the mean gradient, and less than 20 msec for the pressure half-time. We conclude that long-term reproducibility of Doppler echocardiographic characteristics of prosthetic valve function is good as far as transprosthetic gradients or pressure half-time are concerned but is less so for maximum flow velocity in the left ventricular outflow tract and the maximum flow velocity ratio. Changes beyond the aforementioned values may represent a real change in prosthetic valve function.     

Flow patterns in dilated cardiomyopathy: a pulsed-wave and color flow Doppler study

In 48 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, pulsed-wave and color Doppler examination were performed. In addition, 14 normal patients served as control subjects. Peak inflow velocity at the level of the mitral valve, middle left ventricle, and apex and outflow velocity at the level of the apex, middle left ventricle, and subaortic area were measured. In normal patients there was brisk propagation of inflow velocity to the apex. Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy demonstrated delayed propagation and prolongation of the duration of inflow compared with control subjects (p less than 0.04). Continuous apical flow was visualized in 25% of dilated cardiomyopathies and in no normal patients. Apical velocities were significantly increased in cardiomyopathies with significant mitral regurgitation. Outflow velocities were decreased in dilated cardiomyopathy. In patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and apical dyskinesis, flow directed toward the base was measured in the middle left ventricle during isovolumic relaxation secondary to dyskinetic rebound. Patterns of abnormal flow in dilated cardiomyopathies are readily apparent by color M-mode and two-dimensional color Doppler.     

Effects of dobutamine on coronary flow velocity response and their relations to age

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of low-dose dobutamine on left ventricular (LV) functional and coronary flow reserves using transthracic echocardiography. The study group consisted of 30 children aged from 5 months to 16 years (mean 4.8 +/- 4.4 years). Echocardiographic studies were repeated before and during dobutamine infusion (5 microg/kg per minute). The peak diastolic velocity in the left descending coronary artery (LAD) was recorded by pulsed-Doppler under the guidance of color Doppler flow mapping. The coronary flow velocity (CFV) response was calculated as the ratio of LAD peak flow velocity at dobutamine infusion to basal LAD peak flow velocity. Left ventricular contractility was calculated by two-dimensionally directed M-mode echocardiography. The rate-corrected mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (mVcfc) and LV end-systolic wall stress (ESS) were used as indices of contractility. Adequate spectral Doppler recordings of the LAD peak flow velocity for the assessment of CFV response were obtained in 26 of 30 patients (87%). The LAD peak flow velocity at dobutamine infusion increased significantly compared with the basal values. The CFV response in the younger children was low and increased significantly with age. The CFV response did not show significant correlations with the changes in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, rate-pressure product, nor ESS during dobutamine infusion. However, a significant relationship between the CFV response and the percent change of mVcfc was observed. In the present study using high frequency transthoracic echocardiography, we demonstrated the age-related changes in CFV response and LV functional reserve by dobutamine infusion. Responses of LV contractility and coronary flow to dobutamine are less sensitive in youngerchildren and increased with increasing age.     

Diastolic flow pattern in the normal left ventricle.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to clarify the diastolic flow pattern in the normal left ventricle. BACKGROUND: During left ventricular filling, basally directed (retrograde) velocities are seen in the outflow compartment. These velocities may represent blood returned from the apical region or a shortcut at a more basal level. METHODS: Left ventricular flow patterns were identified in 18 healthy individuals (age 47 +/- 12 years) with the use of high frame-rate two-dimensional color Doppler and color M-mode Doppler echocardiography techniques. Intraventricular velocities were measured with single pulsed Doppler at 3 levels in both inflow and outflow compartments (posterolateral and anteroseptal parts of the left ventricle). RESULTS: During early transmitral flow acceleration, all intraventricular velocities were directed towards the apex. However, after peak early and late inflow velocities and during diastasis, retrograde velocities were identified in the outflow compartment. These retrograde velocities occurred earlier, and were higher, at the level of the deflected anterior mitral leaflet tip compared with more apical levels (P <.001). A velocity pattern was established, consistent with early intraventricular vortex formation behind both mitral leaflets. The vortex adjacent to the anterior leaflet subsequently enlarged to include a major part of the left ventricle. CONCLUSION: Uniform diastolic flow patterns were identified in the normal left ventricles. The findings suggest that both early and late diastolic filling start with an initial motion of a fluid column, succeeded by vortex formation, which explains retrograde flow in the outflow compartment.     

频谱多普勒及M-型超声心动图检测胎儿心律失常的临床研究

目的：探讨频谱多普勒及M-型超声心动图对胎儿心律失常的诊断价值。方法：采用彩色多普勒超声心动图对孕龄16～41周的临床疑诊胎儿心律失常或存在其他异常的226例胎儿进行研究。结果：共检出胎儿心律失常53例(23．5％)，其中期前收缩40例(房性期前收缩35例，室性期前收缩5例包括室性早搏二联律、室性早搏三联律各1例)。心动过缓7例，心动过速4例，2：1房室传导阻滞、房扑各1例。53例心律失常胎儿中并发先天性心血管畸形4例(二尖瓣闭锁1例，共同房室通道1例，单心室伴肺动脉瓣狭窄1例，心脏肿瘤1例)。结论：胎儿频谱多普勒及M-型超声心动图是检出胎儿心律失常的可靠的无创性影像诊断技术，其应用有助于早期检出并指导心律失常胎儿的处置。     

The history of echocardiography

Following a brief review of the development of medical ultrasonics from the mid-1930s to the mid-1950s, the collaboration between Edler and Hertz that began in Lund in 1953 is described. Using an industrial ultrasonic flaw detector, they obtained time-varying echoes transcutaneously from within the heart. The first clinical applications of M-mode echocardiography were concerned with the assessment of the mitral valve from the shapes of the corresponding waveforms. Subsequently, the various M-mode recordings were related to their anatomical origins. The method then became established as a diagnostic tool and was taken up by investigators outside Lund, initially in China, Germany, Japan and the USA and, subsequently, world-wide. The diffusion of echocardiography into clinical practice depended on the timely commercial availability of suitable equipment. The discovery of contrast echocardiography in the late 1960s further validated the technique and extended the range of applications. Two-dimensional echocardiography was first demonstrated in the late 1950s, with real-time mechanical systems and, in the early 1960s, with intracardiac probes. Transesophageal echocardiography followed, in the late 1960s. Stop-action two-dimensional echocardiography enjoyed a brief vogue in the early 1970s. It was, however, the demonstration by Bom in Rotterdam of real-time two-dimensional echocardiography using a linear transducer array that revolutionized and popularized the subject. Then, the phased array sector scanner, which had been demonstrated in the late 1960s by Somer in Utrecht, was applied to cardiac studies from the mid-1970s onwards. Satomura had demonstrated the use of the ultrasonic Doppler effect to detect tissue motion in Osaka in the mid-1950s and the technique was soon afterwards applied in the heart, often in combination with M-mode recording. The development of the pulsed Doppler method in the late 1960s opened up new opportunities for clinical innovation. The review ends with a mention of color Doppler echocardiography. (E-mail: kjell.lindstrom@elmat.lth.se     

彩色多普勒超声对心房颤动患者左心室舒张功能障碍的研究

目的应用彩色多普勒超声心动图评价心房颤动（房颤）患者的左心室舒张功能。方法将39例房颤患者分为器质性房颤组和孤立性房颤组,分别采集房颤患者的二尖瓣血流频谱、彩色M型及二尖瓣环的组织多普勒运动曲线上的参数,并与正常对照组比较。结果与正常对照组比较,器质性房颤组二尖瓣血流频谱部分参数及彩色M型、二尖瓣环组织多普勒运动曲线上的参数差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;孤立性房颤组只有二尖瓣环组织多普勒运动曲线上的参数与对照组差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论①器质性房颤及孤立性房颤患者均存在左室舒张功能障碍。②左室内舒张早期血流传播速度及二尖瓣环舒张早期运动速度可用来评价房颤患者左室舒张功能。③房颤患者舒张早期二尖瓣口血流频谱参数不稳定,但E峰峰值加速度对评价房颤患者左室舒张功能较敏感。     

Right and left ventricular long-axis function in the fetus using angular M-mode.

OBJECTIVE: Long-axis function is determined by the longitudinally oriented myocardial fibers. Postnatally, conventional M-mode is used to assess tricuspid and mitral valve ring movements in relation to the cardiac apex. During fetal life, this is precluded by variable fetal position. We assessed the feasibility of determining right and left ventricular long-axis function in the fetus. METHODS: A prospective, pilot study. The four-chamber view obtained during routine fetal echocardiography was recorded in a cineloop to which B-mode guided M-mode echocardiography was applied using angular M-mode. This allowed retrospective and correct placement of the cursor line from cardiac apex to tricuspid or mitral valve rings. M-mode tracings of the valve ring movements in relation to the apex were derived from the originally stored loop. Data from 18 fetuses (17-29 weeks of gestation) were available for analysis. Total excursion of the valve rings was measured offline. A second cursor line was simultaneously placed in the left ventricular outflow tract during color flow mapping for timing purposes (n = 6). RESULTS: Right and left ventricular long-axis recordings were obtained in 18 and 14 cases, respectively. Total right ventricular excursion was 5.2 mm (SD, 0.9 mm) (range, 3.9-7.2 mm). Total left ventricular free wall excursion was 4.5 mm (SD, 1.1 mm) (range, 3.0-6.8 mm). For paired data, the mean of differences (right ventricle-left ventricle) was 0.8 mm (95% confidence interval 0.5-1.2). The valve rings moved towards the apex during systole (shortening) and away from it during diastole (lengthening). Peak downward movement coincided with cessation of aortic flow and diastolic lengthening with flow through the atrioventricular valves. CONCLUSION: Long-axis function in the fetus is feasible if M-mode angle correction is used. There was no clinically significant difference between tricuspid and mitral valve excursions. The pattern of atrioventricular valve movement is coordinate and similar to that of adults. Long-axis function offers a new avenue to study systolic and diastolic function in the fetus.     

Evaluation of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by Doppler color flow imaging: initial observations

We evaluated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in 12 patients by Doppler color flow imaging and continuous-wave Doppler echocardiography. Mitral regurgitation was detected by continuous-wave Doppler echocardiography in eight patients and was related to the degree of systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve. Adequate color flow images were obtained in 10 of the 12 patients, and mitral regurgitation was demonstrated in 6. A qualitative and quantitative analysis of the color flow imaging revealed a temporal pattern in the left ventricular outflow tract that consisted of normal-velocity laminar flow during early systole followed by turbulent flow in midsystole. The maximal amount of mitral regurgitation on color flow imaging occurred late in systole, after the appearance of turbulent flow in the left ventricular outflow tract. Of the 12 patients, 10 had late-peaking continuous-wave Doppler velocity profiles in the left ventricular outflow tract. The peak velocity detected in the left ventricular outflow tract was positively correlated with the degree of systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve. Patients with higher peak velocities in the left ventricular outflow tract had prolonged ejection times. These findings on Doppler echocardiography support the concept of left ventricular outflow obstruction in some patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.     

Intracardiac myxomas: twenty-year echocardiographic experience with review of the literature

We reviewed the echocardiograms of 35 patients with intracardiac myxomas. Patient data were combined from two geographically distant laboratories. No significant variations in the patient profiles were encountered. Most patients were white (33 of 35) with a mean age of 45 years. The diagnosis was suspected on clinical grounds alone in only six of 35 patients before the echocardiogram was done. M-mode recordings were the primary echocardiographic modality available in the first 16 patients, whereas two-dimensional studies were also done in the others. Continuous and pulsed wave Doppler echocardiography were added in eight of the most recent studies. In one patient color flow imaging from both transthoracic and esophageal approaches was possible to better visualize a large left atrial tumor. Thirty-three patients had solitary tumors (29 left atrial, three right atrial, and one left ventricular), and two had multiple tumors. The most characteristic finding, as expected, was the demonstration of abnormal mass echoes produced by the myxoma tissue. Several interesting features not previously emphasized in the literature included abnormal notching of the interventricular septum and posterior left ventricular wall probably produced by displacement from the larger mobile left atrial tumors dropping into the mitral sleeve. This was best appreciated by the M-mode recordings. In one patient with an associated atrial septal defect, movement of the tumor into the defect appeared to alter the expected downward displacement into the mitral orifice. In the patients who were studied by two-dimensional, Doppler, or color flow imaging, tumor movement was evidenced by abnormal frequency shifts, and dispersion of flow around the tumor mass was readily appreciated. Surgical removal was performed in all patients. Follow-up echocardiograms were done postoperatively ranging up to 17 years. Recurrent tumors occurred in two patients, both of whom had congenital myxomas. Echocardiography is proving to be an unparalleled tool in the diagnosis of intracardiac tumors.     

New insights into regional systolic and diastolic left ventricular function with tissue Doppler echocardiography: from qualitative analysis to a quantitative approach.

Tissue Doppler echocardiography is a variation of conventional Doppler flow imaging. This modality allows quantification of the Doppler shift within the range of myocardial tissue motion. The velocity at a variety of myocardial sites can be determined and distinguished very rapidly by using Doppler techniques. The velocity of moving tissue can be studied with pulsed wave tissue Doppler sampling, which displays the velocity of a selected myocardial region against time, with high temporal resolution. In addition, the velocities can be calculated with time-velocity maps and displayed as color-encoded velocity maps in either an M-mode or 2-dimensional format. This review will focus on the technical aspects and the different methods of tissue Doppler echocardiography for the analysis of regional systolic and diastolic left ventricular function. Whereas pulsed wave tissue Doppler echocardiography allows measurements of velocities of a selected myocardial region, color tissue Doppler gives the best overview of cardiac dynamics because the entire scanned color data are displayed simultaneously. However, there is an increasing need for objective evaluation of tissue Doppler information. Digital images and postprocessing of the data allow for quantitative off-line analysis, and the different approaches and parameters proposed from different centers are discussed.     

Color M-mode and Doppler tissue evaluation of diastolic function in children: simultaneous correlation with invasive indices.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore the validity of diastolic indices derived from color M-mode Doppler and Doppler tissue imaging in a heterogeneous group of pediatric patients by comparing them with simultaneously obtained invasive indices of diastolic function. METHODS: A total of 20 children undergoing left heart catheterization had echocardiographic images recorded simultaneously with high-fidelity left ventricular (LV) pressure tracings. Transmitral Doppler, pulmonary vein Doppler, Doppler tissue imaging, and color M-mode Doppler flow propagation velocity were recorded. LV peak negative dP/dt, the time constant of isovolumic relaxation, and LV end-diastolic pressure were compared with the echocardiographic indices. RESULTS: The ratio of peak E-wave mitral velocity/propagation velocity correlated significantly with LV end-diastolic pressure (r = 0.71; P <.001). Propagation velocity correlated with the time constant of isovolumic relaxation (r = -0.56; P =.01) and peak negative dP/dt (r = 0.50; P <.03). Septal mitral annular myocardial velocity correlated significantly with the time constant of isovolumic relaxation (r = -0.58, P =.01). CONCLUSION: The newer diastolic indices derived from color M-mode Doppler and Doppler tissue imaging appear to be a helpful adjunct in the noninvasive assessment of diastolic function in children.     

An evaluation of the use of new Doppler methods for detecting longitudinal function abnormalities in a pacing-induced heart failure model.

BACKGROUND: Doppler tissue echocardiography and color M-mode Doppler flow propagation velocity have proven useful in evaluating cross-sections of patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, but experience with serial changes is limited. Purpose and methods: We tested their use by evaluating the temporal changes of LV function in a pacing-induced congestive heart failure model. Rapid ventricular pacing was initiated and maintained in 20 dogs for 4 weeks. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and weekly during brief pacing cessation. RESULTS: With rapid pacing, LV volume significantly increased and ejection fraction (57%-28%), stroke volume (37-18 mL), and mitral annulus systolic velocity (16.1-6.6 cm/s) by Doppler tissue echocardiography significantly decreased, with ejection fraction and mitral annulus systolic velocity closely correlated (r = 0.706, P <.0001). In contrast to the mitral inflow velocities, mitral annulus early diastolic velocity decreased steadily (12.3-7.3 cm/s) resulting in a dramatic decrease in mitral annulus early/late (1.22-0.57) diastolic velocity with no tendency toward pseudonormalization. The color M-mode Doppler flow propagation velocity also showed significant steady decrease (57-24 cm/s) throughout the pacing period. Multiple regression analysis chose mitral annulus systolic velocity (r = 0.895, P <.0001) and propagation velocity (r = 0.782, P <.0001) for the most important factor predicting LV systolic and diastolic function, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Doppler tissue echocardiography and color M-mode Doppler flow could evaluate the serial deterioration in LV dysfunction throughout the pacing period. These were more useful in quantifying progressive LV dysfunction than conventional ehocardiographic techniques, and were probably relatively independent of preload. These techniques could be suitable for longitudinal evaluation in addition to the cross-sectional study.     

胎儿冠状动脉瘘超声心动图诊断临床意义

目的总结冠状动脉瘘胎儿超声心动图特征及临床意义。方法对南京医科大学附属苏州医院2011年1月至2012年12月诊断为冠状动脉瘘的5例胎儿超声心动图特征及随访结果进行总结分析。结果5例冠状动脉瘘胎儿产前超声心动图特征：心尖四腔观及左心室流出道观声像图示冠状动脉扩张,追踪其走行,可发现心腔及大血管的瘘口分别位于左心室流出道主动脉根部、房间隔右心房侧、右心房上腔静脉入口处、右心室心尖部及右心室圆锥部。彩色多普勒超声显示冠状动脉内为高速湍流信号：频谱多普勒测得双期双向血流信号。其中1例合并其他心脏复杂畸形,1例合并永存左上腔静脉。5例胎儿中4例随访至产后,超声心动图检查证实新生儿为右冠状动脉瘘;1例胎儿引产后失访,未尸检。结论胎儿冠状动脉瘘有特征性超声心动图表现,产前早期发现对出生后患儿早期治疗有重要临床意义。     

Diagnosis of left-ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with predialysis chronic renal failure

AIM: To specify effectiveness of different methods for assessment of diastolic function in patients with pre-dialysis chronic renal failure (CRF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty non-diabetic pre-dialysis CRF patients (20 males and 20 females, mean age 51 +/- 11 years) were studied. Serum creatinine was 209.3 +/- 117.4 mcmol/l. 19 patients had chronic heart failure (CHF) of NYHA class I-III. M-mode echocardiography and Doppler echocardiography were performed. Transmitral and pulmonary venous flows were assessed by Doppler echocardiography and the flow propagation velocity (Vp) was estimated by color M-mode Doppler echocardiography. The ratio of peak E-wave velocity of transmitral flow to Vp (E/Vp) was calculated. All the patients had preserved systolic function (ejection fraction > 45%). RESULTS: Interpretation of transmitral flow was difficult in 16 (40.0%) patients. During Valsalva's manoeuvre the E-wave peak velocities, the A-wave velocities and the ratio E/A were decreasing. However, we did not reveal any correlation between E/A and NYHA class of heart failure (r = 0.18; p = 0.32). Interpretation of pulmonary venous flow was possible only in 24 (60.0%) patients. Vp estimation by color M-mode Doppler echocardiography improved evaluation of diastolic function in 15 of 16 patients with problems of transmitral flow assessment. A negative correlation was revealed between NYHA class and Vp (r = -0.39; p = 0.013) and a positive correlation was between NYHA class and E/Vp (r = 0.45; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Vp assessed by color M-mode Doppler echocardiography improves the diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction in patients with chronic renal insufficiency. This method has an advantage over pulmonary venous flow investigation. The Valsalva's manoeuvre is low-effective for differential diagnosis of transmitral flow types.     

Observations on Doppler mid-diastolic mitral flow reversal

Mitral regurgitation is detected occasionally in diastole during severe aortic regurgitation, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and atrioventricular block. We have noticed mitral mid-diastolic flow reversal in both patients and many normal subjects. To evaluate this flow phenomenon, pulsed Doppler mitral flow velocity and M-mode echocardiographic recordings were obtained in 38 normal subjects (age range, 16 to 61 years). Fifteen of 38 subjects (40%) had mid-diastolic flow reversal, defined as reversed flow occurring in mid-diastole with a duration greater than 50 msec. Mid-diastolic flow reversal was more common in subjects with longer RR intervals (1031 versus 893 msec), more rapid M-mode echocardiographic EF (early diastolic deceleration) slopes of mitral valve anterior leaflet motion (141 versus 93 mm/sec), and more rapid deceleration of early diastolic mitral flow velocities (612 versus 426 cm/sec2). Mid-diastolic flow reversal by Doppler color flow mapping was recorded in the left atrium in all subjects, even in subjects without mid-diastolic flow reversal shown by pulsed Doppler echocardiography. However, subjects with mid-diastolic flow reversal detected by pulsed Doppler echocardiography demonstrated greater extension of flow into left atrium (10.4 versus 4.1 mm) and longer duration (112 versus 69 msec) of color flow reversal. These data suggest that mid-diastolic flow reversal represents a physiologic intravalvular flow that is possibly the result of reflected flow from the vigorous early diastolic mitral semiclosure.