二维斑点追踪技术对主动脉瓣狭窄左室纵向应变的评价研究

目的:探讨超声二维斑点追踪成像技术(2DSTI)评价主动脉瓣狭窄(AS)患者左室功能早期改变的临床价值。方法:选取我院自2012年4月至2012年12月左室射血分数(LVEF)正常的AS(中-重度)患者30例(AS组),正常对照组30例。获取心尖位左室长轴观、二腔观和四腔观各节段收缩期纵向峰值应变(SL),并计算左室基底段、中间段、心尖段SL平均值及左室整体纵向应变值(GLS)。结果:AS组与对照组的左室射血分数差异无统计学意义(P0.05),AS组与对照组的主动脉瓣瓣口面积及平均压差具有统计学意义(P0.05);AS组患者整体、基底段、中间段、心尖段的GLS均低于对照组(P0.05)。结论:超声二维斑点追踪成像技术能够评价主动脉瓣狭窄左室心肌收缩功能的早期异常改变。     

应用斑点成像及组织多普勒估测左室充盈压

目的:二尖瓣瓣环早期血流速度与组织多普勒(tissue doppler imaging,TDI)技术测量的二尖瓣环舒张早期速度的比值和肺动脉楔压(pulmonary capillary wedge pressure,PCWP)之间的相关性已被广泛应用于心脏各种状态的研究.本研究旨在探讨二维斑点成像(speckle tissue imaging,STI)技术左室整体应变率指标E/E’及组织多普勒技术在估测心衰患者左室充盈压方面的应用价值.方法:选择47例2010年3月～2012年10月于我院ICU证实为心衰的患者为研究对象,同时行超声检查及肺动脉楔压测量,依此分组为PCWP升高组(n=32)和PCWP正常组(n=15),并设立年龄匹配的正常对照组(n=33),记录二维斑点追踪技术指标和组织多普勒技术指标以及常规超声指标.结果:由STI技术测得的E/E’VEL-ST和E/E’SR-ST与PCWP有显著相关性,TDI技术测得的E/E’VEL-TD仅显示弱相关性.与对照组相比,PCWP升高的患者各变量值均有显著升高.结论:STI技术指标(E/E’SR-ST)是估测左室充盈压升高的强有力且无创的替代指标.在ICU患者中,E/E’SR-ST显示出与PCWP更好的相关性,比TDI的技术指标更精准.     

斑点追踪技术评价冠状动脉搭桥术后心肌功能的临床价值研究

目的:探讨超声斑点追踪成像技术定量评价冠状动脉搭桥术前、后心肌功能的临床价值。方法:选择2012年1月~2013年1月在我院心脏外科行体外循环下冠状动脉旁路移植术的患者,对冠状动脉搭桥术术前1周、术后1月、3月、6月进行常规超声心动图检查,然后应用斑点追踪技术进行分析。结果:所有患者的纵向应变值仅在术后3个月和6个月显著增加,与术前、术后1个月比较差别有统计学意义(P0.01)。圆周应变值在术后1个月、3个月和6个月均显著增高,与术前比较差别有统计学意义(P0.05)。老年组术后6个月的纵向应变值和圆周应变值与术后3个月比较差别有统计学意义(P0.05)。手术前、后常规超声心动图检查结果比较差别无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:超声斑点追踪技术用于评估CABG术后缺血心肌的功能变化的敏感性高于常规超声心动图检查,为临床评价CABG的疗效提供了一种新方法。     

三维斑点追踪技术对慢性肾功能不全患者左心室收缩功能和右心室功能的评估价值研究

摘要 目的：探讨慢性肾功能不全患者应用三维斑点追踪技术对其左心室收缩功能和右心室功能的评估价值。方法：选择我院收治的慢性肾功能不全患者82例,根据患者肾功能将其分为轻度慢性肾功能不全组[慢性肾脏病（CKD） 2期,47例],中-重度慢性肾功能不全组（CKD 3~5期,35例）,另选取同期医院体检的健康志愿者30例作为对照组,应用二维超声及三维斑点追踪技术检测各组心脏指标,比较三组二维超声指标、三维斑点追踪技术指标,应用受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线分析三维斑点追踪技术对患者左心室收缩功能和右心室功能的评估价值。结果：中-重度慢性肾功能不全组室间隔舒张末期厚度（IVSTd）、肺动脉收缩压（PASP）显著高于轻度慢性肾功能不全组、对照组,右心室面积变化分数（RVFAC）、组织运动三尖瓣环位移（TAPSE）、左心室射血分数（LVEF）显著低于轻度慢性肾功能不全组、对照组（P<0.05）。中-重度慢性肾功能不全组左室整体圆周收缩期峰值应变（LGCS）、左室整体纵向收缩期峰值应变（LGLS）、右室整体圆周收缩期峰值应变（RGCS）右室整体纵向收缩期峰值应变（RGLS）、显著高于轻度慢性肾功能不全组、对照组,左室整体径向收缩期峰值应变（LGRS）、三维左室射血分数（3D-LVEF）、右室整体径向收缩期峰值应变（RGRS）、三维右室射血分数（3D-RVEF）显著低于轻度慢性肾功能不全组、对照组（P<0.05）。ROC曲线分析显示,三维斑点追踪技术对慢性肾功能不全患者左心室收缩功能和右心室功能的评估价值较高。结论：三维斑点追踪技术可以准确检测心脏的纵向运动、圆周运动、径向运动,为临床早期发现慢性肾功能不全患者的心脏功能异常提供依据。     

斑点追踪技术对非ST 段抬高急性冠脉综合征的研究进展

非ST段抬高急性冠脉综合征(Non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome,NSTE-ACS)是不稳定斑块基础上急性血栓形成,冠脉狭窄程度骤然加剧,冠脉血流减少导致心肌氧供应的直接减少为病理基础的一组临床综合征,好发于老年人,常累及多支血管,由于其心电图及常规超声心动图表现不典型,容易给临床带来困扰,斑点追踪成像(speckle tracking imaging,STI)无角度依赖性分别评价左室纵向、圆周、径向、扭转功能,为敏感评价左室功能早期改变提供了新的方法,本文对非ST段抬高急性冠脉综合征患者的临床特点以及斑点追踪技术的临床应用研究进展进行了综述。     

超声心动图评价冠状动脉慢血流现象的应用进展

摘要：冠状动脉慢血流现象(coronary slow flow phenomenon, CSFP)是通过冠状动脉血管造影(coronary angiography, CAG)发现的以冠状动脉内径正常或接近正常的血管远端造影剂显像延迟为特征的冠状动脉血管病变。多数患者心脏无器质性病变,但反复出现各种不同形式的心肌缺血症状,CSFP也可能引发如恶性心律失常、急性心肌梗死等严重的心脏不良事件,因此早期评估CSFP尤为重要。既往多种影像学检查手段价格昂贵、检查时间过长,并且后期随访及疗效评估困难,限制了这类检查在临床上的应用。传统的超声心动图指标难以反映早期心肌损伤,近年来各种超声心动图新技术检查在CSFP的定性、定量研究中都发挥了重要作用,其中斑点追踪成像技术(speckle tracking imaging,STI)更是在安全无创的基础上具有更高的准确性和敏感性。     

高血压房颤与孤立性房颤的临床对比分析

目的：分析高血压房颤（HAF）与孤立性房颤（LAF）的临床特征及其对预后的影响。方法：高血压房颤患者106例,孤立性房颤患者102例,分别对其性别,年龄,家族史,并发症,持续性房颤发生情况,超声心动图等临床特征进行分析。结果：二者相比,LAF组发病年龄轻,左房增大者少,持续性房颤者少;两组中左房增大均与持续性房颤者,并发症呈正相关。高血压程度与持续性房颤者,并发症呈正相关。结论左房增大是房颤发生的主要机制,左房是否增大是判断愈后的一个重要指标。     

老年高血压病的心脏结构特点分析（附30例分析）

本文对３０例６０岁以上原发性高血压与３０例６０岁以下原发性高血压患者的心脏结构改变进行分析,发现老年高血压性心脏改变的早期征象是左房增大,并随左室肥厚和扩张的出现而加重,与左室顺应性降低有关。两组对照无明显差异,但均符合随年龄增加及高血压病引起的进行性心脏受累而显示由正常心脏──左房增大──左室肥厚──左室衰竭这个规律,超声心动图也是检测高血压性心脏病和长期追踪心脏病变进展的重要手段。     

三维斑点追踪技术联合左心腔声学造影评价CABG后左心室扭动

摘要 目的：应用三维斑点追踪技术联合左心腔声学造影评价冠状动脉搭桥术后左心室扭动的变化,探讨其评价治疗效果的临床应用价值。方法：(1)选择本院心脏外科接受择期冠状动脉搭桥术的患者30例,男19例,女11例,左室射血分数≥50%。排除急性及陈旧性心肌梗死病史、其他器质性心脏疾病。另外选择30名行冠状动脉造影或冠状动脉CT成像结果正常的人做为对照组,血生化、心电图检查结果正常。同时排除其它器质性疾病。(2)分别于搭桥术前1-3天、术后早期（7-15）天及术后3个月进行超声心动图检查,同时进行左心腔超声造影。开启4D模式,获取左室扭动参数,并进行手术前后对比分析。结果：左心腔造影可以提高设备自动描记的准确性。术前病例组的左室整体扭动幅度明显减低,与正常对照组相比差异具有显著性（P＜0.05）。术后早期左室扭动角度略高于术前,仅中间段增高幅度与术前相比有显著性差异（P＜0.05）。而手术后三个月左室扭动逐渐增强,接近正常对照组,与术后早期相比差异有显著性(P<0.05)。结论：三维斑点追踪显像联合左心腔造影可以准确检测冠状动脉搭桥手术前、后左心室扭动的变化。左室扭动可以敏感地反映术后左室心肌收缩功能的变化。     

彩色多普勒超声定量评价冠心病患者左心房、左心室功能的诊断意义

目的:评价超声二维斑点追踪显像技术(2D-STI)对冠心病(CAD)患者左心房、左心室功能的临床应用价值。方法:选取2015年12月至2016年12月因CAD在我院住院就诊患者30例作为实验组,另选取同期健康体检者30例为对照组,采用彩色多普勒超声仪应用2D-STI测量左心室各节段心内膜下心肌、中层心肌、心外膜下心肌纵向应变(TLSendo,TLSmid,TLSepi),左室心内膜下心肌、中层心肌、心外膜下心肌整体纵向应变(GLSendo,GLSmid,GLSepi),左心室收缩期左心房应变率(SRs),左心室舒张早期左心房峰值应变率(SRe)和左心室舒张晚期左心房应变率(SRa),并计算其平均值(m SRs,m SRe,m SRa)。比较两组之间的数据。结果:实验组TLSendo为(21.45±9.02)%,TLSepi为(15.22±5.12)%,低于对照组的(26.55±7.59)%、(18.79±3.77)%,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。实验组GLSendo为(21.07±3.12)%,GLSmid为(18.11±2.57)%,GLSepi为(15.79±3.11)%,均低于对照组的(23.55±2.59)%、(20.82±2.04)%、(18.07±2.00)%,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。实验组m SRs和m SRe分别为(3.41±0.68)、(-3.09±0.82),低于对照组的(4.55±0.69)、(-3.67±1.30);实验组m SRa为(-4.47±1.33),高于对照组的(-3.52±1.44),差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。同一检查者两次测量结果的相关系数为r=0.935,P0.05;不同检查者的测量结果相关系数为r=0.931,P0.05。结论:2D-STI可以定量评价CAD的左心功能,其表现主要为左室各层心肌收缩功能降低,左心房储备功能降低。     

The left bundle branch block revised with novel imaging modalities

Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is related to abnormal cardiac conduction and mechanical asynchrony and is associated with hypertension and coronary artery disease. Improved evaluation of left ventricular (LV) mechanical asynchrony is needed, because of the increasing number of patients with LBBB and heart failure. In this paper, we describe tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), strain (rate) imaging and tissue tracking in LBBB patients. A variety of patterns of mechanical activation can be observed in LBBB patients. A recent development, referred to as tissue synchronisation imaging, colour codes TDI time-to-peak systolic velocities of segments and displays mechanical asynchrony. Furthermore, real-time 3D echocardiography provides new regional information about mechanical asynchrony. Contained in an LV model and projected on a bull''s eye plot, this modality helps to display the spatial distribution of mechanical asynchrony. Finally, segmental time-to-peak circumferential strain curves, produced by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, provide additional quantification of LV mechanical asynchrony. Effects of LBBB on regional and global cardiac function are impressive, myocardial involvement seems to play a role and with the help of these novel imaging modalities, new insights continue to develop.     

Transthoracic Echocardiography in Mice

In recent years, murine models have become the primary avenue for studying the molecular mechanisms of cardiac dysfunction resulting from changes in gene expression. Transgenic and gene targeting methods can be used to generate mice with altered cardiac size and function,^1-3 and as a result, in vivo techniques are needed to evaluate their cardiac phenotype. Transthoracic echocardiography, pulse wave Doppler (PWD), and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) can be used to provide dimensional measurements of the mouse heart and to quantify the degree of cardiac systolic and diastolic performance. Two-dimensional imaging is used to detect abnormal anatomy or movements of the left ventricle, whereas M-mode echo is used for quantification of cardiac dimensions and contractility.^4,5 In addition, PWD is used to quantify localized velocity of turbulent flow,⁶ whereas TDI is used to measure the velocity of myocardial motion.⁷ Thus, transthoracic echocardiography offers a comprehensive method for the noninvasive evaluation of cardiac function in mice.     

Echocardiographic quantification of myocardial function using tissue deformation imaging, a guide to image acquisition and analysis using tissue Doppler and speckle tracking

Recent developments in the field of echocardiography have allowed the cardiologist to objectively quantify regional and global myocardial function. Regional deformation (strain) and deformation rate (strain-rate) can be calculated non-invasively in both the left and right ventricle, providing information on regional (dys-)function in a variety of clinical settings. Although this promising novel technique is increasingly applied in clinical and preclinical research, knowledge about the principles, limitations and technical issues of this technique is mandatory for reliable results and for implementation both in the clinical as well as the scientific field. In this article, we aim to explain the fundamental concepts and potential clinical applicability of strain and strain-rate for both tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) derived and speckle tracking (2D-strain) derived deformation imaging. In addition, a step-by-step approach to image acquisition and post processing is proposed. Finally, clinical examples of deformation imaging in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) are presented.     

History of echocardiography in the Netherlands: 30 years of education and clinical applications

The development of ultrasound has created great opportunities for diagnostic cardiac imaging. For more than 30 years, echocardiography has been the most important and cost-effective diagnostic imaging modality in clinical cardiology. Many developments originated in the Netherlands, including the very first practical real-time crosssectional imaging of the moving heart with a linear array. Milestones include the first portable echo apparatus, early versions of echo catheters and transoesophageal echocardiography probes as well as many clinical ‘firsts’ with reference to the more than 100 Dutch dissertations related to echocardiography. The future of echocardiography promises to be as productive and exciting as it has been in the previous three decades, including threedimensional echocardiography, myocardial perfusion echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging and speckle tracking. New potential therapeutic applications are upcoming. In this article, the advances of echocardiography in the Netherlands are described, in the past and during 30 years of education, as was recently presented by three Dutch pioneers during the ‘Echomiddagen 2006-2007’ organised by the CVOI. (Neth Heart J 2008;16: 16-20.)     

Evaluation of the cardiovascular function of older adult Rhesus monkeys by ultrasonography

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cardiovascular structure and function of older adult Rhesus monkey by utrasonography. METHODS: Sixteen monkeys aged from 17 to 20 years and weighing from 8.2 to 15.3 kg, six adults aged 7-8 years and weighing from 8.1 to 9.2 kg. All monkeys were determined to be free from hypertension, hyperglycaemia and cardiac disease. The normal values of index related to heart and blood vessels including structure, haemodynamics and systolic or diastolic function were detected by 2D, M-mode, pulsed Doppler and tissue Doppler echocardiography respectively under ketamine hydrochloride sedation. Meanwhile, blood pressures were also measured by electronic sphygmomanometer. Each monkey underwent repeated detections in 2 weeks and all data were analysed with statistical methods. RESULTS: Compared with young adult monkeys, the older's heart rate (HR), the left ventricular diastolic function and the compliance of big artery including right and left common carotid artery, bulbus caroticus, internal carotid artery and abdominal aorta were decreased and the associated indexes changed significantly (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Meanwhile, older monkeys exhibited significant increase in the aorta diameter (AO), amplitude of aortic wall (AAO), left atrial diameter (LAD), end diastolic volume of left ventricle (EDV), stroke volume (SV), left ventricular mass (LVM) (P < 0.05 vs. young adult monkeys); however, cardiac output (CO) only slightly increased but the difference did not reach the statistical significance (P = 0.418, P = 0.644 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The present results demonstrated the profiles of cardiovascular function and structure in the older Rhesus monkeys. Older monkey is accompanied by diminished left ventricular diastolic function and big artery compliance. Ultrasonography provides a means to non-invasively evaluate the anatomy and function of the heart and blood vessel, and plays an increasingly important role in the drug evaluation against cardiovascular dysfunction.     

The Value of Myocardial Torsion and Aneurysm Volume for Evaluating Cardiac Function in Rabbit with Left Ventricular Aneurysm

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effect of left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) volume and left ventricular global torsion on cardiac function by real time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT-3DE) and two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging(2D-STI), to determine the accuracy of RT-3DE and 2D-STI in assessing LV function.

Methods

Thirty New Zealand rabbit models of with LVA were prepared by ligation of the middle segment of the left anterior descending and left circumflex arteries. Four weeks post-procedure, RT-3DE was conducted to obtain data on LVEF, left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), and LVA volume (LVAV), Peak rotation angles at the mitral valve annulus level (MV-ROT), peak rotation angles at the apical level (AP-ROT), and left ventricular global torsion angles (LV-TOR) were measured by 2D-STI.

Results

Compared with controls, LVEDV and LVESV were significantly increased in the LVA group, while LVEF, MV-ROT, AP-ROT, and LV-TOR were consistently reduced (p<0.01). Moreover, LVEF correlated with LVA volume and LV torsion angle (r= -0.778 and 0.821, p<0.01). LVA volume/LVEDV had the strongest inverse relationship with LVEF (r= -0.911, p<0.01).

Conclusion

LVA volume, LVA volume/LVEDV, and LV torsion may be used as an indicator for evaluation of cardiac function after LVA. Moreover, LVA volume/LVEDV may be a more sensitive and reliable marker of cardiac function after LVA formation.     

Novel echocardiographic techniques to assess left atrial size, anatomy and function

Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) have recently applied as imaging techniques to accurately evaluate left atrial (LA) size, anatomy and function. 3DE and off-line quantification softwares, have allowed, in comparison to magnetic resonance imaging, the most time-efficient and accurate method of LA volume quantification. STE provides a non-Doppler, angle-independent and objective quantification of LA myocardial deformation. Data regarding feasibility, accuracy and clinical applications of LA analysis by 3DE and STE are rapidly gathering. This review describes the fundamental concepts of LA 3DE and STE, illustrates how to obtain respective measurements and discuss their recognized and emerging clinical applications.     

Three-dimensional echocardiography for left ventricular quantification: fundamental validation and clinical applications

One of the earliest applications of clinical echocardiography is evaluation of left ventricular (LV) function and size. Accurate, reproducible and quantitative evaluation of LV function and size is vital for diagnosis, treatment and prediction of prognosis of heart disease. Early three-dimensional (3D) echocardiographic techniques showed better reproducibility than two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography and narrower limits of agreement for assessment of LV function and size in comparison to reference methods, mostly cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, but acquisition methods were cumbersome and a lack of user-friendly analysis software initially precluded widespread use. Through the advent of matrix transducers enabling real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) and improvements in analysis software featuring semi-automated volumetric analysis, 3D echocardiography evolved into a simple and fast imaging modality for everyday clinical use. 3DE provides the possibility to evaluate the entire LV in three spatial dimensions during the complete cardiac cycle, offering a more accurate and complete quantitative evaluation the LV. Improved efficiency in acquisition and analysis may provide clinicians with important diagnostic information within minutes. The current article reviews the methodology and application of 3DE for quantitative evaluation of the LV, provides the scientific evidence for its current clinical use, and discusses its current limitations and potential future directions.     

Progressive troponin I loss impairs cardiac relaxation and causes heart failure in mice

Cardiac troponin I (TnI) knockout mice exhibit a phenotype of sudden death at 17-18 days after birth due to a progressive loss of TnI. The objective of this study was to gain insight into the physiological consequences of TnI depletion and the cause of death in these mice. Cardiac function was monitored serially between 12 and 17 days of age by using high-resolution ultrasonic imaging and Doppler echocardiography. Two-dimensional B-mode and anatomical M-mode imaging and Doppler echocardiography were performed using a high-frequency ( approximately 20-45 MHz) ultrasound imaging system on homozygous cardiac TnI mutant mice (cTnI(-/-)) and wild-type littermates. On day 12, cTnI(-/-) mice were indistinguishable from wild-type mice in terms of heart rate, atrial and LV (LV) chamber dimensions, LV posterior wall thickness, and body weight. By days 16 through 17, wild-type mice showed up to a 40% increase in chamber dimensions due to normal growth, whereas cTnI(-/-) mice showed increases in atrial dimensions of up to 97% but decreases in ventricular dimensions of up to 70%. Mitral Doppler analysis revealed prolonged isovolumic relaxation time and pronounced inversion of the mitral E/A ratio (early ventricular filling wave-to-late atrial contraction filling wave) only in cTnI(-/-) mice indicative of impaired LV relaxation. cTnI(-/-) mouse hearts showed clear signs of failure on day 17, characterized by >50% declines in cardiac output, ejection fraction, and fractional shortening. B-mode echocardiography showed a profoundly narrowed tube-like LV and enlarged atria at this time. Our data are consistent with TnI deficiency causing impaired LV relaxation, which leads to diastolic heart failure in this model.     

Left ventricular strain, rotation, and torsion as markers of acute myocardial ischemia

This study investigates how tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) describe regional myocardial deformation during controlled reductions of left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery perfusion pressure. In eight anesthetized pigs, a shunt with constrictor was installed from the brachiocephalic artery to the LAD. Data were obtained with open shunt, followed by four degrees of stenosis (S1-S4) of increasing severity: S1, ～15%; S2, ～35%; S3, ～50%; and S4, ～60% reductions of LAD perfusion pressure. At each situation, microspheres for perfusion measurements were injected and left ventricular (LV) short- and long-axis cineloops were recorded. In the anterior wall, radial, circumferential, and longitudinal one-layer STE strain, one-layer radial TDI strain, and three-layer radial TDI and STE strain were measured. LV peak mean rotation was measured at six equidistant levels from apex to base (in 7 pigs). LV torsion was calculated from end-systolic mean rotation. With open shunt, three-layer TDI analysis showed a transmural strain gradient with no perfusion gradient. Perfusion, one-layer TDI strain, and strain in the mid- and subendocardium from three-layer TDI were reduced at S2 (P < 0.05). STE strain was not affected until S3 (P < 0.05). Peak mean rotation, increasing toward the apex, decreased at the three apical levels at S4 (P < 0.05). LV torsion did not decrease (P = 0.26). In conclusion, TDI strain detected dysfunction already with minor changes in global hemodynamics, whereas STE strain was first reduced with moderate changes. LV peak mean rotation was not reduced until severe reduction of LAD perfusion pressure, but remained increasingly counterclockwise toward the apex. LV torsion remained unaffected by ischemia.