This study investigated the effect of catheter-based renal sympathetic denervation (RD) on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and systolic and diastolic function in patients with resistant hypertension. LVH and di...This study investigated the effect of catheter-based renal sympathetic denervation (RD) on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and systolic and diastolic function in patients with resistant hypertension. LVH and diastolic dysfunction are associated with elevated sympathetic activity and increased morbidity and mortality. The effect of RD on LVH and LV function is unclear展开更多
Objective: Early detection of LV mechanical abnormalities in patients with cardiac syndrome X (CSX) by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). Background: Cardiac syndrome X is a triad of angina pectoris, positive st...Objective: Early detection of LV mechanical abnormalities in patients with cardiac syndrome X (CSX) by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). Background: Cardiac syndrome X is a triad of angina pectoris, positive stress test for myocardial ischemia and angiographically free coronary arteries. Two dimensional speckle tracking?echocardiography (2D-STE) provides a more sensitive method for evaluation of global and segmental LV function than conventional two dimensional echocardiographic parameters. Subjects and Methods: Seventy patients proved to have CSX and 20 healthy control volunteers were included with a mean age of 49.43 ± 5.92 vs. 49.40 ±6.27 years respectively with no difference regarding sex for both patients and controls. Patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies, inflammatory diseases, myocarditis and arrhythmias were excluded. All included individuals were subjected to complete conventional echocardiographic assessment and left ventricular global and segmental mechanical function was assessed using 2D based strain and strain rate (longitudinal, radial and circumferential) imaging. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in LV conventional echo parameters between patients and controls. However, global mean longitudinal strain was significantly lower in patients than controls (-15.05 ± 3.28 vs. -20.22 ± 2.49;p 0.001). For radial and circumferential strain stain, there was no significant changes between patients vs. controls (29.75 ± 18.26 vs. 28.09 ± 15.48;p = 0.74) and (-19.88 ± 8.63 vs. -21.93 ± 5.69;p 0.05) respectively. Conclusion: In spite of normal conventional echo parameters among patients and controls, LV longitudinal strain and strain rate by 2D speckle tracking imaging were lower in the patients denoting subclinical left ventricular mechanical dysfunction in patients with CSX.展开更多
Annually, an estimated 1,285,000 in-patient angioplasty procedures, 1,471,000 inpatient diagnostic cardiac catheteri-zations and 68,000 inpatient defibrillator implantations are performed. The direct and indirect cost...Annually, an estimated 1,285,000 in-patient angioplasty procedures, 1,471,000 inpatient diagnostic cardiac catheteri-zations and 68,000 inpatient defibrillator implantations are performed. The direct and indirect cost of cardiovascular diseases for 2007 is approximately $431.8 billion. The occurrence of plaque rupture with subsequent microemboli of atherosclerotic and thrombolytic debris into small coronary vessels has been confirmed. Microinfarction results from microemboli that are shed following coronary interventions. The aims of this review are to: 1) detect heterogeneous microinfarction using viability imaging, 2) characterize the consequences of distal coronary microembolization on left ventricle function and perfusion and 3) illustrate the progress of non-invasive imaging modalities in assessing distal coronary microembolization.展开更多
The present study investigated the role of cardiac nerves on homeometric autoregulation in anesthetized dogs during acute volume loading. Ventricular pressure-volume loops (conductance catheter method) were constructe...The present study investigated the role of cardiac nerves on homeometric autoregulation in anesthetized dogs during acute volume loading. Ventricular pressure-volume loops (conductance catheter method) were constructed during acute volume loading with intact cardiac nerves (ICN) and after cardiac decentralization (DCN;bilateral ablation of thoracic vagosympathetic complexes, stellate ganglia and anterior and posterior ansae subclavia). Arterial pressure increased as expected after volume loading but no significant changes were observed for heart rate and other hemodynamic parameters. Coronary sinus venous oxygen content was also higher regardless of nerve status in response to the overall increase in cardiac work. Pressure-volume catheter data showed markedly higher end-systolic volumes after volume loading under ICN and DCN conditions;stroke volume (mL/beat) and stroke work (mL/mm Hg) were not changed but LV ejection fraction was significantly lower. End-diastolic volume and cardiac output did not change. In addition, systemic vascular resistance and tau were higher with volume loading but no differences between ICN and DCN were observed. These findings show that acute volume loading produces an immediate influence on LV function independent of cardiac nerve status.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the permanent high interventricular septal pacing in a long term follow up, as alternative to right ventricular apical pacing. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated:(1) 244 ...AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the permanent high interventricular septal pacing in a long term follow up, as alternative to right ventricular apical pacing. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated:(1) 244 patients(74 ± 8 years; 169 men, 75 women) implanted with a single(132 pts) or dual chamber(112 pts) pacemaker(PM) with ventricular screw-in lead placed at the right ventricular high septal parahisian site(SEPTAL pacing);(2) 22 patients with permanent pacemaker and low percentage of pacing(< 20%)(NO pacing);(3) 33 patients with high percentage(> 80%) right ventricular apical pacing(RVA). All patients had a narrow spontaneous QRS(101 ± 14 ms). We evaluated New York Heart Association(NYHA) class, quality of life(Qo L), 6 min walking test(6MWT) and left ventricular function(end-diastolic volume, LV-EDV; end-systolic volume, LVESV; ejection fraction, LV-EF) with 2D-echocardiography. RESULTS: Pacing parameters were stable duringfollow up(21 mo/patient). In SEPTAL pacing group we observed an improvement in NYHA class, Qo L score and 6MWT. While LV-EDV didn't significantly increase(104 ± 40 m L vs 100 ± 37 m L; P = 0.35), LV-ESV slightly increased(55 ± 31 m L vs 49 ± 27 m L; P = 0.05) and LV-EF slightly decreased(49% ± 11% vs 53% ± 11%; P = 0.001) but never falling < 45%. In the RVA pacing control group we observed a worsening of NYHA class and an important reduction of LV-EF(from 56% ± 6% to 43% ± 9%, P < 0.0001).CONCLUSION: Right ventricular permanent high septal pacing is safe and effective in a long term follow up evaluation; it could be a good alternative to the conventional RVA pacing in order to avoid its deleterious effects.展开更多
The present study investigated the application of echocardiography to evaluation of cardiac dyssynchrony in patients with congestive heart failure(CHF). A total of 348 consecutive CHF patients who were admitted for ...The present study investigated the application of echocardiography to evaluation of cardiac dyssynchrony in patients with congestive heart failure(CHF). A total of 348 consecutive CHF patients who were admitted for cardiac resynchronization(CRT) and presented with low ejection fraction(EF) and wide QRS duration were enrolled in this study, along with 388 healthy individuals. Dyssynchrony was assessed based on filling time ratio(FT/RR), left ventricular pre-ejection delay(PED), interventricular mechanical delay(IVMD), longitudinal opposing wall delay(LOWD) and radial septal to posterior wall delay(RSPWD). Response to CRT was defined as a ≥15% increase in EF. The results showed that FT/RR was decreased while PED, IVMD, LOWD and RSPWD were increased in the CHF group compared with the control group(P〈0.01). In the CHF group, FT/RR was negatively correlated with the QRS duration, LV end-diastolic diameter(LVESd), LV end-diastolic volume(LVEDV) and LV end-systolic volume(LVESV)(P〈0.01), but positively with the LVEF(P〈0.01). Additionally, PED, IVMD, LOWD and RSPWD were positively correlated with the QRS duration, LVESd, LVEDV and LVESV(P〈0.01), but negatively with the LVEF(P〈0.01). The CHF group was divided into three subgroups according to the varying degrees of LVEF. FT/RR decreased successively from the LVEF-1 group to the LVEF-2 group to the LVEF-3 group, while the PED, IVMD, LOWD and RSPWD successively increased in the same order(P〈0.01). The CHF group was divided into three subgroups according to the varying degrees of QRS duration, and FT/RR decreased successively in a sequence from the QRS-1 group to the QRS-2 group to the QRS-3 group, while the PED, IVMD, LOWD and RSPWD successively increased in the same order(P〈0.01). Speckle tracking radial dyssynchrony ≥130 ms was predictive of an EF response in patients in QRS-1 group(78% sensitivity, 83% specificity), those in QRS-2 group(83% sensitivity, 77% specificity) and in QRS-3 group(89% sensitivity, 79% specificity). In conclusion, echocardiography is a convenient and sensitive method for evaluating cardiac dyssynchrony in patients with CHF.展开更多
肝硬化心肌病(cirrhotic cardiomyopathy,CCM)是一种在排除其他既往心脏疾病的情况下,肝硬化患者心脏出现收缩和/或舒张功能障碍及电生理异常的一类心肌病。由于早期诊断难度较大,传统影像学方法的局限性,例如可能无法检测到早期的舒张...肝硬化心肌病(cirrhotic cardiomyopathy,CCM)是一种在排除其他既往心脏疾病的情况下,肝硬化患者心脏出现收缩和/或舒张功能障碍及电生理异常的一类心肌病。由于早期诊断难度较大,传统影像学方法的局限性,例如可能无法检测到早期的舒张功能异常、心肌纤维化及微小结构改变,心脏磁共振(cardiac magnetic resonance,CMR)作为一种无创、高分辨率、能够定量评估心脏结构和功能的技术,越来越多地被应用于CCM的诊断与评估。本文综合现有研究,综述了CMR在CCM中的应用进展,包括其在心肌功能、心肌结构、纤维化评估等方面的优势,并讨论了当前研究的挑战和未来的研究方向,以期提高临床医生对CCM的认识和诊断,从而最终改善CCM患者生活质量和预后。展开更多
文摘This study investigated the effect of catheter-based renal sympathetic denervation (RD) on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and systolic and diastolic function in patients with resistant hypertension. LVH and diastolic dysfunction are associated with elevated sympathetic activity and increased morbidity and mortality. The effect of RD on LVH and LV function is unclear
文摘Objective: Early detection of LV mechanical abnormalities in patients with cardiac syndrome X (CSX) by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). Background: Cardiac syndrome X is a triad of angina pectoris, positive stress test for myocardial ischemia and angiographically free coronary arteries. Two dimensional speckle tracking?echocardiography (2D-STE) provides a more sensitive method for evaluation of global and segmental LV function than conventional two dimensional echocardiographic parameters. Subjects and Methods: Seventy patients proved to have CSX and 20 healthy control volunteers were included with a mean age of 49.43 ± 5.92 vs. 49.40 ±6.27 years respectively with no difference regarding sex for both patients and controls. Patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies, inflammatory diseases, myocarditis and arrhythmias were excluded. All included individuals were subjected to complete conventional echocardiographic assessment and left ventricular global and segmental mechanical function was assessed using 2D based strain and strain rate (longitudinal, radial and circumferential) imaging. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in LV conventional echo parameters between patients and controls. However, global mean longitudinal strain was significantly lower in patients than controls (-15.05 ± 3.28 vs. -20.22 ± 2.49;p 0.001). For radial and circumferential strain stain, there was no significant changes between patients vs. controls (29.75 ± 18.26 vs. 28.09 ± 15.48;p = 0.74) and (-19.88 ± 8.63 vs. -21.93 ± 5.69;p 0.05) respectively. Conclusion: In spite of normal conventional echo parameters among patients and controls, LV longitudinal strain and strain rate by 2D speckle tracking imaging were lower in the patients denoting subclinical left ventricular mechanical dysfunction in patients with CSX.
文摘Annually, an estimated 1,285,000 in-patient angioplasty procedures, 1,471,000 inpatient diagnostic cardiac catheteri-zations and 68,000 inpatient defibrillator implantations are performed. The direct and indirect cost of cardiovascular diseases for 2007 is approximately $431.8 billion. The occurrence of plaque rupture with subsequent microemboli of atherosclerotic and thrombolytic debris into small coronary vessels has been confirmed. Microinfarction results from microemboli that are shed following coronary interventions. The aims of this review are to: 1) detect heterogeneous microinfarction using viability imaging, 2) characterize the consequences of distal coronary microembolization on left ventricle function and perfusion and 3) illustrate the progress of non-invasive imaging modalities in assessing distal coronary microembolization.
文摘The present study investigated the role of cardiac nerves on homeometric autoregulation in anesthetized dogs during acute volume loading. Ventricular pressure-volume loops (conductance catheter method) were constructed during acute volume loading with intact cardiac nerves (ICN) and after cardiac decentralization (DCN;bilateral ablation of thoracic vagosympathetic complexes, stellate ganglia and anterior and posterior ansae subclavia). Arterial pressure increased as expected after volume loading but no significant changes were observed for heart rate and other hemodynamic parameters. Coronary sinus venous oxygen content was also higher regardless of nerve status in response to the overall increase in cardiac work. Pressure-volume catheter data showed markedly higher end-systolic volumes after volume loading under ICN and DCN conditions;stroke volume (mL/beat) and stroke work (mL/mm Hg) were not changed but LV ejection fraction was significantly lower. End-diastolic volume and cardiac output did not change. In addition, systemic vascular resistance and tau were higher with volume loading but no differences between ICN and DCN were observed. These findings show that acute volume loading produces an immediate influence on LV function independent of cardiac nerve status.
文摘AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the permanent high interventricular septal pacing in a long term follow up, as alternative to right ventricular apical pacing. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated:(1) 244 patients(74 ± 8 years; 169 men, 75 women) implanted with a single(132 pts) or dual chamber(112 pts) pacemaker(PM) with ventricular screw-in lead placed at the right ventricular high septal parahisian site(SEPTAL pacing);(2) 22 patients with permanent pacemaker and low percentage of pacing(< 20%)(NO pacing);(3) 33 patients with high percentage(> 80%) right ventricular apical pacing(RVA). All patients had a narrow spontaneous QRS(101 ± 14 ms). We evaluated New York Heart Association(NYHA) class, quality of life(Qo L), 6 min walking test(6MWT) and left ventricular function(end-diastolic volume, LV-EDV; end-systolic volume, LVESV; ejection fraction, LV-EF) with 2D-echocardiography. RESULTS: Pacing parameters were stable duringfollow up(21 mo/patient). In SEPTAL pacing group we observed an improvement in NYHA class, Qo L score and 6MWT. While LV-EDV didn't significantly increase(104 ± 40 m L vs 100 ± 37 m L; P = 0.35), LV-ESV slightly increased(55 ± 31 m L vs 49 ± 27 m L; P = 0.05) and LV-EF slightly decreased(49% ± 11% vs 53% ± 11%; P = 0.001) but never falling < 45%. In the RVA pacing control group we observed a worsening of NYHA class and an important reduction of LV-EF(from 56% ± 6% to 43% ± 9%, P < 0.0001).CONCLUSION: Right ventricular permanent high septal pacing is safe and effective in a long term follow up evaluation; it could be a good alternative to the conventional RVA pacing in order to avoid its deleterious effects.
文摘The present study investigated the application of echocardiography to evaluation of cardiac dyssynchrony in patients with congestive heart failure(CHF). A total of 348 consecutive CHF patients who were admitted for cardiac resynchronization(CRT) and presented with low ejection fraction(EF) and wide QRS duration were enrolled in this study, along with 388 healthy individuals. Dyssynchrony was assessed based on filling time ratio(FT/RR), left ventricular pre-ejection delay(PED), interventricular mechanical delay(IVMD), longitudinal opposing wall delay(LOWD) and radial septal to posterior wall delay(RSPWD). Response to CRT was defined as a ≥15% increase in EF. The results showed that FT/RR was decreased while PED, IVMD, LOWD and RSPWD were increased in the CHF group compared with the control group(P〈0.01). In the CHF group, FT/RR was negatively correlated with the QRS duration, LV end-diastolic diameter(LVESd), LV end-diastolic volume(LVEDV) and LV end-systolic volume(LVESV)(P〈0.01), but positively with the LVEF(P〈0.01). Additionally, PED, IVMD, LOWD and RSPWD were positively correlated with the QRS duration, LVESd, LVEDV and LVESV(P〈0.01), but negatively with the LVEF(P〈0.01). The CHF group was divided into three subgroups according to the varying degrees of LVEF. FT/RR decreased successively from the LVEF-1 group to the LVEF-2 group to the LVEF-3 group, while the PED, IVMD, LOWD and RSPWD successively increased in the same order(P〈0.01). The CHF group was divided into three subgroups according to the varying degrees of QRS duration, and FT/RR decreased successively in a sequence from the QRS-1 group to the QRS-2 group to the QRS-3 group, while the PED, IVMD, LOWD and RSPWD successively increased in the same order(P〈0.01). Speckle tracking radial dyssynchrony ≥130 ms was predictive of an EF response in patients in QRS-1 group(78% sensitivity, 83% specificity), those in QRS-2 group(83% sensitivity, 77% specificity) and in QRS-3 group(89% sensitivity, 79% specificity). In conclusion, echocardiography is a convenient and sensitive method for evaluating cardiac dyssynchrony in patients with CHF.
文摘肝硬化心肌病(cirrhotic cardiomyopathy,CCM)是一种在排除其他既往心脏疾病的情况下,肝硬化患者心脏出现收缩和/或舒张功能障碍及电生理异常的一类心肌病。由于早期诊断难度较大,传统影像学方法的局限性,例如可能无法检测到早期的舒张功能异常、心肌纤维化及微小结构改变,心脏磁共振(cardiac magnetic resonance,CMR)作为一种无创、高分辨率、能够定量评估心脏结构和功能的技术,越来越多地被应用于CCM的诊断与评估。本文综合现有研究,综述了CMR在CCM中的应用进展,包括其在心肌功能、心肌结构、纤维化评估等方面的优势,并讨论了当前研究的挑战和未来的研究方向,以期提高临床医生对CCM的认识和诊断,从而最终改善CCM患者生活质量和预后。