Latent impairment of left ventricular filling in hypertension without left ventricular hypertrophy and improvement by dipyridamole treatment: pulsed Doppler echocardiography study

Left ventricular (LV) filling impairment in patients with hypertension (HT) not necessarily associated with LV hypertrophy has not been sufficiently investigated. Therefore, we examined the response of LV filling to isometric exercise in patients with HT without LV hypertrophy and LV filling abnormality at rest. We studied 25 patients (aged 40 to 66 years, mean 51 +/- 7 years) and 13 age-matched normal subjects. The HT patients were selected by the following criteria: 1) systolic blood pressure (sBP) over 160 mmHg and/or diastolic BP over 90 mmHg was observed at least three times during the last 6 months, 2) LV wall thickness was under 11 mm, and 3) the ratio of peak atrial LV inflow velocity (A) to peak early diastolic LV inflow velocity (E) was within the mean +/- SD of normal subjects. LV inflow was measured by pulsed Doppler flowmetry before and during handgrip exercise (50% maximal effort for one minute and a half) in the patients before [HT-D (-)] and after [HT-D (+)] dipyridamole (D) administration (0.28 mg/kg/4 min) and in the normal subjects (N). Doppler-derived indices were A, E, A/E, DR (the deceleration rate from peak to half of the early diastolic inflow velocity), % delta A/E (% change in A/E from baseline), and % delta DR (% change in DR from baseline). There was no significant difference in LV wall thickness between the HT and N groups. There was also no significant difference in A/E at rest between the three groups. Increase of sBP and heart rate were similar in all groups during handgrip exercise.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Echocardiographic features of congenital left ventricular inflow obstruction

The echocardiographic features of congenital left ventricular inflow obstruction are described in six patients. The echocardiograms in two patients with cor triatriatum were distinguished by normal mitral valve motion and an abnormal echo within the left atrium. In two patients with supravalvar mitral ring, in addition to abnormal mitral valve motion, an abnormal echo, presumably originating from the obstructive membrane, was located between the anterior and posterior mitral leaflets. In two cases of parachute mitral valve, mitral valve motion was abnormal. In one of these cases there were multiple mitral valve echoes similar to those found in supravalvar mitral ring. The echocardiographic identification of an obstructive membrane within the left atrium is difficult because of the occurrence of artifacts. However, membranes may be identified if careful scanning techniques are employed in patients in whom left ventricular inflow obstruction is suspected. The echocardiogram is useful in detecting mitral valve abnormalities in these patients and is valuable in cases where mitral valve replacement is contemplated.     

Echocardiographic findings in left ventricular to right atrial shunts

The echocardiographic abnormalities of tricuspid valve motion in 2 patients with left ventricular to right atrial shunts are described. In both patients the abnormal anatomy was defined at surgery, in one patient the shunt being above the tricuspid valve leaflets (supravalvar) and in the other patient through the septal leaflet (intravalvar). Different patterns of tricuspid valve systolic fluttering were seen in these two cases and the possible reasons for this are discussed. After surgical closure of the defects the systolic fluttering of the tricuspid valve was no longer observed. Echocardiography appears to be useful in detecting the presence of left ventricular to right atrial shunts which otherwise may be difficult to diagnose.     

Doppler estimation of left ventricular filling pressure in sinus tachycardia. A new application of tissue doppler imaging

BACKGROUND: Doppler echocardiography is frequently used to predict filling pressures in normal sinus rhythm, but it is unknown whether it can be applied in sinus tachycardia, with merging of E and A velocities. Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) can record the mitral annular velocity. The early diastolic velocity (Ea) behaves as a relative load-independent index of left ventricular relaxation, which corrects the influence of relaxation on the transmitral E velocity. METHODS AND RESULTS: We evaluated 100 patients 64+/-12 years old with simultaneous Doppler and invasive hemodynamics. Mitral inflow was classified into 3 patterns: complete merging of E and A velocities (pattern A), discernible velocities with A dominance (B), or E dominance (C). The Doppler data were analyzed at the mitral valve tips for E, acceleration and deceleration times of E, and isovolumic relaxation time. In patterns B and C, the A velocity, E/A ratio, and atrial filling fraction were derived. Pulmonary venous flow velocities were also measured, and TDI was used to acquire Ea and Aa. Weak significant relations were observed between pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) and sole parameters of mitral flow, pulmonary venous flow, and annular measurements. These were better for patterns A and C. E/Ea ratio had the strongest relation to PCWP [r=0.86, PCWP=1.55+1.47(E/Ea)], irrespective of the pattern and ejection fraction. This equation was tested prospectively in 20 patients with sinus tachycardia. A strong relation was observed between catheter and Doppler PCWP (r=0.91), with a mean difference of 0.4+/-2.8 mm Hg. CONCLUSIONS: The ratio of transmitral E velocity to Ea can be used to estimate PCWP with reasonable accuracy in sinus tachycardia, even with complete merging of E and A velocities.     

Echocardiographic evaluation of patients with a left ventricular device

Limited donor heart availability is primarily responsible for the renewal of interest in mechanical left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) as a bridge to transplantation. Donor availability is unlikely to increase significantly in the near future. Experience to date has shown that many patients can be maintained long enough to undergo transplantation, and LVADs may be acceptable as alternate therapy in some who may not be candidates for transplantation. However, criteria for noninvasive evaluation of patients on LVADs have not been developed. In a prospective study using serial echocardiography, we found that aortic valve opening, aortic forward flow, nonlaminar flow in the left ventricle, and mismatch of Doppler derived cardiac output at the pulmonic valve and device output are associated with device malfunction. Echocardiography was diagnostic in five of six patients with clinical instability unrelated to the device. These findings suggest that echocardiography is helpful in the routine evaluation of patients on LVADs.     

Doppler echocardiographic study of left ventricular function in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

This study was aimed at investigating abnormalities in left ventricular size and function in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus without overt cardiovascular manifestations, in order to detect a very early impairment in myocardial function. Seventeen females and 1 male with systemic lupus erythematosus of 4 to 20 year duration and without clinical evidence of heart disease were studied. Twelve healthy volunteers, matched for age, sex and quatelet index, were utilized as controls. Each patient had a two-dimensional M-mode echocardiographic and Doppler examination. In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus there was an increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (p < 0.001), a slight reduction of end-diastolic volume index and a significant decrease of end-systolic volume index (p < 0.001). In the same patients we also found prolongation of the isovolumic relaxation time (p < 0.02), a clear impairment of diastolic filling parameters. Peak E velocity was lower (p < 0.01), peak A velocity was higher (p < 0.01), with a clear lowering, of the corresponding E/A ratio (p < 0.001) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.     

A new approach for evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function: spatial and temporal analysis of left ventricular filling flow propagation by color M-mode Doppler echocardiography

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate left ventricular diastolic function and differentiate the pseudonormalized transmitral flow pattern from the normal pattern, the propagation of left ventricular early filling flow was assessed quantitatively using color M-mode Doppler echocardiography. BACKGROUND: Because the propagation of left ventricular early filling flow is disturbed in the left ventricle with impaired relaxation, quantification of such alterations should provide useful indexes for the evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function. METHODS: Study subjects were classified into three groups according to the ratio of early to late transmitral flow velocity (E/A ratio) and left ventricular ejection fraction: 29 subjects with an ejection fraction > or = 60% (control group); 34 with an ejection fraction < 60% and E/A ratio < 1 (group I); and 25 with ejection fraction < 60% and E/A ratio > or = 1 (group II). The propagation of peak early filling flow was visualized by changing the first aliasing limit of the color Doppler signals. The rate of propagation of peak early filling flow velocity was defined as the distance/time ratio between two sampling points: the point of the maximal velocity around the mitral orifice and the point in the mid-left ventricle at which the velocity decreased to 70% of its initial value. High fidelity manometer-tipped measurement was performed in 40 randomly selected subjects. RESULTS: The rate of propagation decreased in groups I and II compared with that in the control group (33.8 +/- 13.8 [mean +/- SD] and 30.0 +/- 8.6 vs. 74.3 +/- 17.4 cm/s, p < 0.001, respectively) and correlated inversely with the time constant of left ventricular isovolumetric relaxation and the minimal first derivative of left ventricular pressure (peak negative dP/dt) (r = 0.82 and r = 0.72, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Spatial and temporal analysis of filling flow propagation by color M-mode Doppler echocardiography was free of pseudonormalization and correlated well with the invasive variables of left ventricular relaxation.     

Left ventricular diastolic filling alterations in subjects with mitral valve prolapse: a Doppler echocardiographic study

To assess left ventricular diastolic filling in mitral valve prolapse (MVP), we studied 22 patients with idiopathic MVP and 22 healthy controls matched for sex, age, body surface area and heart rate. A two-dimensional, M-mode and Doppler echocardiographic examination was performed to exclude any cardiac abnormalities. The two groups had similar diastolic and systolic left ventricular volumes, left ventricle mass and ejection fraction. Doppler measurements of mitral inflow were: E and A areas (the components of the total flow velocity-time integral in the early passive period of ventricular filling, E; and the late active period of atrial emptying, A), the peak E and A velocities (cm.s-1), acceleration and deceleration half-times (ms) of early diastolic rapid inflow, acceleration time of early diastolic flow (AT), total diastolic filling time (DFT) (ms), and the deceleration of early diastolic flow (cm.s-2). From these measurements were calculate: peak A/E ratio (A/E), E area/A area, the early filling fraction, the atrial filling fraction, AT/DFT ratio. All the Doppler measurements reported are the average of three cardiac cycles selected at end expiration. The mean peak A velocity, A/E velocity ratio, deceleration half time and atrial filling fraction were each significantly higher for subjects presenting a MVP (60 +/- 12 cm.s-1 vs 49 +/- 14, P < 0.008; 98 +/- 13% vs 64 +/- 12%, P < 0.0001; 120 +/- 36 ms vs 92 +/- 11, P < 0.002; 0.45 +/- 0.14 vs 0.36 +/- 0.08, P < 0.02).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The study of the third heart sound in relation to the left ventricular filling and wall movement by echocardiography

The left ventricular filling and wall movement were investigated in subjects with a third heart sound or ventricular gallop by echocardiography. Nine patients with ventricular gallop, who had left ventricular volume overload disease, and 6 normal subjects with a third heart sound had higher normalized peak rate of increase of the left ventricular dimension (peak dD/dT/D) than 10 normal subjects without a third heart sound (p less than 0.01). The normalized lengthening rate in the rapid filling phase was also higher in patients with ventricular gallop than in normal subjects without a third heart sound (p less than 0.05). The time from the second heart sound to peak dD/dT/D and rapid filling time did not show statistically significant values between subjects with ventricular gallop or a third heart sound and those without a third heart sound. These results suggest that higher peak filling, larger filling volume in the rapid filling phase and more abrupt cessation of the outward movement of the left ventricular wall may be a cause of the production of ventricular gallop in patients with left ventricular volume overload and of the physiological third heart sound.     

Prognostic importance of left ventricular diastolic filling velocity profiles in dilated cardiomyopathy

To determine the prognostic importance of pulsed Doppler-derived left ventricular diastolic filling velocity profiles and the relationship between Doppler variables and clinical functional status, the follow-up outcome of 58 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and symptoms of left ventricular dysfunction was analysed. During a mean follow-up period of 31.2 +/- 12.8 months, 23 died of either progressive pump failure or sudden death. Peak early filling velocity (E) was higher and late atrial filling velocity (A) lower in nonsurvivors than in survivors. The E/A ratio was higher and the deceleration time (DT) of early diastole shorter in nonsurvivors. The mortality was significantly higher in patients with an E/A ratio > 2 or a DT < 150 ms than in those without. Repeated Doppler echocardiographic examinations in 31 of 35 survivors after intense treatment showed decreased E, increased A, reduced E/A ratio and prolonged DT in 18 patients with clinical functional improvement, whereas these measurements were unaltered in the remaining 13 patients whose functional status was unchanged or deteriorated. This study suggests that pulsed Doppler-derived left ventricular diastolic filling variables may be important predictors of outcome in dilated cardiomyopathy and provide useful measures in observing the effects of therapy during long-term follow-up of the patients.     

Detection of acute rejection of heart transplantation by Doppler color imaging

Doppler tissue imaging is a new technique of measuring the velocities of myocardial wall motion. In order to assess its value in the diagnosis of acute rejection, the velocities of the interventricular septum and left ventricular posterior wall were measured in systole and early diastole in 34 cardiac transplant patients at the time of their endomyocardial biopsy, using an M mode left parasternal short axis view. During 40 episodes of acute rejection (26 mild and/or moderate, 10 sub-severe and 4 severe), the wall velocities decreased significantly (p < 0.001) both in the interventricular septum and endocardium of the posterior wall. Myocardial velocities were significantly slower in sub-severe or severe rejection than in mild or moderate rejection. The most sensitive criterion was the measurement of posterior wall endocardial velocity in early diastole, a decrease of 10% having a sensitivity of 92% whereas the sensitivity of usual Doppler echocardiographic parameters is only 73%. Acute rejection, even mild cases, can be diagnosed with excellent sensitivity by measuring myocardial velocities by Doppler tissue imaging. This technique has the advantage of being non-invasive, reproducible and reliable in the follow-up of cardiac transplant patients.     

Evaluation of left atrial contribution to left ventricular filling in aortic stenosis by velocity-encoded cine MRI

Velocity-encoded cine MRI (VEC-MRI) can measure volume flow at specified site in the heart. This study used VEC-MRI to measure flow across the mitral valve to compare the contribution of atrial systole to left atrial filling in normal subjects and patients with left ventricular hypertrophy. The study population consisted of 12 normal subjects (mean age 34.5 years) and nine patients with various degrees of left ventricular hypertrophy resulting from aortic stenosis (mean age 70 years). VEC-MRI was performed in double-oblique planes through the heart to measure both the mitral inflow velocity pattern (E/A ratio) and the volumetric flow across the mitral valve. The left atrial contribution to left ventricular filling (AC%) was calculated. The results were compared with Doppler echocardiographic parameters. The VEC-MRI-derived mitral E/A ratios showed a significant linear correlation with E/A ratios calculated from Doppler echocardiography (r = 0.94), and the VEC-MRI-derived E/A ratios (2.1 +/- 0.5 vs 1.0 +/- 0.4) and AC% values (24.9 +/- 7.2 vs 45.7 +/- 16.4) were significantly different between normal subjects and patients with aortic stenosis (p < 0.01 in both groups). The same differences were seen in the Doppler echocardiographic parameters. The VEC-MRI-derived E/A ratio and AC% showed significant hyperbolic and linear correlations with left ventricular mass indexes (r = 0.95 and 0.86). In addition, the VEC-MRI-determined E/A ratio and the volumetric AC% displayed a highly significant hyperbolic correlation (r = 0.95). Thus VEC-MRI can be used to evaluate left ventricular diastolic filling characteristics in normal subjects and patients with abnormalities of diastolic filling.     

Heart rate and blood pressure variabilities in mild to moderate hypertensive patients with or without left ventricular hypertrophy

AIM OF THE STUDY: To compare heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) variability in hypertensives with or without left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). METHODS: Thirty-three mild to moderate hypertensive patients, mean age 45 +/- 15 years, underwent an echocardiogram, a 24 hr ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), a 24 hr ECG monitoring and a continuous BP recording over 15 minutes both in supine and standing positions, by using digital plethysmography (Finapres device). Statistical analysis: non parametric tests. RESULTS: [table: see text] CONCLUSION: LVH is associated with a reduction in the markers of sympathetic activity and a decreased baroreflex sensitivity.     

Color-coded measures of myocardial velocity throughout the cardiac cycle by tissue Doppler imaging to quantify regional left ventricular function

TDI is a new echocardiographic technique that calculates and displays color-coded myocardial velocity on-line. To determine the feasibility of endocardial velocity throughout the cardiac cycle as a means to quantify regional function, 20 normal subjects aged 30 +/- 5 years and 12 patients with heart disease aged 62 +/- 17 years were studied with a prototype TDI system. TDI M-mode images were acquired by using a multicolored velocity map (display range, -30 to 30 mm/sec; temporal resolution, 90 Hz). Color-coded velocity data were then converted to numeric values off-line at 50 msec intervals. Posterior wall velocities throughout the cardiac cycle by TDI were closely correlated with velocity calculations from the first derivative of routine digitized M-mode tracings (group mean r = 0.88 +/- 0.03, SEE = 7.0 +/- 1.1 mm/sec). Anteroseptal TDI color-coded systolic velocity occurred 164 +/- 84 msec from the onset of the electrocardiographic QRS compared with 203 +/- 33 msec in the posterior wall (P < 0.05) in normal subjects, consistent with normal electrical activation. Significant differences in systolic and diastolic posterior wall TDI velocity data were observed in patients with hypokinetic or akinetic segments assessed by independent routine study when compared with normal controls. Calculated systolic and early diastolic posterior wall TDI indexes correlated significantly with percentage of wall thickening. Of abnormal anteroseptal segments, TDI systolic time velocity integrals were significantly different than normal and correlated with percentage of wall thickening. TDI has potential to quantitatively assess regional left ventricular function.     

Doppler echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular diastolic function in myotonic dystrophy

To determine the increased production and release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) from the retina in the eye with non-angiogenic retinal detachment in which relative blood supply disturbance may be present, the concentration of VEGF in subretinal fluid and vitreous fluid collected from the eyes was investigated by enzyme linked immunospecific assay. The average concentration of VEGF was 0.5 +/- 1.1 ng/ml (mean +/- standard deviation) in nine samples of vitreous fluid collected from proliferative retinal detachment, and was 1.2 +/- 1.2 ng/ml in eleven samples of subretinal fluid from rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. The concentration of VEGF in six samples of vitreous fluid from angiogenic diabetic eyes (5.0 +/- 2.8 ng/ml) was significantly higher than in the samples from eyes with retinal detachment. The results suggest that the relative ischemic insult to the detached retina increases the release of VEGF into the vitreous cavity and subretinal space. The increased concentration of VEGF does not induce remarkable angiogenesis since the concentration is lower than the biological threshold, or the effect is modulated by inhibitors.     

Assessment of timing right ventricular assist device withdrawal using left ventricular assist device filling characteristics

Right ventricular assist devices (RVAD) are often needed on a short term basis in patients who develop RV failure after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. The purpose of this study was to use LVAD filling characteristics to help determine the timing for weaning a patient from RVAD support. Eleven patients (age 50 years +/- 15) supported with an LVAD (Novacor) and an RVAD (Biomedicus or ABIOMED) were studied. Eight patients (RV recovery group) were studied before RVAD removal and all were successfully weaned from RVAD support. Five patients (RV failure group) were studied at the time of RVAD placement to determine baseline characteristics of RV failure. Simultaneous measures of LVAD volume and routine hemodynamics were recorded during periods of high and low RVAD flow. The LVAD filling was assessed as the first derivative of LVAD volume and the mean filling rate for each cardiac cycle was calculated and averaged over 10 sec periods at both RVAD flows. The mean pump rate corrected filling rates did not change in the RV recovery group (89 +/- 13 vs. 87 +/- 8 ml/beat) and significantly decreased in the RV failure group (84 +/- 19 vs. 62 +/- 22 ml/ beat) (p < 0.001) with decreasing RVAD flow. These data suggest that LVAD filling rates may be used to assess RV systolic function and the proper timing of RVAD removal in selected patients.     

Estimation of left ventricular filling pressures using two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography in adult patients with cardiac disease. Additional value of analyzing left atrial size, left atrial ejection fraction and the difference in duration of pulmonary venous and mitral flow velocity at atrial contraction

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether left atrial size and ejection fraction are related to left ventricular filling pressures in patients with coronary artery disease. BACKGROUND: In patients with coronary artery disease, left ventricular filling pressures can be estimated by using Doppler mitral and pulmonary venous flow velocity variables. However, because these flow velocities are age dependent, additional variables that indicate elevated left ventricular filling pressures are needed to increase diagnostic accuracy. METHODS: Echocardiographic left atrial and Doppler mitral and pulmonary venous flow velocity variables were correlated with left ventricular filling pressures in 70 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. RESULTS: Left atrial size and volumes were larger and left atrial ejection fractions were lower in patients with elevated left ventricular filling pressures. Mean pulmonary wedge pressure was related to mitral E/A wave velocity ratio (r = 0.72), left atrial minimal volume (r = 0.70), left atrial ejection fraction (r = -0.66) and atrial filling fraction (r = -0.66). Left ventricular end-diastolic and A wave pressures were related to the difference in pulmonary venous and mitral A wave duration (both r = 0.77). By stepwise multilinear regression analysis, the ratio of mitral E to A wave velocity was the most important determinant of pulmonary wedge (r = 0.63) and left ventricular pre-A wave (r = 0.75) pressures, whereas the difference in pulmonary venous and mitral A wave duration was the most important variable for both left ventricular A wave (r = 0.75) and left ventricular end-diastolic (r = 0.80) pressures. The sensitivity of a left atrial minimal volume > 40 cm3 for identifying a mean pulmonary wedge pressure > 12 mm Hg was 82%, with a specificity of 98%. CONCLUSIONS: Left atrial size, left atrial ejection fraction and the difference between mitral and pulmonary venous flow duration at atrial contraction are independent determinants of left ventricular filling pressures in patients with coronary artery disease. The additive value of left atrial size and Doppler variables in estimating filling pressures and the possibility that left atrial size may be less age dependent than other mitral and pulmonary venous flow velocity variables merit further investigation.