Factors influencing the variations of ejection fraction during exercise in chronic aortic regurgitation

The influence of left ventricular volume variations and regurgitant fraction variations upon left ventricular ejection fraction, during exercise was examined using equilibrium radionuclide angiography in patients suffering from aortic regurgitation. Ejection fraction (EF), regurgitant fraction (RF), end diastolic volume (EDV) and end systolic volume (ESV) variations from rest to peak exercise were determined in 44 patients suffering from chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) and in 8 healthy volunteers (C). In C, EF increased (+0.10±0.03, P<0.01) and ESV decreased significantly (-23%±12%, P<0.01) RF and EDV did not vary significantly. In AR patients, EF, EDV and ESV did not vary significantly because of important scattering of individual values. Changes in EF and ESV were inversely correlated (r=-0.79, P<0.01) and RF decreased significantly (-0.12±0.10, P<0.01). Volumes and EF changes during exercise occurred in three different ways. In a 1st subgroup of 7 patients, EF increased (+0.09±0.03, P<0.05) in conjunction with a reduction of ESV (-24%±12%, P<0.05) without a significant change in EDV. In a 2nd group of 22 patients. EF decreased (-0.04±0.07, P<0.01) in association with an increase in ESV (+17%±16%, P<0.01) and no change in EDV. In a 3rd subgroup of 15 patients, EF decreased (-0.02±0.06, P<0.01) despite a reduction in ESV (-7%±6%, P<0.01) because of a dramatic EDV decrease (-10%±6%, P<0.05). In this subgroup, changes in EF were inversely correlated with changes in ESV (r=-0.55, P<0.01) and positively related to EDV variations (r=0.42, P=0.02). EDV related to EDV variations (r=0.42, P=0.02). EDV changes were weakly, but significantly, correlated to RF decrease (r=0.39, P<0.05). We conclude that changes in left ventricular ejection fraction during exercise in patients with chronic aortic regurgitation are significantly related in some patients to changes in ventricular loading conditions as well as contractile state. Therefore, a correct interpretation of EF changes during exercise requires the simultaneous determination of changes in LV volumes.Abbreviations EDV end diastolic volume - EF ejection fraction - ESV end systolic volume - LV left ventricle - RV right ventricle     

前列腺素E1和一氧化氮联合治疗室间隔缺损并肺动脉高压的疗效观察

目的 :观察静脉应用前列腺素E1(PGE1)、吸入一氧化氮 (NO)及二者小剂量联合应用对室间隔缺损 (VSD)并肺动脉高压的治疗作用。方法 :将 2 4例VSD并肺动脉高压的病人随机分为 3组 ,观察静脉注射PGE16 0ng/ (kg·min)、吸入NO 2 0ppm及静脉注射PGE130ng/ (kg·min)联合吸入NO 10 ppm对病人的血流动力学及血氧饱合度的影响。结果 :静脉注射PGE16 0ng/ (kg·min)使肺动脉平均压 (MPAP)明显下降 ,体动脉平均压 (MSAP)亦有所下降 ,心指数 (CI)明显增加。吸入NO 2 0 ppm组MPAP明显下降而MSAP无明显变化 ,CI有所升高 ,但差别不显著。静脉注射PGE130ng/ (kg·min)同时吸入NO 10 ppm组MPAP明显下降 ,但不显著 ,CI明显升高。 3组血氧饱合度均明显升高。结论 :联合应用小剂量PGE1和NO不仅能有效降低MPAP ,又能适当轻度降低MSAP ,改善心功能 ,减轻了NO的毒副作用 ,是一种较理想的治疗方案     

Characteristics of Bifocal Pacing:

Bifocal RIGHT ventricular stimulation (BRIGHT) is an ongoing, randomized, single-blind, crossover study of atrial synchronized bi-right ventricular (RV) pacing in patients in New York Heart Association heart failure functional class III, a left ventricular ejection fraction <35%, left bundle branch block and QRS complexes ≥120 ms. This analysis compared the electrical and handling characteristics, and the complications of pacing at the RV apex (Ap) with passive, versus RV outflow tract (OT) with active fixation leads. A mean of 1.6 ± 0.9 and 2.2 ± 2.0 attempts were needed to position the Ap and OT leads, respectively (ns). R-wave amplitudes at Ap versus OT were 23 ± 13 mV versus 14 ± 8 mV (n = 36, P < 0.001). R-wave amplitudes at the Ap remained stable between implant and M7. R-wave amplitudes at the OT could not be measured after implantation. In two patients, atrioventricular block occurred during active fixation at the OT. Conduction recovered spontaneously within 4 months. Ventricular fibrillation was induced in one patient during manipulation of an Ap lead in the RV. Marked differences were found between leads positioned in the OT versus Ap, partly related to the difference in lead design. Mean R-wave amplitude was higher at the Ap that at the OT. Ease and success rate of lead implant was similar in both positions.     

左心室巨大室壁瘤不同左心室成形方法的对比研究

目的研究左心室巨大室壁瘤的左心室成形方法,对改进的左心室心内膜环缩技术和传统的线性缝合技术进行近、远期疗效对比。方法自1992年1月至2004年12月,对148例左心室巨大室壁瘤患者进行手术治疗,按照手术中左心室成形方法不同分为两组,传统术式组:89例,采用传统的线性缝合成形技术;改良术式组:59例,采用改良的心内膜环缩成形技术,旷置梗死的心肌组织,再缝合环缩后的切口。采用多次信访、电话随访和门诊复查相结合的方法对两组患者术后的近、远期疗效进行对比观察。结果手术死亡5例(3.4%),其中传统术式组4例,改良术式组1例(P=0.320)。术后主要并发症为低心排血量和心室颤动。随访134例(93.7%),随访时间51.4±27.0月。远期死亡21例,术后早期心功能Ⅲ级以上是影响远期死亡的危险因素(P=0.000)。改良术式组5年和8年生存率明显优于传统术式组(91.6%vs.76.3%,P=0.040;91.6%vs.61.4%,P=0.000)。两组心功能分级(NYHA)和左心室射血分数(LVEF)术后早期和随访期间较术前改善和升高(P<0.05),改良术式组改善更明显。两组左心室舒张期末内径(LVEDD)术后早期与术前比较明显减小(P=0.000),但随访30个月时有重新增大的趋势(P=0.046)。传统术式组随访30个月时LVEDD扩大比率明显高于改良术式组(38.8%vs.16.7%,P=0.030)。结论左心室巨大室壁瘤的手术近、远期疗效满意,保持适当的左心室形态和容积是手术的关键。心内膜环缩法进行左心室成形是一种简单有效的手段,其远期结果优于线性缝合法。     

No Correlation Between Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Concentrations and Echocardiographic Measurements of Left Atrial Size or Left Ventricular Size and Function in Patients with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) may be associated with activation of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). The exact trigger for the release of ANP is still being debated. Atrial volume, pressure, and wall stretch are considered to be the main determinants of ANP activation. The aim of the study was to evaluate plasma ANP concentrations in patients with persistent AF and to analyze the echocardiographic determinants of ANP concentration in this group. The study population included 67 patients, 59 ± 7 years of age, with a median AF duration of 5.5 months (range 0.1–12). The relationship between plasma ANP concentrations and echocardiographic left atrial (LA) diameter and volume, and left ventricular (LV) diameter and ejection fraction (EF) was analyzed by logistic regression analysis. The median baseline plasma ANP concentration was 63 pg/mL (range 21–126) in the study group versus 34 pg/mL (range 16–73) in a control group. The mean left antero-posterior atrial dimension, LA volume, LV enddiastolic diameter, and LVEF were 48 mm, 104 mL, 52 mm, and 54%, respectively. A significant linear positive correlation was found between plasma ANP concentration and maximal LA volume (r = 0.62, P < 0.01). A negative correlation was found between LVEF and plasma ANP concentration (r =−0.42, P = 0.01). However, by multivariate regression analysis, no echocardiographic parameter was an independent predictor of plasma ANP concentration. Plasma ANP concentrations were independent of echocardiographic measurements of LA size or LV size and function in patients with persistent AF.     

Pleomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia: Demonstration of Conduction Reversal Within the Reentry Circuit

A case is presented of a patient with incessant venfricular tacbycardia of left bundle branch block morphology. Endocardial mapping revealed the site of earliest activation during tachycardia to be the proximal right ventricular septum. Pacing at this site elicited the clinical tachycardia, whereas pacing at the proximal left ventricular septum induced a right bundle branch block morphology identical to that of a previously recorded spontaneous ventricuiar tachycardia. Electrophysiological evidence is given that both types of tachycardia originate from a single reentry circuit located in the proximal ventricular septum in which the reentrant wavefront may travel either orthodromically (during spontaneous tachycardia and right ventricular pacing) or antidromically (during left ventricular pacing).     

保留冠状动脉的猪心螺旋形心室肌带的解剖

Objective Based on the Helical Ventricular Myocardial Band (HVMB) theory proposed by Torrent-Guasp,the ventricular myocardial hand extends from the root of the pulmonary artery to the root of the aorta with two helical coils.This new theory is considered as a revolutionary concept for further understanding the global, three-dimensional and functional architecture of the ven- tricular myocardium. No repot had described techniques for disecting HVMB while keepin～ the integrity of the coronmy artery sys- tern. We explored techniques for dissecting HVMB in swine.Methads 33 fresh swine hearts were randomly divided intoll groups, 3 bearts in each. 160% barium sulfate (type I)suspmmion was injected into the coronary artery system. The coronary arteries were li- gated. The strial tissue was removed following puuing the hearts in boiling water then cooling for several hours. The superficial coro- nary vessels and fat tissue around the atrio-ventricular taxi inter-ventricular sulcus we～'e preserved. Some branches of the left anterior descending artery, distal segment, of posterior descending branch, and middle and distal segment of obtuse marginal branches were mu- tilated appropriately. HVMB dissection was completed with fingers in accordnce with Torrent Guasp' s technique. Results A contin- ued bundle of muscle, originated at the root of pulmonary artery and ended at the root of aorta, was unwrapped along the major dire- tion of the cardiac muscle fiber in all of the 33 hearts with spating of the coronary artery. The swine hearts' ventricular myocandium was cumosed of two loops, with basal loop firm the root of the pulmonart artery to the anterior papillary muscle and apical from the beginning of the anterior papillary muscle to the root tithe aorta. Each loop consisted of two segments: the right segment-coincid- ing with the right ventricular free wall and the left segment-coinciding with the basal d the left ventricular free wall. Posterior papillary muscle, which belongs to the descendant segment, denmrcated the border between the descendent and the ascendant of the HVMB's apical loop. Conclusion Although controversies about the theory of the HVMB remain, we have dissected the HVMB in the swine hearts' ventricular myocardium successfully with sparing of the coronary artery systems. This dissection procedure provides technical information for the studies of associated diseases based on the theory of HVMB.     

平衡法门控心血池显像评价不同分级前壁心肌梗死患者左室收缩及舒张功能

目的我们应用平衡法门控心血池显像技术对不同Killip分级的前壁心肌梗死患者进行左室总体和局部收缩和舒张功能参数的对比分析。方法对照组15例（G0）,前壁心肌梗死KillipⅠ级17例（G1）,前壁心肌梗死KillipⅡⅢ级12例（G2）。利用平衡法门控心血池显像技术评价3组的左室总体和局部的收缩与舒张功能。结果①左室整体收缩功能,在LVEF,ESC 2个参数中,G1比G0有显著差异（P<0.05）,G2分别比G1和G0有显著差异（P<0.05）。在PER、1/3EF、1/3ER 3个参数中,G2分别比G1和G0显著下降（P<0.05）。②左室总体舒张功能,在PFR、1/3FF、1/3FR、EDC中,G1比G0有显著差异（P<0.05）,G2分别比G1和G0有显著差异（P<0.05）。③左室局部收缩功能,在以LVREF为参数时,G1在4个节段比G0显著差异（P<0.05）,G2在所有6个节段中比G1和G0均显著下降（P<0.05）。④左室局部舒张功能,在以LVR1/3FF为参数时,G1在4个节段比G0显著下降（P<0.05）,G2在所有6个节段比G0和G1均显著下降（P<0.05）。结论前壁心肌梗死后出现心功能受损或心力衰竭的主要原因为左室重构。     

Characteristics of the Nonselective Cation Current （NSCCs） in Rabbit Left Ventricular Epicardial, Midmyocardial and Endocardial Myocytes

Objectives Recent studies have described regional differences in the electrophysiology and pharmacology of ventricular myocardium in canine, feline, rat, guinea pig, and human hearts. This has been shown to be due to a smaller IKs and a lager sodium-calcium exchange current (INa-Ca) and late INa in M region (deep subepicardial to midmyocardial). Studies from our laboratory have found a new repolarization current-nonselective cation current (NSCCs) existing in rabbit right ventricular myocytes. Methods We examined the characteristics of NSCCs in epicardial, M region, and endocardial cells isolated from the rabbit left ventricle with standard microelectrode and whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. The permeability to Na , K , Li , Cs but not to Cl- indicating that it was a nonselective cation current. Gd3 (0.1 mmol/l) and La3 (0.1 mmol/l) can block the current markedly. Results Further characterization of NSCCs was significantly smaller in M cells than in epicardial and endocardial cells. NSCCs current density was significantly smaller in M cells than in epicardial and endocardial cells. With repolarization to -80 mV, INs current density was (-0.44±0.05) PA/PF in endocardial cells, (-0.12±0.05) PA/PF in M cells and (-0.28±0.07) PA/PF in epicardial cells; and with repolarization to 30 mV, INs current density was (1.09±0.29) PA/PF in endocardial cells, (0.38±0.09) PA/PF in M cells and (0.91±0.32) PA/PF in epicardial cells. Conclusions Transmural dispersion of repolarization was due to the heterogeneity of NSCCs in rabbit left ventricle epicardial, endocardial myocytes and M cells. These findings may advance our understanding of the ionic basis for our understanding of factors contributing to the development of cardiac arrhythmias.     

Predictive value of local and core laboratory echocardiographic assessment of cardiac function in patients with chronic stable angina: The ACTION study.

AIMS: To evaluate the relationship between echocardiographic cardiac function and outcome in patients with stable symptomatic angina. METHODS: Baseline echo left ventricular ejection fraction and volume data measured in a central laboratory was available for 7016 patients (92% of the total) participating in the ACTION trial (A Coronary disease Trial Investigating Outcome with Nifedipine GITS). Ejection fraction was also measured by investigators. Evaluation of the different echocardiographic variables was based on adjusted hazard ratios comparing the unfavourable limit of the 90% range of the variable concerned to the favourable limit. RESULTS: The centrally measured ejection fraction was the most powerful predictor of all-cause death (adjusted hazard ratio=2.5), myocardial infarction, any stroke or transient ischaemic attack and overt heart failure (adjusted hazard ratio=4.5). The addition of either end systolic volume or end diastolic volume to ejection fraction did not materially affect the power of prediction. Compared to the central ejection fraction measurement, the investigator-measured ejection fraction was a less powerful predictor for all outcomes considered. CONCLUSION: Routine echocardiography carefully analysed by standardised methods provides useful prognostic information in patients with stable angina, including for total mortality.